Suggestions to help avoid the vacation curse

BRS
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As others have said, an IP webcam is a must. Get one with pan/tilt and zoom. It's helpful to be able to look at the tank and equipment, if your setup allows.

Also, I have a wifi A/C thermostat that I can adjust, in case something goes wrong with temperature.

I'm going to advocate against having anyone touch the tank when you're gone, unless they are experienced with reef tanks. Our tanks can be quite complex and a simple (or thorough) walkthrough is not sufficient. Someone is not going to know how to troubleshoot in the case of an issue. Instead, monitor your tank often and in case of an issue, have someone who can go to your house and YOU walk them through the problem while viewing on the webcam. I've had to do this several times. Good luck.
 
Deltec
ReeferBud said:
As others have said, an IP webcam is a must. Get one with pan/tilt and zoom. It's helpful to be able to look at the tank and equipment, if your setup allows.

Also, I have a wifi A/C thermostat that I can adjust, in case something goes wrong with temperature.

I'm going to advocate against having anyone touch the tank when you're gone, unless they are experienced with reef tanks. Our tanks can be quite complex and a simple (or thorough) walkthrough is not sufficient. Someone is not going to know how to troubleshoot in the case of an issue. Instead, monitor your tank often and in case of an issue, have someone who can go to your house and YOU walk them through the problem while viewing on the webcam. I've had to do this several times. Good luck.
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I suggested the same. The cams I suggested have a conversation option but he's having a hard time finding them unfortunately. Great advice. I completely agree.
 
Dont use a heater while your away
 
kennedpa said:
How would this work?
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Most tanks run 74-77f without a heater due to all the equipment warming the water. That temp is fine for reefs. This will prevent a possible disaster with your heater blowing up, shorting or some other malfunction like it staying on and cooking your tank. Heaters are not made to nasa standards and fail frequently. 74f is fine for a while imo.
 
I agree with possible failure. I'd go heat controller over none. My tank would dive to 60's if there was no heaters. We have pets. AC is a must. The reason why that room gets cold is another story.
 
Avast
Good advice, if that specific system can run like that. I wouldn't put that in the must do while on vacation category.
 
Glad to see this thread. I'm going out of the country for a month (!) this fall and won't have reliable internet. I'm working hard to train The Husband to take care of things while I'm gone but I'm still worried. Adding a lot of automation this month in preparation.
 
My tank sitter facetimes me when she thinks there is a problem. I make up small containers of pre measured frozen food and put it in the freezer. and she just puts one in a small container in my tank that has holes in the bottom. (I also have a tiny powerhead feeding into it) The food defrosts and spreads around the tank.
I also have a web cam. I have gone away many times for more than a week and it seems to work well except the time she let the water lever fall by about 7". That's why I have a web cam.
 
Top Shelf Aquatics
I had to leave for three weeks. It's definitely nerve wracking. Change as little as possible before leaving and make sure your lights are all set (mine got messed up while I was away) and definitely underfeed.
 
ReeferBud said:
As others have said, an IP webcam is a must. Get one with pan/tilt and zoom. It's helpful to be able to look at the tank and equipment, if your setup allows.

Also, I have a wifi A/C thermostat that I can adjust, in case something goes wrong with temperature.

I'm going to advocate against having anyone touch the tank when you're gone, unless they are experienced with reef tanks. Our tanks can be quite complex and a simple (or thorough) walkthrough is not sufficient. Someone is not going to know how to troubleshoot in the case of an issue. Instead, monitor your tank often and in case of an issue, have someone who can go to your house and YOU walk them through the problem while viewing on the webcam. I've had to do this several times. Good luck.
Click to expand...
I'm actually buying a cam this Friday (payday) lol and my niece only comes to feed the fish...I feed PE Mysis so she knows how many cubes and takes a head count to see if anyone is missing for she can look around the tank and remove the fish if any have died before it causes any spikes in levels
 
ReefBot Lab, Automated Water Tester
BRS

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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