Vacation Feeding

Ashi wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am going on vacation for about six weeks, and trying to figure out a
> way to feed my five goldfish (2"-3") in a 55 gallon tank running one
> Emperor 400 and one Emperor 280 filters. This is the first time I
> will be away for this long. I have asked a friend to look after my
> fish, but the best he can do is to come by once every two weeks. I
> currently have a Eheim feeder, but it doesn't work very well. My fish
> only eat flakes (I tried palettes, but it just accumulates on the
> aquarium floor), and the feeder seems have problem dispensing flake
> food. So, here are my questions:

One thing I would suggest is to leave lights on for a LONG time before you
go - this will build up algae which is good for removing nitrates and
for the fish to feed on - its unsightly but healthy
Also lower the temperature (lower it slowly) - this will reduce your fishies
metabolisms.

Also, get lots of plants in there. You'll need someone to feed your fish
every few days (in general goldies can go upto 2 weeks without food).
 >> Stay informed about: Vacation Feeding 

On Mon, 07 Jun 2004 09:03:30 GMT, Charles <ckraft DeleteThis @SPAMTRAPwest.net>
wrote:

>On 5 Jun 2004 18:00:14 -0700, agangopa DeleteThis @hotmail.com (Ashi) wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>I am going on vacation for about six weeks, and trying to figure out a
>>way to feed my five goldfish (2"-3") in a 55 gallon tank running one
>>Emperor 400 and one Emperor 280 filters. This is the first time I
>>will be away for this long. I have asked a friend to look after my
>>fish, but the best he can do is to come by once every two weeks. I
>>currently have a Eheim feeder, but it doesn't work very well. My fish
>>only eat flakes (I tried palettes, but it just accumulates on the
>>aquarium floor), and the feeder seems have problem dispensing flake
>>food. So, here are my questions:
>>
>>1. Can anyone recommend a good feeder that can possibly feed for two
>>weeks on one fill?
>>
>>2. Should I be using any of the white pyramid things?
>>
>>I will be running the light and filter using a UPS. I would
>>appreciate any other comments and suggestions.
>>
>>Thanks in advance.
>>
>>Ashi
>
>
>I would not feed. I've left my fish for two months without feeding
>them (out of country trip, the person who was to take care didn't show
>up)
>
>I let the pond fish go for two years, breaking their habit of coming
>to the top when they saw something. I had a cat problem at the time.

Interesting. What kind of fish? Goldfish? If so any idea how
tropical fish would react to long periods without food?

I have a large angelfish that is my pet. I practically feed her by
hand. Once, for over a month, she did not come for food. Otherwise
she appeared fine. One day she was back looking for a hand out.
Also, I have a Harlequin that developed a float bladder problem and
swims at a 45 degree angle all the time. I moved it to my quarantine
tank over a month ago. The fish even tries to get a flake of food in
its mouth. Again, I wonder what the fish is eating to stay alive?

Others have mentioned long periods of time without feeding. I wonder
what is keeping them alive and is it reliable enough to trust for
short vacations? My lights are on timers, so lighting is not a
problem. My filters go for months without attention. I only change
water once a week so evaporation is no problem.

Your post raises interesting questions. Thanks.

Dick
 >> Stay informed about: Vacation Feeding 

Leaving Pond fish is different. They can feed on algae that is no cleaned
and also insect larvae and dead insects that hover the pond.

2 months for a goldfish could lead to death...it all depends on the
fish though. I'd advise against not feeding for 2 months.
 >> Stay informed about: Vacation Feeding