Holiday Help.

Hey guys

In december i will be heading to the Cape for one month. I am a little worried leaving my tanks alone. Hopefully i will have just 1 of my tanks running and my fathers cycling.

Below is some points that i have thought of but may need adjustment.

1st - My filter (Sump)

*I have ordered a part to do a diy auto top up. What i am worried about is if this fails or i run out of water (Will be in a bucket/drum) Obviously more testing will need to be done with this but i honestly dont have the time

* I thought about just adding an internal filter with the heater to the tank. I would just add a small pump in the sump to keep circulation, maybe a heater too? To me i think this will work the best but....its a whole new filter and basically its like starting the cycle over again??? I stand corrected

2nd - Food

* "Whats mine is....well MINE!"
Meaning no one but me shall touch my tanks.

I need a auto feeder that runs for 1 month. Do you get these? Even if it only feeds once a day.

Whats the MAX safe time they can go without eating? Not planning on starving them:blink1:

3rd - Lights

Will keep them on a timer but just reduce the time.


And lastly. Can i get a camera that i can set up and view wirelessly over 1200km? This way if there is a problem i can contact someone....and watch what they doing. Last thing i want to do

Oh and almost forgot...Love! You is going to give them that?:bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile:
Have i missed anything?

If you have a better way that you use when leaving them for a long period of time please share:bigsmile:


Thanks Guys:blink1:

 

What you would need is a normal desktop PC that is connected to the internet via ADSL. Then go to any security shop and buy a DVR capture card and a camera with a cable. You install the card in your PC and connect the camera to it and install the software. And using the software you can connect to the PC and the camera anywhere in the world were you have a internet connection.

 

Will selling your fish and starting from scratch be an option?

 

Yeah there is a easier way. Get someone that also keep fish to take care of them.
Only need to feed them every second day and see if all is well.

 

Haha nope! Won't happen! This one won't be touched till i must move hehe

---------- Post added at 12:09 ---------- Previous post was at 12:09 ----------

Im concidering it.....you know who you are....and i know where you live lol

 

If you ask somebody to feed your fish provide them with the exact amount of food that must be fed with every meal. Even a fellow fishkeeper can overfeed your fish with the resulting consequences. I use pill cases to put every meal in. As a precautionary messure I also tend to put a bit less food in than I would normally feed, since I am not there to do water changes when necessary. Have never been away for more than a week and a half though.

Even if you get a automatic feeder, it will probably be a good idea to get somebody to come in every couple of days just to make sure everything is ok. I have read that some of the cheaper auto feeders have a problem with the food getting clumped together or the opening getting blocked because of the moisture. So if you get a feeder get a good quality model.The Eheim 3581 gets some good reviews. Want to get one myself. The only problem is when you have more than one tank...... And they ain't cheap.

 

Hmmm yeah didnt think about it in that way.

So it basically boils down to having someone to do it for you? Better safe than sorry i guess.

CVs to be PM!

 

Gotta say always better to have someone doing it for you with instructions... so if somethig does go wrong you can talk them through it on the phone.

and what happens if a fish dies? you need someone to remove it? no

 

I will do it for R350 per day. I'll pop in once every 3 days. Check lights, plants, heater, filter... Oh... and the fish.

Every 3rd check up I will do a 25% water change for you, but that day will cost you R450.00

Dead fish will be put into your freezer so that you can see I didn't abuse them.

Photo's can be taken and emailed/mmsed to you (minimal charge of R50.00 per picture) no guarantee on quality of pics.

Alternately we can do a bundle agreement. I'll come in on Tuesday for a feed, take 5 photos. I'll come in on Saturday, do water change, take 5 photos. Bargain price of only R1000.00 per week!

(Oh, all prices EX vat!)

 

I can do it for you since I stay close-by but not for free yo!

 

As some would say "Eish!:hmmmm2:" Lol

No further comments....

---------- Post added at 09:09 ---------- Previous post was at 09:09 ----------

What you have in mind? A beer for each time?

 

Now that's some deal there Zoom

Larch will take a beer and anything in the fridge an pantry is fair game

 

Hey, I gotta drive from JHB all the way to PTA!!

 

DEAL! Will just make sure they all empty lol

---------- Post added at 11:09 ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 ----------

You can take leave and stay at my place. The rent should cover the labour!

 

But then I need to pay someone to service my tanks!

 

Looks like a case of beers is going to be the cheapest

 

Hmmm good point!
You married arn't you? Or is that pushing it?

Maybe i should take them with? Long drive though, might not make it

---------- Post added at 11:09 ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 ----------

Its a whole month....maybe a little more than that? 8 maybe? Thats just over 1 6 pack a day....i think?

 

Try google Aquatic Concepts they render a maintaince service, never no they just might be able to help you at a fee...

 

I dont drink beer, but money would be nice if your up for it let me know. That way it covers my travel costs and my effort

 

Whats a good amount to pay someone per trip to look after ones tanks?

+-10km away