fish care during an extended absence

Question
I am a freshman in college, and my roommate got a fish a week ago. However, we did not consider the fact that we have thanksgiving break next week, so we will not be here to feed the fish. It is not possible for anyone else to either because the residence halls close. Our fish is a black moor, and he will be left alone for over a week. We were wondering if there is any kind of food that can just be placed in the tank that will feed him for over a week? Otherwise, we don't know what to do with him! Please help!

Answer
Hi Ashlee;

Fish can go well over a week without eating at all. Since goldfish are so messy and there may not be any heat provided in the residence halls while you are gone, it may be best not to feed him anything. Vacation food in small tanks make a horrible mess, he may not want to eat anyway, and it could kill him if it spoils in there.

However, there is a safer option. Go vegie! Get a 1/4 inch slice of peeled raw cucumber and drop it in right before you leave on your trip. He will nibble on it and it doesn't rot like regular food does. Even better is a piece of romaine lettuce. (don't use the crunchy 'iceberg' type - no nutrition) Maybe a piece of a romaine leaf about 3 or 4 inches square. He will probably nibble it up in the first 3 days but that's okay. He will be just fine.

It is important to make a water change right before you go. This freshens the water and minimize the chance of problems.

Vegies are very necessary for your goldfish's diet anyway. It keeps his digestion "regular". Give him a peeled green pea, little romaine lettuce piece, or a little cucumber slice two or three times a week.

Have a wonderful vacation! I'm goin' to the beach with my family! Gonna BBQ a turkey.......

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins