How to Feed Fish in an Aquarium While You Are on Vacation

Several options are available for feeding fish while on vacation.

Fish are among the least demanding pets to care for. However, they do need at least minimal care while you are on vacation. That said, filling the tank with extra food just before you leave on vacation is not a good idea, as the extra food rots and ruins the aquarium's water quality. Instead, you need to provide food for your fish in a way that ensures the fish and the water remain healthy while you are away.

Things You'll Need

• Slow-release food
• Automatic fish feeder

Instructions

1. Put a slow-release fish food block or gel in your tank just before you leave for vacation. You can purchase these in various sizes designed to last for a set number of days.

2. Install an automatic fish feeder on your tank. Fill the feeder with food and set the amount to feed at certain intervals. The feeder then releases the preselected amount of food on a regular schedule.

3. Hire a pet sitter to feed and check on your fish daily. When on a long vacation, having someone check on your fish daily also ensures that the heater and lights are working properly and that the water remains clear. If you are concerned about your pet sitter overfeeding the fish, give him or her specific instructions and measuring tools to ensure the right amount of food is provided.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are leaving only for the weekend or a short vacation, you may not need to worry about feeding your fish. Most adult fish will survive just fine without food for up to four days, states Joseph S. Levine, author of "The Complete Fishkeeper."

References

• "The Complete Fishkeeper"; Joseph S. Levine; 1991
• "Freshwater Aquariums for Dummies"; Maddy Hargrove and Mic Hargrove; 2006