Vacations should be a week or two of relaxation well away from the pressures, restrictions and disciplines that seem to increasingly burden our everyday lives. But when vacations approach for fishkeepers, their thoughts inevitably turn to the question of what to do about the aquarium while everyone is gone. Usually the overriding concern is about feeding.
In many instances, a relative, friend or well-meaning neighbor will be called upon to pop in on a daily basis to dispense food and keep a general eye on the aquarium and its inmates. In some cases, this may be a perfectly satisfactory solution, but in my experience, it can also prove a complete disaster. Much will depend on the fishsitter, and his or her willingness to (and ability) to carry out your instructions regarding the feeding regine to the letter.
Unless the sitter is also a fishkeeper and understands the importance of maintaining balance in the aquarium, don't let him or her anywhere near the fish. The problem is that fish always appear hungry, and the well-meaning fishsitter may want to feed more, and you may return home ot a tank full of dead fish.
Want to read the full story? Pick up the September 2010 issue of Aquarium Fish International, or subscribe to get 12 months of articles just like this.