Preparing for Vacation While Quarantine is Operational

[nickkohrn]

I have a Waterbox 100.3 as my main system, which is controlled via an Apex. I have an ATK, which is used for automatic top-off, and it has served well while on previous vacations. I use an AFS for feedings while I am away. However, I need advice for my quarantine tank.

I set up a ten-gallon quarantine tank yesterday for observation prior to treatment (if needed), and I added a fairy wrasse as the only inhabitant. I have a single heater, which is controlled by a secondary temperature probe that is connected to my Apex. An Aquaclear hang-on-back filter houses a few MarinePure spheres for biological filtration and filter floss for mechanical filtration. An air stone is supplying supplemental oxygen via a Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter. Jump-prevention is provided by an egg crate lid. Hiding spots are simple PVC fittings.

With that said, I have been thinking about purchasing a second ATK as a backup for my primary ATK. This would allow me to use it on my quarantine tank so that I don't have to rely on anyone coming over to replace evaporated water every day since it's a smaller tank. I prefer to not rely on someone to feed my quarantined wrasse while I am away because I don't want to burden them by asking them to feed every other day, or every day, depending on the load that the bacteria can handle.

So, would it be worth picking up a secondary AFS and a secondary ATK so that I have backups and so that I can prepare for vacations more easily?

If I purchase a second ATK, then I will likely use a single Brute can as my RO/DI reservoir for automatic top-offs so that both pumps can feed their respective systems from one source. I feel safe enough with using the large reservoir due to the redundancies provided by my Apex. If I notice anything unusual via Fusion or my in-home camera, then I can notify a local hobbyist to intervene. I simply prefer to not have to ask them to drive across town (~30 minutes without traffic) multiple times within the week for simple feedings and top-offs.

 

[truetricia]

I have a Waterbox 100.3 as my main system, which is controlled via an Apex. I have an ATK, which is used for automatic top-off, and it has served well while on previous vacations. I use an AFS for feedings while I am away. However, I need advice for my quarantine tank.

I set up a ten-gallon quarantine tank yesterday for observation prior to treatment (if needed), and I added a fairy wrasse as the only inhabitant. I have a single heater, which is controlled by a secondary temperature probe that is connected to my Apex. An Aquaclear hang-on-back filter houses a few MarinePure spheres for biological filtration and filter floss for mechanical filtration. An air stone is supplying supplemental oxygen via a Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter. Jump-prevention is provided by an egg crate lid. Hiding spots are simple PVC fittings.

With that said, I have been thinking about purchasing a second ATK as a backup for my primary ATK. This would allow me to use it on my quarantine tank so that I don't have to rely on anyone coming over to replace evaporated water every day since it's a smaller tank. I prefer to not rely on someone to feed my quarantined wrasse while I am away because I don't want to burden them by asking them to feed every other day, or every day, depending on the load that the bacteria can handle.

So, would it be worth picking up a secondary AFS and a secondary ATK so that I have backups and so that I can prepare for vacations more easily?

If I purchase a second ATK, then I will likely use a single Brute can as my RO/DI reservoir for automatic top-offs so that both pumps can feed their respective systems from one source. I feel safe enough with using the large reservoir due to the redundancies provided by my Apex. If I notice anything unusual via Fusion or my in-home camera, then I can notify a local hobbyist to intervene. I simply prefer to not have to ask them to drive across town (~30 minutes without traffic) multiple times within the week for simple feedings and top-offs.

I'm currently going through the same issues regarding how to set up an easy QT tank (5g) that still allows me to travel for work and personal life when needed. I really haven't worried about it yet as the longest I've been gone is 4 days, and a petsitter comes in and puts a little food in my tank (along with feeding the cat).

My concern with using a AFS is that I think with just a single fish (or in my case two), I won't be able to dial it down enough to feed the appropriate amount and thus overly contaminate the water quality. I made "fish cubes," which is just RODI water in an ice cube tray with a little fish food added in the middle. It won't feed for long periods of time, but it will provide a little food later after I leave without polluting the water.

I guess for your particular system, if you're using the same reservoir, you could use add some Prime or other ammonia reducer to the reservoir. It wouldn't hurt either system, but would help protect your QT from an ammonia spike from the AFS.

Also.... I grew up in Gahanna!

 

[nickkohrn]

I guess for your particular system, if you're using the same reservoir, you could use add some Prime or other ammonia reducer to the reservoir. It wouldn't hurt either system, but would help protect your QT from an ammonia spike from the AFS.

Honestly, I didn't think about adding Prime to the reservoir. I may experiment with adding some to my main system to see how my skimmer reacts since I have never added it on a skimmed system.

Also.... I grew up in Gahanna!

I was born and raised for 31 years in Lima, OH －not much there! My wife and I moved to New Albany in 2016 and have been enjoying it.

 

[rkpetersen]

A few months ago, I added an auto top off to my 10 gal QT, and really I should have done it sooner.
With summer here and using a fan for cooling the tank which is in a warm garage, evaporation is substantial.
However I wouldn't recommend an ATK for this.
Just get a reliable nano ATO, set it up, and you'll never have to mess with it except refilling the reservoir.
Best to have it on it's own reservoir.
And if you get a large-ish reservoir, say 5 gal or larger, it'll last for weeks before requiring refill.
I have two XP Aqua Duetto Nano ATOs in service right now, and they are really great. Not a single complaint.

 

[nickkohrn]

Thanks for the help with making my decision easier! I will likely pick up an XP Aqua Sumpless Auto Top- Off System as well as an EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder. Honestly, I prefer to have an ATK and an AFS connected to my Apex simply for monitoring and integration purposes (sensors & alarms), but I also see the value in having standalone equipment that can be broken down easily and stored together.

 

[Gareth elliott]

With automatic fish feeders tape is an awesome cheap tool. Especially with smaller nls pellets.

Test on a clear glass, and add tape till each revolution of the afs drops the intended amount of food.

 

[nickkohrn]

With automatic fish feeders tape is an awesome cheap tool. Especially with smaller nls pellets.

Test on a clear glass, and add tape till each revolution of the afs drops the intended amount of food.

So, the tape catches some of the food so that not all of the dispensed food makes it into the tank, resulting in less pollution? Is that what you are saying? I hadn't thought of that.

 

[Gareth elliott]

So, the tape catches some of the food so that not all of the dispensed food makes it into the tank, resulting in less pollution? Is that what you are saying? I hadn't thought of that.

Yep as simple as that