Going away but what about fish?

Dave Leason wrote:
> Any info much appreciated. At christmas we are going away for about 5
> days ...
>
> We are sorting out a cattery for the cats (hopefully) but what about our
> precious fish?? What can we give them that will last about 5 days? ...

Kellie, cats and goldfish can successfully be left for 5-7 days. Cats
only need food, water and a clean litter box to start with, and goldfish
need nothing extra. Are your cats accustomed to staying somewhere else?
Our cats would be more stressed by going to a cattery than staying at
home "alone." You might want to consider confining the cats to just one
or two rooms. Goldfish can go days without extra food. To be on the safe
side, you can also lower the aquarium temperature to slow their metabolism.

If you were to be gone 7-14 days, cats would need someone to check on
them; goldfish would need the addition of a new plant or two that they
could nibble on while you're gone. What size is your tank? and how many
fish?
--
Zk
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

They will be fine for 5 days. Don't add cucumber or anything like that as it
will rot and cause an ammonia spike if it doesn't get eaten. You could buy
some plants if you wanted but it wouldn't be necessary.
Mel.


"axemanchris" <greenroom.RemoveThis@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:xhyqb.21336$mB5.947537@news20.bellglobal.com...
> I think your fish can last quite nicely without food for 5 days. Don't
> worry about them & have a great vacation!
>
> Jacqui
>
> "Dave Leason" <dpl.RemoveThis@dleason.karoo.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:boe8jp$n06$1@newsreaderm1.core.theplanet.net...
> > Hi All
> >
> > Any info much appreciated. At christmas we are going away for about 5
> > days, in the past my parents have come round (2 mins round corner) to
feed
> > the gold fish and 2 cats. But this week we have been told they wont be
> doing
> > it any more as they dont want to.
> >
> > We are sorting out a cattery for the cats (hopefully) but what about our
> > precious fish?? What can we give them that will last about 5 days? ive
> seen
> > the fish feeder things that apparently last while you go away, or what
> about
> > putting in a couple of 'real' plants for them to munch on or some
> cucumber?
> >
> > any help much appreciated!!
> >
> > Kellie
> >
> >
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

The food will go bad... We have tried the time released food, but for some
reason it doesn't last as long as it says it will... The 7 day food is gone in
about 3 days, and the 14 day is gone in about 6. There is also a mechanical
feeder if you want to go crazy. You load it up with the food and it rotates
and drops it in on a timer... Otherwise, they should be just fine...
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

Thank you for all replies!

In response to the last post, my tank is roughly 16 galons with 2 quite
small goldfish.

Our house is not designed to be able to confine the cats to just a couple of
rooms unfortunaltly. the problem with leaving them while I go to visit my
parents for a few days over christmas is they get quite lonely, they are
used to my in laws but as my 1st post mentioned, they are being a bit
awkward this year (it is the first year we have taken our 2 yr old daughter
to spend xmas with my parents so i think thats what my in laws problem is!)

I didnt realise goldfish would be ok without actually feeding them for a few
days, yes I think leaving a cucumber would not be very wise, didnt think
about the rotting! but maybe I will put in a plant to set my mind at ease
for the few days! any recommendations for plants? we usually have artificial
ones you see!

As for the cats, they definatly need somewhere to stay or someone to come
around as they need fresh food each morning and need their litter box
cleaning each day!

But thanks for the info about Jelly and Jackson (the fish, my daughter named
them!!)

Kellie
"Zookeeper" <beberREMOVEME.RemoveThis@efn.NOSPAM.org> wrote in message
news:vqm49p12liacd7@corp.supernews.com...
> Dave Leason wrote:
> > Any info much appreciated. At christmas we are going away for about 5
> > days ...
> >
> > We are sorting out a cattery for the cats (hopefully) but what about our
> > precious fish?? What can we give them that will last about 5 days? ...
>
> Kellie, cats and goldfish can successfully be left for 5-7 days. Cats
> only need food, water and a clean litter box to start with, and goldfish
> need nothing extra. Are your cats accustomed to staying somewhere else?
> Our cats would be more stressed by going to a cattery than staying at
> home "alone." You might want to consider confining the cats to just one
> or two rooms. Goldfish can go days without extra food. To be on the safe
> side, you can also lower the aquarium temperature to slow their
metabolism.
>
> If you were to be gone 7-14 days, cats would need someone to check on
> them; goldfish would need the addition of a new plant or two that they
> could nibble on while you're gone. What size is your tank? and how many
> fish?
> --
> Zk
>
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

Dave,

If you decide to use plants, can I advise you to rinse them very thoroughly
with hot (not boiling) water only. This will hopefully wash off any
snail eggs etc...

Also if you feed your fish just before leaving, don't be tempted to
give them a little bit more - they won't need it, and it could
fowl up the water. Also consider doing a 30% water change the day before
leaving just to ensure water quality is good.
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

got to admit. Ingrids suggestion was better than mine!
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish? 

Once again, thank you!
I will keep all of these suggestions in mid, but from what youve all said,
for 4 , possibly 5 days it seems like my little common goldies will be just
fine without me and my daughter t pster them.
I would never add a little extra food as i know it causes all sorts of
problems and thanks for the tip about washing the plant if i do get one.
youve set my mind at ease!

Kellie

"Geezer From The Freezer" <Geezer.TakeThisOut@Freezer.com> wrote in message
news:3FABB715.2271E62C@Freezer.com...
> got to admit. Ingrids suggestion was better than mine!
 >> Stay informed about: Going away but what about fish?