vacation and juvi cichlids

[MDH]

I'll be away for 9 days this month, and am concerned about my juvi umbees (1" - 2"). I've left my larger CA's for a week at a time with no problem (no food, etc), but I'd hate to lose even one of my little umbee. I've got a few options i'm thinking about, but would like to hear your thoughts:

1 - Have my girlfriend's mother stop by our place 2-3 times to feed (prepackaged food, of course)
2 - Get an autofeeder
3 - Just leave them be

What do you think is the better option here? I'm going to leave my other tanks alone either way, but would like to have peace of mind while I'm gone.

 

[haloman02]

Id say an auto feeder but feed them little amounts once a day so water quality wont go bad.

 

[holmes14]

auto feeder if there eating dry foods

 

[PMK]

Id say an auto feeder but feed them little amounts once a day so water quality wont go bad.

auto feeder if there eating dry foods

 

[Merbeast]

I've seen too many autofeeders go bad. I've also seen relatives go bad... er, as it were. I would feed well for the week prior and then let them be for the 9 days. They should be fine (and very hungry).

 

[PMK]

I've seen too many autofeeders go bad. I've also seen relatives go bad... er, as it were. I would feed well for the week prior and then let them be for the 9 days. They should be fine (and very hungry).

Thats true either way your taking a chance. I think it would be better with an auto feeder since atleast you could try it out for a few days before you left to make sure it works

 

[LOCO_LOCO]

last december, i left my tank for about 8 day and i setup autofeeder, when i come back my 50 g tank was alge all over and most of my fishes died( more than 10 fishes), i forgat my light on too. i dont know which one killed my fishes auto feede or light? i think best thing feed your fish before u leave, and no more feeding until u come back

 

[MDH]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm thinking of picking up Eheim's autofeeder, and giving it a trial run the week before I leave. I'll have my girlfriends mother stop in 2-3 times that week to check on things. I'm leaving her one of my friends phone number in case of an emergency (also into the hobby). Wish me luck!

 

[Onion01]

i was gone for 2 weeks once. my tanks looked really dirty, and the fish were starving, but none of them died. I just powerfed them for a couple of days before the trip and did large water changes (50-80%) everyday for a week before the trip. Didn't lose anyone

 

[ziggy2]

I like your idea of the auto feeder and have someone stop by to check on it. Have fun.