Vacation prep

[tcoyle]

So my wife and I are leaving for 14 day trip to Europe. I am trying to line everything up so the house sitter/dog watcher/fish keeper has everything she needs and hopefully won't run into any issues.

I do have an apex and someone who I trust to access my apex and keep a eye out on things for me. I also just added a 16 gallon ATO container so hopefully last while we are gone as I run Kalk in my ATO. I also have cleaned all the pumps, skimmer and overflow boxes recently.

This week I am adding a new return pump and a new set of Neptune WAV wave makers to the setup, but I am not sure if I should be for I leave. I hate not having more time to observe things before I leave (which would be about 15 days) after I install them.

I have my dosing controlled through the APEX with BRS 1.1ml pumps and everything has been really steady for the past 2 months. I am mixing up a new batch of ALK and Calcium this weekend.

So is there any advice you would give for leaving your tank for 2 weeks while your out of the country and won't be able to be reached or check in on it?

Thanks

 

[fishdoc11]

JMO but I wouldn't change anything right before you leave.
The biggest advice I would have is try not to worry
Have some water mixed up just in case. Also have some extra RO/DI made as well.
Sounds like you have it covered.

 

[dbl]

Agreed...don't make major changes before the trip. Not sure what you feed the fish, but if you're worried about your fish keeper over feeding, get some pill boxes or other small containers and label them by day/time/etc. If you feed frozen, use some ice trays and a label gun! Make it fool proof as possible. It does sound like you have things under control. The only other suggestion is a webcam if you don't already have one. You can keep an eye on things and at least see the tank if your sitter has a question.

Most importantly...have a safe trip and try not to worry about it. Good luck with the last one!

 

[tcoyle]

All great suggestions. I'm torn on the equipment as I hate these Jaebo pumps and my return pump is making a high pitched whine, but it's been doing that for 8 months now.

I guess just knowing I have backups on hand might be ok.

 

[Osteoclast]

I would either clean or replace the return pump. I keep spares of all my pumps and clean or replace them at 6-12 month intervals. If yours is making more noise than usual it needs a good cleaning in my view. If you have cleaned it then the impeller maybe wearing asymmetrically due to precipitation. There is little risk in swapping out that pump for a new one in your system. The wave maker I would not add due to it representing a major change. Otherwise you will be fine. Give your care taker detailed instructions and check in for peace of mind. I leave town often and my tank always does fine. Best of luck.

 

[tcoyle]

Yeah it's been cleaned recently. It's been doing it for a while and something I have read that Jeabo pumps do.

Good suggestion on just the return and not the WAV.