Vacation Feeding

[chrisjj625]

Going on vacation and I don’t have a tank sitter. I have an auto feeder which works pretty well, problem is the pellets get sucked into the overflow quickly. I was thinking about pulling the filter floss and letting the pellets circulate through the system. Thoughts? Tank is IM 30L. I will be gone for like 3-4 days. Any thoughts are welcome thank you!

 

[BeltedCoyote]

If you have any of the cloud based controllers/items you could potentially turn off pumps for a “feed” mode and turn them back on after an appropriate amount of time.

if not that, you could get some timers (like what people use for lights) and time it so the pumps turn off and back via said timer.

filter floss over overflow might work. I just wouldn’t leave it for more than the tome you’ll be gone.

Also, depending on your stock list, 3-4 days isn’t a huge amount of time. As long as they get a few pellets from your auto feeder they should be more than fine (regardless of excess food flowing into your overflow).

hope this helps!

 

[mike550]

I don’t have a controller so I highly recommend the Kasa Smartplugs. I use them for exactly this purpose. When I’m using an auto feeder I use the Kasa Smartplug it to turn off my return pump for ten minutes starting a couple of minutes before the auto feeder cycles.

The Kasa is WiFi controlled and easily managed from my iPhone. Really easy to set up and manage

 

[snulma1]

Another option is to go light on the filter floss. enough to catch big detritus, but won't clog in 3-4d.
I just am partial to the idea of removing a nitrate/phosphate source once I get home.

The wifi outlet is another idea of you don't have a controller, however my fear with that (also with controllers that shut off the return) is that if it doesn't kick back on, you are stuck!

 

[Scurvy]

Try placing auto feeder over return nozzles and/or powerheads. I find more pellets get pulled under water if you drop them in the right spot.

 

[chrisjj625]

Try placing auto feeder over return nozzles and/or powerheads. I find more pellets get pulled under water if you drop them in the right spot.

tried this and I think I have the best spot. I really want to know if I can just remove the floss for these few days? This way maybe some food makes it back to the display?

Also no controller or WiFi plugs and no time to research/buy/test. ;(

 

[mrpizzaface]

I think the fish will be fine for 4 days without food. I will go out of town for up to 10 days without feeding.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Going on vacation and I don’t have a tank sitter. I have an auto feeder which works pretty well, problem is the pellets get sucked into the overflow quickly. I was thinking about pulling the filter floss and letting the pellets circulate through the system. Thoughts? Tank is IM 30L. I will be gone for like 3-4 days. Any thoughts are welcome thank you!

This may do the trick for you! I too use feeders when I am out of town and have had a lot of luck with that approach.

Feeding Station

The EHEIM Feeding Station serves your fish`s meals underwater, at a fixed location. When you feed your fish, the food usually floats on the water surface where it spreads and disperses but any food that is not found or eaten immediately, will disappear into the decorations, filter or into your...

www.marinedepot.com

 

[Hugh Mann]

Give them a good feeding or two before you go. Set up the auto feeder by the return and you should be fine. Veg clips with nori, or other food items depending on what your fish require in their diet.

I don't see why removing the floss would cause any issues over 4 days either, as long as there is no way for fish to get into the overflow.

 

[chrisjj625]

This may do the trick for you! I too use feeders when I am out of town and have had a lot of luck with that approach.

Feeding Station

The EHEIM Feeding Station serves your fish`s meals underwater, at a fixed location. When you feed your fish, the food usually floats on the water surface where it spreads and disperses but any food that is not found or eaten immediately, will disappear into the decorations, filter or into your...

www.marinedepot.com

Thanks! That does look it would do the trick, but I have a netted top, so nowhere to mount such a device.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

Thanks! That does look it would do the trick, but I have a netted top, so nowhere to mount such a device.

Can you not cut a hole in the netting? I too am considering getting a netted top in the future and was wondering how I would deal with everything.

 

[chrisjj625]

Can you not cut a hole in the netting? I too am considering getting a netted top in the future and was wondering how I would deal with everything.

not really. The frame runs around the outside and the netting is taunt, I assume if you go cutting it would be tight anymore

 

[ifwisheswerefishes]

I use a floating feeder ring that suctions to the interior of the tank wall.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I use a floating feeder ring that suctions to the interior of the tank wall.
[/QUOTE
I see. That would work too. But surprised you are still having the food go down the overflow.