When you go on a trip, the needs of pet fish still need to be met. There are various things you can do to make sure your pet fish stay healthy and happy while you're away, depending on how long you'll be away from home.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Preparing to Leave
Step 1. Decide how long you will be away
If you go only two days, most fish are still fine without food. If you are going to be away for up to a month, pet fish need food.
Step 2. Understand the risks
There is always a risk whenever you leave your fish at home. If you are raising rare and expensive fish, always make sure that proper preparation is planned. Try to plan as thoroughly as possible.
Step 3. Make a plan according to the type of fish you have
Different fish have different dietary requirements. Be sure to know the type of fish you have.
- Carnivores need live food and/or carnivore pellets.
- Omnivores: Many fish fall into this category. Most of the fish in this group can be fed a food block (can be purchased from pet fish stores). Food blocks work by confining food in mineral blocks that dissolve in water over time for several days. For omnivores with a more restrictive grain and dry diet, use the automatic feeders discussed in the carnivore section.
- Herbivore: This type of fish eats plants and vegetables. If you can feed dried seaweed or vegetables, use an automatic feeder. If food vegetables must be fresh, it would be great if you can get someone to help feed your pet fish.
Method 2 of 4: Choosing a Treatment Plan
Step 1. Know your options
There are several ways to feed your fish while you are traveling. Your choice will depend on how long you will be away from home, but try to get someone to check on your pet every once in a while, especially if the power goes out in your area (which only the neighbors will find out).
- Get a vacation feeder and fill its compartment with the right fish food. This feeder will release food automatically into the water according to your programmed schedule. This method is only suitable for fish that eat foods such as grains and flakes as it will not retain bloodworms and other live foods. Freeze dried blood worms can be purchased at certain stores.
- Insert feeders of various sizes into the aquarium tank. It is important to put feeders of various sizes into the tank because predators will eat some of them first, and some later according to their size. Do not put live worms in the tank as this will contaminate the water.
- Use a feeder block. Visit a local pet store and purchase a feeder block suitable for fish. It's a good idea to experiment a few times before going on a trip as some fish will resist certain feeder blocks. Place the block at the bottom of the fish tank on the day you leave. If you will be leaving the house for a long time, ask a friend or relative to come over and replace the feeder block every 5-7 days.
- Have someone come to your house and feed your fish. This is the best method, especially if the fish are very picky eaters. However, make sure the person concerned has time to come feed the fish, and knows how to feed, when to give it, and what type of food to give.
Step 2. Provide live plants or vegetables
For some fish, you can put a large amount of weighted vegetables in the tank, and your pet fish will eat them over time. Even if you don't like zucchini, chances are the fish will eat it.
Step 3. Combine the methods above to treat different types of fish
You can feed two groups of fish because omnivores can eat both carnivores and herbivores.
However, if you have several dietary groups of fish in your aquarium, all with their own food, it's a good idea to ask someone to help feed the fish until each group is full
Step 4. Close the aquarium tank tightly
Fish like the Bichir and spiny eel tend to crawl out of holes in the tank so make sure there are no gaps in the tank for the fish to escape. If you have a pool and need to prepare it for winter, now is the time to go.
Method 3 of 4: Asking Others for Help
Step 1. Ask someone to take care of your fish
Ask your family or friends. Sometimes pet stores provide a service to come to the house to feed the fish at a specified rate.
Try to choose trusted people. This person will have access to your entire home so make sure the person you choose is vetted and can be trusted. If you are reluctant to let strangers into your home, ask a friend or relative for help. Otherwise, use a police-verified pet care service, even if it costs more
Step 2. Talk to the fish-sitter about pet fish before you leave
Tell him everything he needs to know, especially about the amount of food to give him, and also leave a note of instructions for him for reference. If you can't find someone who can take care of your pet fish, it's best to cancel the trip. If you leave, you are taking a big risk and the fish will most likely not survive.
Method 4 of 4: Ensuring Water Health
Step 1. Keep the fish tank clean
You don't have to worry too much about this. Change the aquarium water a week before leaving. Make sure the person being asked for help knows the amount of food to be given so as not to overdo it and pollute the water. Clean the tank again after you get home.
Step 2. Test the water when you get home
Hopefully, no problems arise while you're away, but it's a good idea to test for ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels in pool water. It is likely that you will need to do major water changes until the levels return to normal.
Tips
- Try the vacation feeder method while at home to clean up and correct the problem. That way, you can go and be sure the device is still working.
- When you let someone else feed the fish, it's best to leave it in a small container with the daily servings of fish each day. Thus, the fish are not fed too much.
- Meet the needs of fish. Some fish are specialists and require strange food, special care, etc. If so, you should prioritize getting someone else's help to feed.
- If you have a pool, make sure it is well maintained. Natural predators and humans sometimes kill fish while you're away.
- Even before raising fish, it's a good idea to know how to handle pets before traveling. Always make plans well in advance.
- Set up an electric timer and set the lights on during the day and off at night. If you are using an old lamp, replace it before leaving.
- You will also need to monitor the weather if you have a pool. Depending on the type of pool and the season you are traveling, you may need someone else to look after the pool.
- While the above feeding methods are pretty good, it's best to prioritize getting someone to help feed and care for your fish.
Warning
- Remember, the longer you travel, the more dangerous it is to the fish. Fish sitters are quite expensive and “fussy” fish should not be left out for more than a week. You can only travel for a maximum of 2 weeks
- If you're going to ask someone to help keep an eye on the fish, make sure you trust them 100% before handing over the house keys. It is better for a pet fish to die than to have your house robbed.
- One feeder block will not be enough for a large tank. For tanks containing many fish, it is best to use more than one.
