Going out of town for 10 days. Can’t get anyone to feed fish while gone. What to do?

[Oceanis]

Hi y’all, I currently have a 25 gallon Waterbox with two clown fish, a fang tooth blenny, Watchman Gobe/Pistol Shrimp combo and a cleaner shrimp. They’re usually fed twice a day, a mix of frozen food, and are all healthy and happy.

I’m going out of town for 10 days and can’t get someone to take care of the tank (don’t worry, I have an ATO). What can I do to keep them fed over the 10 day period? Are there any auto feeders that can accommodate this and are reliable enough to go 10 days without supervision? Also, any auto-feeder capable food recommendations are appreciated.

 

[jrill]

10 days is fine to do nothing, but if you want an auto feeder aquarium Co op sells a good one.

 

[exnisstech]

I have only seen auto feeders that can be used for flake or pellet. Pellets dispensed better than flake. I've used a couple different ones and both pretty much worked fine few times I have used them. I have used the eheim and the one shown below.

 

[Jdadams]

I use the eheim auto fish feeder when I go on vacation. Holds more than enough for 10 days. I use flakes and just crush them alittle so no big flakes get stuck in the opening. Pellets work too.

 

[secret_reefer337]

I have been using this for years now and have no problem. I feed pellets so it is easy to dispense.

 

[ISpeakForTheSeas]

Yeah, Eheim and ones like the Petbank one shown above (one of several brands that look like they use the exact same model - Zacro was the first one I saw with that unit) are generally considered the best. Eheim has been the top of the industry for a long time, so they've got years of known good quality backing them. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to go with either.

 

[piranhaman00]

Eheim auto feeder with PE mysis flakes, easy

 

[Oceanis]

Thank you for your advise! I wouldn’t even know where to start

 

[vetteguy53081]

Some LFS are happy to oblige or refer you to a local reef club who may have a member to stop over. Auto feeder should last a week, dont worry then about remaining days as tank will be clean and fish will be hungry

 

[Dbichler]

I have only seen auto feeders that can be used for flake or pellet. Pellets dispensed better than flake. I've used a couple different ones and both pretty much worked fine few times I have used them. I have used the eheim and the one shown below.

Same here better lasts a long time in one charge have 0 issues on my week trips

 

[UCF Alum]

Headed to silver glen springs in FL? We boat there all the time.

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I run 2 Eheims set for different times (in case one fails) and I put a mixture of food in them - pellets and flakes. Have been using them for years as I have a FW tank too.

 

[CoralB]

Eheims like most people answering have been the most dependable in my experience. Vette guy has a good point as most lfs stores have a maintenance service and would probably feed your fish as well as check on your system for a fee of course . If you only have them do it a couple days it might not be bad . Keep in mind to that if you have a issue with the tank while your gone assuming you have a way to check the tank ie: camera , apex etc . , it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a contact for a lfs or service to take action if something should arise . And or leave a key with a friend or make arrangements on that line .

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

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[Tcook]

I agree with checking with your lfs. The Eheim would handle the feeding but it's nice to have someone check your tank incase your ATO fails or one of the pumps. I have the owner of my LFS check every other day when I'm gone for more than 4 days. He also has a sign on to my Apex.

 

[youcallmenny1]

Another vote for the Eheim autofeeder. I feed Formula 1/2 pellets out of mine 2x/day all the time but 3x/day when I go on vacation. They're bulletproof but unfortunately not waterproof. Ask me how I know...

 

[Oceanis]

Headed to silver glen springs in FL? We boat there all the time.

I go to silver glen all the time! Either there or salt springs. Small world!

 

[Bpb]

I’ve been happy with The Neptune auto feeder. Gotta run an apex though

 

[olavvk]

Going on holidays now. I put a small piece of tape on the survice line on the glass and put a camara on it so i can check if my ATO is working.

 

[ReefRondo]

I’m about to leave for a few days…
Other than these feeders a small camera is a must. I have one on every system I run. Means I can not only physically see what’s going on I can also listen.