Neptune Aquatics

Vacations!

Qckslvr

Qckslvr

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How does the reefing community handle them?

I am sure the auto feeders will work for a couple of days, but what about 1 - 2 weeks?

Last time the wife and I went on vacation we paid the neighbors kid to feed our parrots twice a day.

The fresh water is easy, once a day.... The reef tank is a variable nightmare at any moment if you look at it crosseyed. At least ours are at the moment :p I don't doubt the neighbors kid to empty the skimmers, make sure the ATO is topped off, feed the fish the right amount at least twice, but their is some training LOL.
 
popper said:
How often do you feed? My eHeim auto feeder 2x per last over 2 months.

Turn off your skimmer. LOL

Point a camera at the tank and open the stand doors. Add a spotlight camera with a smart plug to shine the tank when room is dark to monitor the tank.

Check your ATO
Click to expand...
Our autos feed twice a day the bare minimum it will dispense, and then the wife feeds em a mix of frozen at noon. Just enough that they can clear all the food in a minute.
 
I've been away for 16 days and only used auto feeders, ato and cameras so manage my tank. Water evaporation, feeding and tank temp will be your biggest concerns.
1. Make sure you have a ato reservoir that can hold enough water to last the duration you are away.
2. Fish don't need to eat everyday. I reduce my feedings to every other day to reduce the chances of the feeder malfunctioning.
3. Make sure you have a way to check your heaters are working and tanks are at the right temp. I use the wifi Inkbirds so I can check temp via the app.
4. Set up a camera to view each tank and sump area.

Check out my video of what I did when I went on vaction for 2 weeks:
 
I really try to automate this as much as much as possible so not to have to rely on the house sitters for the dogs.
As mentioned in number 1-definitely
#2 I use an avast plank and do have whoever brush the autofeeder 2x a week as it gets gummy.
I have an apex and use red sea dosers/rollermat/lights/ato so I can shut down devices remotely-except for the trident

Before I had the pressure sensor for skimmer I had the house sitter (for dogs) send pix of the skimmer very day.
 
i just got back from my hong kong / vietnam trip which was about 3 weeks with a 15 hour time difference with no issues.

my preparation:
-notified a couple of reefing buddies if they can be on stand by or not.
-filled more of the sump water level couple days before leaving.
-used a larger water reservoir (45gal brute).
-filled auto feeder since i feed 3x a day.
-gave access to webcam that's pointed to sump.
-gave access to apex fusion (online website).
-temporary key code to access garage.

don't over think it too much and enjoy the trip.
 
Qckslvr said:
How does the reefing community handle them?

I am sure the auto feeders will work for a couple of days, but what about 1 - 2 weeks?

Last time the wife and I went on vacation we paid the neighbors kid to feed our parrots twice a day.

The fresh water is easy, once a day.... The reef tank is a variable nightmare at any moment if you look at it crosseyed. At least ours are at the moment :p I don't doubt the neighbors kid to empty the skimmers, make sure the ATO is topped off, feed the fish the right amount at least twice, but their is some training LOL.
Click to expand...
I have started this thread a while ago.

Otherwise, I simplify everything I am typically doing as much as possible, and create a very nice power point with lots of pictures for the tank sitter (14 year old).

Thread 'Your no. 1 (overlooked) thing to plan for when going on extended vacation'
https://www.bareefers.org/forum/thr...an-for-when-going-on-extended-vacation.38476/
 
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