How to Feed Your Fish While Away From Home

Got fish? If you're planning a vacation or some time away, you don't have to worry about who will feed your fish. There are many great products to keep your fish fed without you. Some fish can even go weeks without a meal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Automatic Feeders ~ These are a great choice if you are going to be out of town for a while. They feed fish on a fixed schedule, releasing only enough for each feeding. Because the amount and time of feeding is controlled, the quality of the tank or bowl water is not compromised. They are available at most pet stores and are generally easy to install. THE DOWNS SIDE: Can be expensive with models ranging from $50 - $100+.

2. 

   Tablets ~ Slow release fish food tablets are the way to go if you are on a limited budget and you can't find a volunteer to feed your fish. They are inexpensive (starting around $2.00 for a seven day tablet), and will provide food continuously for the duration of the tablet. THE DOWNSIDE: Tablets can release excessive food. Additionally, your fish may not like the change in food and may refuse to eat. When the food released by the tablet is uneaten, it begins to foul the water. It creates a toxic environment for your fish. It is recommended that you try feeding tablets BEFORE leaving on vacation so you can make changes if the system does not work for your fish.

3. Fish-Sitter ~ It may sound silly, but if you are attached to your fish, a fish-sitter is the best way to go. They will make sure your fish is fed on time and will be able to notice problems before they get out of control. You might ask a friend or relative to stop by once a day to check on your fish, or find someone to house-sit for the entire week.

4. Skip Feeding ~ I do not recommend this method. However, many people believe that a healthy fish can go as long as 2 weeks without a feeding. Certainly, most fish can last a few days. The problem is not knowing how your fish will respond to lack of food until you have returned from vacation. An adaptation of this method may be to have a friend stop by once or twice to feed your fish in your absence.

Tips & Warnings

• Do NOT overfeed your fish with "one last big meal". This can harm the fish and will foul the tank.
• Do NOT leave your fish unfed without research and experimentation. This may kill your fish.

Resources

• More Articles

[eliptica]

on 2/18/2009 The automatic fish feeder works wonders, thanks.

[eliptica]

on 2/18/2009 The automatic fish feeder works wonders, thanks.

[eliptica]

on 2/18/2009 The automatic fish feeder works wonders, thanks.

[heatherschulte]

on 7/5/2008 Who knew?

[asksummer]

on 7/4/2008 I wish I had known this when I had a fish.