It is mid summer. Most of us plan to go for earned rest for at least a week or two to forget about the grey reality surrounding us and regenerate weakened physical and psychical strengths. For many aquarium hobbyists the necessity to leave their beloved tank without proper care is the reason for worrying before going for holidays. In fact the problem is far less serious that it seems to be. Below we will present a few simple advices that will allow for safe keeping of the aquarium while you are away.
- fish feeding - that issue usually worries aquarium hobbyists the most. The solution is very simple. If we only keep adult fish in our tanks in general we should do nothing. Well fed and healthy specimens will survive two week period without feeding without a smallest damage. Furthermore in many cases as with people it can turn out to be healthy for them. The problems will arise with longer trips and in case of raising fry. Young, quickly growing fish have to eat every day, most advisably a few times a day. In such case what is required is help, preferably of a specialist. The safest solution would be to ask a friend aquarium hobbyist for assistance. Buying an automatic fish feeding device can be considered as a last resort.
- aquarium lighting - regular switching the lighting on and off is more important than everyday feeding while we are away. Leaving it on for a longer time is not a good solution as it can severely disturb plant growth as well as change daily rhythm of fish making them nervous and timid. We recommend buying THERMOSTAB TS 500 TIMER that will solve the problem permanently by switching the lighting on and off in one or two cycles during a day. The device will be helpful not only while we are away, but also later providing regular daily lighting rhythm in the aquarium. Furthermore it functions as a thermo regulator maintaining the set temperature by turning the heating device on and off.
- filtration and aeration - the most important issue during our absence can be accidental filter damage. It is enough that the power will go out for a moment e.g. during a storm. Even quality brand filter can get blocked and stop working. To minimize the risk of such an accident it is recommended to thoroughly clean the filter impeller in order remove any mud and other deposits prior to leaving. It is also a good solution to install an additional filter for the time of absence, even small internal filter will suffice. It is very unlikely that both of the devices will stop operating at the same time. To protect oneself from the results of potential filter damage it is advisable to install an air stone in the tank. It is essential to always put the pump over the water level, e.g. on the aquarium cover, when installing the aeration system. Otherwise the water can be siphoned in the air tube that can result in flooding of entire flat!!! Alternatively a non-return valve can be installed in the air tube. It disallows the water to go back and effectively protects us from any flooding.
- directly prior to leaving the tank should be prepared for our absence. In order to do this a part of water should be replaced and a thorough removal of mud as well as filtering device cleaning should be performed. It is also advisable to remove any plant excess. If there are too many fish in the tank it should be considered to remove some of them prior to leaving, e.g. they can be taken to a pet store or given to friends. If we apply the above recommendations we can calmly leave for holidays in order to have a worry free, well-deserved rest.

We wish You great vacations and plenty unforgettable impressions from holiday trips

AQUAEL