How do I feed my fish when going on vacation?

[geofferensis]

Hi,

I'm going home for thanksgiving for seven days. I have a 5 gallon freshwater tank, (eclipse Hex) with ten fish (three tiger barbs, three zebras, two neons, a blue danio, and a red tailed shark.) All the fish are on the smallish side. The hex tank has no exposed edges to put an automatic feeder on. So i think my only other option would be  one of those food pyramids. Do they work?

If not, I know someone i could ask to feed the fish while I'm gone, any suggestions on what to tell this person so they don't kill my fish?

Thanks,

[ronrca]

I have never used the 'Holiday' foods so I cant comment. I use an automatic feeder. If you want to ask someone to feed your fish, prepare the food before you leave. Put in small containers or bags the amount you usually feed and 'order' this person only to use the prescribed amount. This way your fish will be happy with the regular food and the person will not over or under feed.

[arcab4]

i agree with ronrca in regards about letting other people feed your fish. that's probably the best way. i've tried that holiday food thing once before for about 3 days..no fish died but they did seem pretty hungry when i got back.

[JWright]

Well fed, healthy fish will be just fine for 7 days, don't worry about them.

That's an....interesting, assorment of fish for that size tank. You are planning on another tank, right?

Josh

[dattack]

Not feeding vs friend feeding?

I think the bigger risk is having someone feed your tank because most of the time people will overfeed and that is worst than having them not eat for 7 days.  I would just feed the fish generously before you leave for vacation and they will be fine.  I have done this in the past and none of my community fishes (freshwater) have died so far.

[fishboy]

That's what we used to do in school when we had an aquarium.We had 7 black tetras and had a big feast before everyone left

[keprydak]

My one question is... how did you get a red-tailed shark to eat in a five gallon aquarium? I couldn't even get mine to eat for almost a month in a 25! huh...

I'd use a food pyramid. I have every time so far, and I'm about to put one in my tanks today. Make sure they say "doesn't cloud water" on the back though. Aquarium Pharmacutecials, I think, makes ones like that. Have a good trip