Will my tank be alright for 3 days?

Jack_10218 · Dec 20, 2020

I’m going on a vacation for 3 days for Christmas, and am wondering if my tank would be alright? It is a biocube 32 and I have 2 clowns and a small melanurus wrasse. I was also wondering how I would be able to hook up an auto feeder to the tank, as the hood is still on and I do not see where an auto feeder could connect to. Would the tank be ok with just a few bigger feedings beforehand?

goggs29 · Dec 20, 2020

I would feed heavy for a few days before you leave if you don't end up hooking up an auto feeder

James M · Dec 20, 2020

The fish would do fine without food but I wouldn’t feed heavy prior.

Mikedawg · Dec 20, 2020

Jack_10218 said:
I’m going on a vacation for 3 days for Christmas, and am wondering if my tank would be alright? It is a biocube 32 and I have 2 clowns and a small melanurus wrasse. I was also wondering how I would be able to hook up an auto feeder to the tank, as the hood is still on and I do not see where an auto feeder could connect to. Would the tank be ok with just a few bigger feedings beforehand?

As long as fish are healthy I wouldn't worry about it. Many reefers do three day blackouts, me included, and don't feed their fish.

Auquanut · Dec 20, 2020

I would just feed them normally right before you leave. If everyone is happy and healthy, they should be fine for 3 days. They'll probably give you the stink eye when you get back though.

Jgg12002 · Dec 20, 2020

I left fish in bio cube for 9 days several times, good idea to make sure there is enough water in rear chamber so pump doesn’t run dry. I also fattened up my fish before I left. I had a Tank sitter once over feed my fish to the extent the water was yellow when I got back so no house sitters for me. During the summer I have to leave the ac on While I’m gone or the tank will melt. Same goes for heat.

Jack_10218 · Dec 20, 2020

Thanks everyone for the help! I think I’m going to just feed a bit more for the few days before I go.

Cell · Dec 20, 2020

I'd set up a camera and make sure someone has access to the tank just in case there is M emergency. You can get a cheap cam for like $20.

Jack_10218 · Dec 20, 2020

Lucky for me my brother is going to be at the house while I am away, so I might just ask him to check up on things. Don’t trust him enough to feed them though. I’ve heard the stories!

Mikedawg · Dec 20, 2020

Jack_10218 said:
Lucky for me my brother is going to be at the house while I am away, so I might just ask him to check up on things. Don’t trust him enough to feed them though. I’ve heard the stories!

Understand; you could package daily ration of dried food if you are still worried about feeding of course. Fish don't eat daily in natural environments

reefcoralclam · Dec 20, 2020

Fish can go a few weeks without food

Sebastiancrab · Dec 20, 2020

Jack_10218 said:
Thanks everyone for the help! I think I’m going to just feed a bit more for the few days before I go.

You may want to consider getting an Eheim automatic feeder. I use them everyday to feed my fish.

Jack_10218 · Dec 20, 2020

My first choice for an automated feeder! Don’t think it would come before I leave, but I do want to try it. I’m wondering though how I would attach it to the biocube? The hood is still on and I don’t see how it could attach to it without the hood being off.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 20, 2020

As long as your water quality is good, I would do a water change as soon as tonight and one final water test before you depart. Dont worry about feeding them.
They will be fine (trust me) for 3 days with no feedings and in fact your water upon will be clear, and fish will be hungry.
If no light sensitive coral, you can even leave the white lights off to keep the fish relaxed while youre gone

Enjoy the holiday and be safe. Fish will be waiting

Sebastiancrab · Dec 21, 2020

Jack_10218 said:
My first choice for an automated feeder! Don’t think it would come before I leave, but I do want to try it. I’m wondering though how I would attach it to the biocube? The hood is still on and I don’t see how it could attach to it without the hood being off.

When you get one, I would think you are going to have to cut a partition in the hood. Or perhaps part of it folds over? I have a glass top for my freshwater that I keep folded over. If I am going to be out of town for an extended period, I put aluminum foil partly over the tank to cut down on evaporation since there isn't an ATO for it.

Mikedawg · Dec 21, 2020

Elaine123 said:
When you get one, I would think you are going to have to cut a partition in the hood. Or perhaps part of it folds over? I have a glass top for my freshwater that I keep folded over. If I am going to be out of town for an extended period, I put aluminum foil partly over the tank to cut down on evaporation since there isn't an ATO for it.

I would monitor the use of aluminum foil closely since it will react to water and can form an acid. A cheap piece if acrylic would be safer if you can fit it.

fg_aquariums · Dec 21, 2020

Should be good for 3 days. Just feed before you leave is all. I wouldn’t worry about it. They can go a couple days without feeding.

Jib · Dec 21, 2020

When I first got my clownfish, he went on a 9 day hunger strike before he started to eat. While it surely wasn't good for him, he survived. I'm sure 3 will be fine.

terraincognita · Dec 21, 2020

You'll be fine, I've gone 5-6 days many times without feeding.

Be sure to check your water when you get back, make sure you don't need to correct anything.