If you’re taking a holiday and leaving your tropical fish behind, there are several steps you can take to keep them content.
It is always beneficial to feed your fish while you are away, but remember that overfeeding will not solve the problem.
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Feeding intervals
Feeding intervals for aquarium fish depend on the species, tank size and their age. Larger fish tend to go longer between meals than smaller ones.
Cichlids, particularly larger fish, can go up to two days without food. If you’re worried about how much food they’ll get, consider investing in an automatic feeder with predetermined portions.
These come in flake, pellet or crisp form and can be programmed to dispense a pre-set amount of fish food several times daily. These are great if you need to leave your fish alone for extended periods as it provides an easy, hassle-free way to make sure they get enough nutrition.
Another option is to utilize a vacation feeding block. These slow-release blocks release their food gradually, so they can be substituted for normal food during a holiday.
Feeding alternatives
When you go away on holiday, it can be challenging to keep track of your aquarium’s food supply. Fortunately, there are several methods available for guaranteeing your tropical fish have enough nutrition.
First, you can arrange for someone else to take over the care of your tank. This is often the best solution when someone needs to be away for extended periods.
Another option is using a slow-release feeding block. These contain premeasured amounts of flake, pellet or crisp fish food which disperse slowly over an established timeframe.
If you need someone else to feed your fish while you are away, ask a neighbour or friend. Be sure to leave specific instructions with them so they don’t overfeed the fish.
Feeding blocks
Feeding blocks are the ideal solution for those who want to feed their tropical fish while away on vacation. These nutritional treats will supply your fish with essential nutrients over the course of several days, so you don’t need to worry about remembering when to feed them.
These blocks have long been a trusted alternative to automatic feeders and fish-sitters. As they dissolve in aquarium water, they release food particles as they break down.
Aquarium fish food comes in all shapes and sizes, offering food for all species of aquarium fish. Some even contain essential vitamins and other nutrients to boost your fish’s immune system.
The only disadvantage to using calcium blocks is that they may alter your tank’s water chemistry, particularly if you use larger pieces.
Other feeding options
Maintaining tropical fish can be a challenging endeavor, and when away from home it’s even more so. But with some careful planning and preparation ahead of time, you can ensure your fish’s wellbeing during their trip.
In addition to feeding your fish regularly, it’s also important to make sure they have the ideal environment and water quality while you’re gone. There are various methods for doing this depending on the fish species and how long you plan on being away.
One option is an automatic fish food feeder. These come in electric plug-in models and battery operated versions, and can be set to dispense the correct amount of food at predetermined times each day. Some even feature cameras so you can check on your fish from anywhere with a mobile phone.
