Gel Food

Question
Hi: I have a Fresh Water 20 Gal.tank with 3 gold fish. What do you think about Vacation Gel versus Vacation Food Blocks.
Also How often should I feed the gold fish (I use pellets). I have told From once a day up to once every week.One more thing, have you ever heart of the Aquabella Bio-Enzyme Water Treatment System (www.aquabellaorganics.com)if so what do you think about it. Thanks Fred New Jersey USA.

Answer
Hi Fred,

First off, it's a wonderful product.  I suggest using it.

I can't advise you to use either product.  They both will cause serious issues with your aquarium while you're gone, no matter what they say.  Time will cause the invisible nitrites caused by the feeding block/gel to come out and ruin the water.

If you must use one, use the gel, and then spotlessly change all the water the moment you get back.  At least 50% and then change out 25% every few days for awhile til all that gel is out.

Goldfish frequently die, all the time in fact, from gels and feeding blocks.

It's best, in the long run, to hire a nice teenager from the neighborhood to feed every other day.

Pellets need fed daily, but while on vactation, you can go to bi-daily.

Pellets should be fed only in the amount they will devour within one minute without any falling to the bottom.

Happy fish-keeping.