Vacation planning

[drej424]

Hi, everyone,

Our family is planning a much needed vacation this summer and I am wondering what steps I can take to prevent any problems with my tanks. Someone will be here to care for our pets, but they have no experience with aquarium maintenance.

What do you do to prevent tank problems when you're away?

TIA for your suggestions!

Denise

 

[Subw00er]

-If you use them, change filter pads so they dont block up during the vacation
-Get one of those M-F pill dosing boxes (at any pharmacy) and put in preset amounts of food for each day to prevent overfeeding (typical newb mistake!)
-Get a $25 battery backup air pump so that they can easily install it if power goes out
-Have the number of a local reefer or fish store handy in case you need serious help.

more expensive nice to haves:
-IP camera so you can see tank is still working any time! I use Axis, but logitech has a nice system now too
-net-based reef controller to check temps and stuff remotely. Also alarms for any faults. I use a DA reefkeeper with net module. I get an email if any part of my tank faults. I can also see tank parameters on my iphone.
-Install battery backup UPS to auto power a heater and small powerhead in case power goes out. Staples has a nice APC for about $180. Make sure you get a UPS with a proper sine or emulated sine wave or the pumps wont work properly.

Hope that helps!

 

[fio1022]

#1 on my list would be an ATO with plenty of reserve.

 

[qy7400]

- Don't over complicate the sitters job. Simple feeding instructions, the pill box idea is great, and simple things to check. Is the temp between 75 and 80, are the lights on, is the water in the sump between these 2 lines.
- If it can be shut for the week, shut it off. The less that can fail the better. I've shut my skimmer/reactors when needed. If the sumps big enough top off a weeks worth so no ATO issues.
- Battery air stone, get one that turns on when the power goes out and leave it in the tank ready to go; odds are a power failure will happen when no one is there.
- Leave the sitter with the a number of a fellow reefer and access to RC, let them know if they're not sure to either call you or ask here.
- Before you leave have clear instructions and if you can walk them through the list in person so the can see what you're talking about.

 

[MHG]

I agree don't complicate the sitters job. Put some tape at the water level your sump should be at...Portion out the food.

Don't touch your tank the day before. No skimmer adjustments... Do the sock and clean she skimmer a couple a days before so it has a day to settle...

IP cameras are 50 bucks on amazon... good to talk your sitter through thinks...

Invest in a controller in the future...

 

[drej424]

Thanks for the great suggestions! I hope we can avoid any disasters while we're away.

I hope you all had a great holiday weekend!

Denise

 

[Ken_S_NY]

I wrote up instructions. Then I put my 9 year old in charge of the tank for two weeks the month before the vacation.

I then updated the instructions and/or fixed the tank based on that experience.

 

[drej424]

Well, we just returned from our 12 day vacation and NO DISASTERS! Thank you all for your suggestions. All the tanks look good. I'll check water parameters today and do water changes as needed. BTW, I left Rod's Food for feeding. Since no rinsing is needed, it made things easier on my niece.

Denise