When I first got a fish tank, one of the things I didn't really think about was - what happens when I go on vacation?

The first time I went away on vacation after getting a fish tank I wasn't really sure what to do. So before I left, I overfeed my fish hoping they'd be OK for a couple days without food... not so much.. Unfortunately my algae eater was cannibalized by the other fish while I was away. He was my favorite and I felt terrible.


So if you own a fish tank and are going away for the weekend or on vacation, you basically have 3 options if you really care about your fish:

1. have a neighbor come feed them
2. buy special vacation fish food
3. buy an auto feeder
   

Personally, I'd rather not give someone access to my house. So I prefer options 2 and 3.

If you are looking for a low-cost solution to feed your fish while you are away, then you might want to research special "vacation food" for your fish. For example, you can feed 1-3 betta fish for up to 7 days with Pro Balance Betta Blocks. Each food block releases tubifex worms, bloodworms, daphnia, and white shrimp... a regular smorgasbord for your betta fish.



Different types of fish require different types of food so do your research first.


Another option is get an auto feeder. The Eheim 3581 "Feed-Air" Digital Automatic Feeder is by far my favorite auto-feeder because it's so straightforward and easy to use. The Eheim 3581 lets you program up to 4 daily feeding cycles of flake food or granules, choose between single portion, double portion with 1-minute interval, or manual override. And all your programmed choices are presented on an easy-read LCD screen. I also really like the transparent reservoir. It lets you see your fish food allowing you to monitor food level "at-a-glance."



One thing you really need to consider when buying an auto feeder is "dampness" of the food. Cheaper auto feeders lack an integrated ventilator. Moist fish food will spoil and clog the unit. The Eheim 3581's ventilator prevents these moisture issues.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure your fish are taken care of and stay happy and healthy while you are gone.


BeSocial: methodshop

Labels: gadgets