Feeding Goldfish while on holidays

Question
Hi Christy,

I am heading off to Paris at the end of February with my hubbie for 5 days and was wondering while I am away, what do I do about feeding my 2 goldfish?  Normally a friend of mine pops in but she is going to be away the same time.  I also don't want to be relying on her going forward.  I know there is a holiday feeding thing that you can buy but how does it work and is that what you would recommend?

Also what do I do about the light in the goldfish tank when I am away.  In the past when I have been away I have left the light off but as I am going for 5 days I don't want to leave it off for that long or is it ok?  The aquarium is situated near a windown but doens't get full blown daylight into the tank.  What do you think?  What about a timer?  I would be afraid though that something would happen to the timer while I was away.

My tank size is 40 gallons, 2 common goldfish, all readings are at zero except for Nitrate which is 5ppm.  I do weekly water changes of 25%

Answer
Hi Katie
My apologies for the delay in answering....had computer problems.  

I'd stay away from those holiday feeder blocks.  They tend to foul up the water.  Fish can actually go easily 1-2 weeks without eating.  So I'd say you'd be ok not feeding them at all for those 5 days.  Just feed them before you leave, also do a water change  before leaving.  Then feed them when you return and do a water change as well.

For the light, I'd say it'd be fine leaving it off during that time as well.  You don't want to leave it on the whole time, you'll come home to a green tank :)  A timer is fine to use, but if you're not comfortable, then just leave the light off.  I'm sure there's enough daylight in the room during the day for the fish anyway.  

Good luck and have a good holiday!

Christy