Automatic feeding

[Bacchus_fl]

I have another question for you guys. I am going down to the keys at the end of next month and will be gone for 10 days. I know that it is suppose to be fun but all I can do is worry about my tank right now. Fortunately over the decade or so I've been in this hobby, I have always had a room mate or friend that live close that could keep an eye on things for me and feed the fish.

I no longer have that luxury but my tank is pretty self supportive. My biggest concern (outside of equipment failure...but let's not think about that..lol) is feeding the fish. Like most reefs I have alot of different kinds of fish that all have different diets.

Any suggestions on how to put my mind at ease over this? I know there are automatic feeders available but I have no experience with them. Are they trust worthy? Also do they make one that can feed several different types of food? Any suggestion on how to prepare for this would be great. I really want to enjoy my time diving and not worried about my tank.

Thanks in adavance!

Jason

 

[jsl6v8]

well the simple solution is find a babysitter for your fish, other than that I don't know what you could do, I knew petsmart used to sell a pyramid thing that you put in the tank and it would slowly disolve releasing food over I believe 7 days.

 

[InLimbo87]

You could always pay a fish sitter of sorts (whether it be a business,friend, etc) to come and feed your fish on one or two occasions, and make sure your system is still functioning properly.

 

[jenlovesty]

I would get a sitter to look in on your tank. Do you have anyone use trust with a key to your house. A friend, neighbor?

For your own piece of mind, you can set up a webcam to look in on your tank. That way if you see something going wrong, you can make it back. We did this when we went away for a week. It really helped my piece of mind.

 

[Bacchus_fl]

That's my problem, we recently moved so I don't have anybody close by that couls look after them for me. The closest people would have to drive 30 minutes or so oneway out of their way to get here.

I live out on the St Johns in DeLand and their isn't any fish stores out here at all, let alone one with a fish sitter service. The Webcam is a great idea, I will look into that. Any suggestions on a good brand, maybe one that is wireless since the tank is about 30 feet from my office?

I looked at the Eheim feeders and they seem to get excellent reviews and are good for everyday feeding, not just vacations. Anybody have any experience with them?


Thanks!

Jason

 

[jenlovesty]

I did use an automatic feeder for my 10 gallon while on vacation, but I dont remember the brand. It worked fine.

I got the linksys wireless router that will work with a wireless network.

 

[sytanek]

lol, when are you going? I am actually trying to plan a trip for memorial day. Kind of slacking and still have to get somewhere to stay. If you know anywhere decent for cheap, let me know.

 

[Bacchus_fl]

I am leaving the sat. before the holiday and coming back somewhere between the follow sat and wed.

We are renting a house. Not sure what is down there for cheap, believe it or not, I have NEVER been down there before.

I know, I know, terrible for a reefer who owns a boat to never go to the keys but this will be my first time. I'm really excited except leaving my tank unattended for that long.

I will shoot you my cell if you want to meet up while your down there.

P.S. GO BUCS!!!!!!!!! I'm a diehard Bucs fan, grew up in Lakeland/Tampa. You might actual like to see pics of my man/bucs room more than my reef..lol

 

[sytanek]

lol thats when we are going too!!!!!

How much did you pay for your house for the week??

Are you taking your boat?

Are you going to do any collecting?

lol Go Bucs!!

 

[Bacchus_fl]

I think the house was $1,600 or so for the week which isn't that bad. Approx. $200 a night. I am definitely taking the boat, the house is on the water with dockage in the back yard.

I wasn't planning on doing any collecting. That is something I have never done so I am not clear on the rules and regulations.