It happens anytime people leave their aquarium for a few days, especially during the holidays. Their thoughts are on packing for the trip, traveling, and visiting friends and family. There is usually little time to care for the aquarium. Although tens of thousands of aquarists experience no problems while on vacation, a few return home to an aquarium disaster. We are often contacted and asked "What happened?" Here are just a few examples of what aquarists see when they return home: cloudy water, a few dead fish, all fish dead, just a certain species dead, plants dead and fish alive, plants alive and fish dead, and so on. How do you prevent this from occurring in your aquarium? Here are a few recommendations for pre-vacation aquarium care. Follow these tips and you should return to a clean, healthy aquarium.
Never add new fish right before leaving the aquarium. New fish can carry diseases into an established aquarium. A disease out-break can kill the entire fish population. You must be home to monitor the new fish's health. Make sure your existing fish are in good health too. If a sick fish dies while you’re away, it could pollute the entire aquarium.
Always test aquarium water for pH, ammonia and nitrite at least two days before leaving. This allows you time to correct poor water conditions before you leave on the trip.
Before leaving, toss in our "The 7-Day Pyramid Fish Feeder.” One pyramid will feed 15-20 average-sized fish in a 10-gallon tank for 7-8 days. Or, if a friend is going to feed the fish, provide pre-measured food portions. Measure-out each day’s feeding in a paper cup. This will prevent over-feeding.
Make sure all pumps, filters and heaters are working correctly. Check the water temperature. Clean the filter and add new activated carbon.