Caring For Fish When You Are Away On Holiday

Caring for fish can be a huge headache if you're planning to go on a long vacation.?But don't worry just yet, there are actually two easy things that you can do. You could either look for someone to help you care for the fish or simply not feed them while you're gone.

If you own fish, caring for fish can be a huge headache if you're planning to go on a long vacation. While almost all fish shops sell feeder blocks, I wouldn't really recommend using one because they can affect the fish tank water chemistry. But don't worry just yet, there are actually two easy things that you can do. You could either look for someone to help you care for the fish or simply not feed them while you're gone. The second option may sound shocking to a lot of people but before you decide to report me to Animal Right, read on first.

Not Feeding Your Fish

Because they live in a water environment fish do not need you to give them a drink. When it comes to food, fish are last several days with needing to be fed. In fact, a healthy adult fish are capable of going for one or two weeks without feeding. However, this should not be used as an excuse to skip feeding your fish just to save a couple of bucks. Constant starvation will eventually impact the health of your fish. This option should only be considered only when necessary like when you're away on vacation.

Purchase a Timer

You should always ensure that the aquarium water temperature remains constant and to regulate your lighting. It is easy to regulate the lighting, just get yourself a timer. In fact, a great idea is to buy one and use it daily so that you never have to worry about turning off and on the lights each day.

Water Temperature

Fish are capable of living in an environment where water temperature fluctuates a little. However if the temperature changes too much, it will cause them stress which will make them prone to disease. If you're going on holiday in summer, leave the air conditioning in the room on and the aquarium temperature will not fluctuate too much. If you don't have air conditioning, then you've got no other option except to get someone to monitor the water temperature for you.

Physical Condition Of The Fish

Before leaving, do not forget to inspect your fish for any physical problems or disease. If your fish look sick in any way, visit the nearest pet shop for some remedies or your may come home to dead fish.

Fish Sitter

If your vacation is going to be a long one, the most appropriate measure is to engage a fish sitter. If your fish sitter is experienced, he will know what to do but just in case, let your sitter know what you'd like them to take note of. The most important thing that you need to brief your sitter is not to feed your fish too much and to monitor the temperature. Too much excess food will make your aquarium water foul.

You can purchase a food dispenser which is actually fairly cheap and has compartments for each day just like a pill box. Just divide the the amount of food into the compartment and your sitter's job will be easier as well as ensure that the fish will not be over fed.

Also, provide your fish sitter a number that he can reach you on just in case he needs to and if possible the number of your neighborhood pet shop.

These are some of the things which you can prepare if you're going away on vacation. With proper planning, your fish will be vibrant and healthy when you come back from your vacation.

Article Tags: Water Temperature, Fish Sitter