short and simple question
- Thread starter Blenny
- Start date
That would seem to depend on the individual tank. Evaporation would be one of the most important things to look at, plus nitrate levels.
Yep, totally agree. I have 3 SW setups-- 120 reef, a 120 FO, and 10. The 10 needs to have FW added daily, the larger tanks need it every other day, every 3 days at edge of the range. The 10, with only a few worms, one crab, and some snails, can go a week or more without feeding, as can the reef. The FO, though, has some fish that will go for 3-4 weeks without feeding, if they absolutely have to--though I'd be ashamed to even try that. And of course, it depends on what you mean by running into problems--all three tanks would develop a pretty thick layer of algae within a week of no maintenance.
Why are you asking?
Why are you asking?
Are you going on vacation? If so, for how long? I woulldn't leave my tank without a sitter for more than a day or 2. Evaporation being the biggest problem. My fish get fed 4 times a day. I don't think they would be very happy going witout for a couple of days.
well I guess my question was pretty much answer but ill tell you why i was asking....I work out of town alot, usually gone for 3 or 4 days at a time. I dont have a Salt tank set up, but would love to have one. Been keeping Fresh Water for 5 years or so and its just boring to look at. But it sounds like I am gone to long to have a salt setup and i dont really have anyone to look after it for me at this point and time so i guess i just have to keep staring at boring FW fish 
What about a Nano?
What about a Nano?
Also just for statistical purposes the tank i want to convert is a 55g in case that would make any difference on the rate of evaportion and stability of water.
You might be able to do it with an auto-topoff system, but you'd need to do a lot of reading before you try it. Freshwater systems have automatic feeders that you could use for saltwater if you're willing to feel brine shrimp cysts or marine pellet food while you're gone. If you're talking being gone for half of every week, I'd advise against it. Once a month, you could probably swing it, especially if you are willing to do some serious work on the tank before and after each trip. Do a water change before and after, and hope you don't have any major problems like something dying or the power going out while you're gone.
In short, systems exist that would give a decent chance of not losing anything, but it's a small gamble every time and the gambles might eventually add up.
In short, systems exist that would give a decent chance of not losing anything, but it's a small gamble every time and the gambles might eventually add up.