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