| The first order of business should be to | | | | need each day into containers so that |
| figure out how to feed the fish while | | | | the person who helps you out simply has |
| you're away. You may be surprised to | | | | to follow directions for daily feeding, |
| discover that fish can survive for long | | | | and you don't have to worry about the |
| periods of time (several weeks) without | | | | possibility of your fish overeating. |
| food. In the wild, fish can't always | | | | For saltwater aquariums, someone may |
| find food on a regular basis, so they | | | | have to empty the skimmer collection cup |
| have adapted to live in conditions of | | | | as it fills with gunk and starts to |
| scarcity. If you're only going away for | | | | smell. Or, you can adjust the collection |
| a week or two, feeding your fish isn't | | | | cup before you leave to collect less |
| necessarily something you have to worry | | | | protein for a few weeks. |
| about. Actually, when you come home the | | | | If you're going away for longer than two |
| aquarium may be cleaner than when you | | | | weeks, asking for help from someone you |
| left because the fish produced little | | | | know and trust is a necessity because |
| waste during your vacation. | | | | even if the fish are being fed properly, |
| Automatic Feeders | | | | the quality of the tank water needs to |
| Many people are afraid to leave their | | | | be maintained. |
| fish without food for an extended period | | | | Maintenance - Before you leave |
| of time, no matter what the experts say. | | | | Prior to leaving, do a partial water |
| This is when an automatic food feeder | | | | change to clean the water out and ensure |
| comes in handy. These devices are | | | | that your fish don't become stressed and |
| designed to release food at specified | | | | stay healthy while you're away. This |
| intervals automatically. Automatic | | | | also ensures that water levels remain at |
| feeders are affordable and you can use | | | | an acceptable place during your absence. |
| them throughout the year as well. Fill | | | | Even with a high rate of evaporation, |
| the feeder with any type of food you | | | | the tank will be tolerable until you |
| want (tropical fish flakes or pellet | | | | return. |
| food) and it's ready to go. Automatic | | | | It's also a good idea to rinse out the |
| feeders last for a few weeks before | | | | filters and make necessary replacements. |
| needing a refill. Most of these devices | | | | What about the lighting? A simple |
| let you adjust the amount of food that's | | | | solution is to purchase a light timer |
| released each time, and are | | | | that will turn on and off automatically |
| battery-operated. | | | | so that everything in your aquarium |
| Another idea is to ask friends, family, | | | | receives the proper amount of light to |
| or neighbors to feed the fish for you. | | | | stay healthy and alive. |
| Divide the amount of food your fish will | | | | |