vacation

[jencheung]

I'm going to be gone for 10 days around Thanksgiving and again around Christmas. I know with freshwater fish they're fine for up to two weeks without food but how does that translate in my little reef? Will they be okay without food for so long? I'm particularly concerned about my sun coral because even if I got someone to come in and feed the fish (which always makes me very nervous since I don't have any fish keeping friends) they won't be feeding after the lights are out when the sun coral is ready to be fed. Will it be okay for that long? Will my fish be okay? Thanks!

 

[fsn77]

If you have fish that readily eat pellet food or flake food, an automatic feeder would work well for them. I've gone up to 5 days without our fish being fed for long weekend trips, but nothing as long as 10 days. I'm not entirely sure about the sun coral, but 10 days sounds like a long time to go without feeding a non-photosynthetic coral.

 

[Sploke]

I'm not entirely sure about the sun coral, but 10 days sounds like a long time to go without feeding a non-photosynthetic coral.

that would be my biggest concern as well...the fish would probably do fine with someone coming in and dropping in some flake every other day or so, but I was under the impression that the sun coral would need target-feeding every day with stuff like mysis, bloodworms, brine shrimp, etc.

 

[jencheung]

Indeed, therein lies my question... Anyone have any experience leaving a sun coral while on vacation? Any suggestions on what I should do? Thanks!

 

[jencheung]

As my departure date rapidly approaches I wanted to just check again and see if anyone has any ideas or experience with leaving a sun coral for 10 days. I do have a friend who can come in and feed the tank but with it being nocturnal it makes it a little more difficult to feed for someone just dropping by (at a decent hour) and not spending the night here. Any suggestions? Thanks!

 

[Amphiprion]

If the coral is in upstanding condition to begin with, I'd imagine that it could cope. If not, that could very well be a serious issue.

 

[1wizz]

If you have a friendly lfs you use, would they not take it for the time required?
Mine would but i think he likes my wallet more than me!
Just a thought, as the fish will be fine on automatic feed.(small amounts though)

 

[jencheung]

An interesting idea 1wizz. I'll have to look into it. Thanks!

I have a nano cube so I'm not sure automatic feeders will fit in the hood. Anyone have any experience with autofeeders in a nano cube or similar setup? I have a friend who can come by and feed the fish a couple of time while I'm gone - do you think they'll be okay being fed every couple of days?

The coral is in good shape (as far as I can tell) - it's target fed every other day and fully extends every night after the lights go out. It's sprouted new little baby polyps between the larger polyps though I'm always afraid they little ones not getting enough to eat. I've had it for about 4 months now and it seems healthy and happy. I think I'm going to up its feedings to every night until I leave regardless of what I end up doing with it while I'm gone...

 

[Catpicklesdog]

If you do have someone coming in, you could set up some syringes for them to squirt in. That way you'd know they're not being over fed.

I can't speak from experience - I haven't had a vacation since I started keeping fish

 

[Eddiecorrea]

I can't speak from experience - I haven't had a vacation since I started keeping fish

And that was what 60yrs ago wasnt it. LOL jk.

I also thought the LFS thing is a good idea. Although a healthy Sun Coral will survive 10 days no problem.

You could also buy a pill container and place the proper amount of food in each little compartment for your friend to dump into the tank. That way your tank is fed the proper amount of food each day and you dont have to worry.

My biggest concern would be top off water. I know I have to top off about 2 gallons a day on my tanks. I am also running MHs over open tops.