| #ffffff;" /> | | | | needing a refill. Most of these devices let you adjust |
| Holidays are the best part of the year, even with all | | | | the amount of food that’s released each |
| the packing and other errands you have to scramble | | | | time, and are battery-operated. |
| to get done before your flight takes off. But | | | | Another idea is to ask friends, family, or neighbors to |
| don’t forget about the fish! It’s | | | | feed the fish for you. Divide the amount of food |
| important to make sure your fishy friends are | | | | your fish will need each day into containers so that |
| properly cared for while you’re away having | | | | the person who helps you out simply has to follow |
| fun in the sun. | | | | directions for daily feeding, and you don’t |
| The first order of business should be to figure out | | | | have to worry about the possibility of your fish |
| how to feed the fish while you’re away. You | | | | overeating. |
| may be surprised to discover that fish can survive | | | | For saltwater aquariums, someone may have to |
| for long periods of time (several weeks) without | | | | empty the skimmer collection cup as it fills with gunk |
| food. In the wild, fish can’t always find food | | | | and starts to smell. Or, you can adjust the collection |
| on a regular basis, so they have adapted to live in | | | | cup before you leave to collect less protein for a |
| conditions of scarcity. If you’re only going | | | | few weeks. |
| away for a week or two, feeding your fish | | | | If you’re going away for longer than two |
| isn’t necessarily something you have to | | | | weeks, asking for help from someone you know and |
| worry about. Actually, when you come home the | | | | trust is a necessity because even if the fish are being |
| aquarium may be cleaner than when you left because | | | | fed properly, the quality of the tank water needs to |
| the fish produced little waste during your vacation. | | | | be maintained. |
| Automatic Feeders | | | | Maintenance – Before you leave |
| Many people are afraid to leave their fish without | | | | Prior to leaving, do a partial water change to clean |
| food for an extended period of time, no matter | | | | the water out and ensure that your fish |
| what the experts say. This is when an automatic | | | | don’t become stressed and stay healthy |
| food feeder comes in handy. These devices are | | | | while you’re away. This also ensures that |
| designed to release food at specified intervals | | | | water levels remain at an acceptable place during |
| automatically. Automatic feeders are affordable and | | | | your absence. Even with a high rate of evaporation, |
| you can use them throughout the year as well. Fill the | | | | the tank will be tolerable until you return. |
| feeder with any type of food you want (tropical fish | | | | It’s also a good idea to rinse out the filters |
| flakes or pellet food) and it’s ready to go. | | | | and make necessary replacements. |
| Automatic feeders last for a few weeks before | | | | What about the lighting? |