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Weimers 
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Joined: January 01 2004
Location: United States
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Points: 2080
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 Topic: Vacation
Posted: May 13 2004 at 6:41pm |
So how does everyone take care of their tank while on vacation? We're getting ready to leave for 10 days. We have lighting and skimmer on timers, and have an emergency plan for a power outage. I read an interesting article at
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/vacationtips/a/aa070999.htm
but thought I'd see what the rest of you do. I have a friend who could come and feed the fish. I could put premeasured prepared food in cups for the person.
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Renee and Damon Weimer
Tankless in Hawaii
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Mark Peterson
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Joined: June 19 2002
Location: Murray
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Posted: May 13 2004 at 10:57pm |
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I can relate several horror stories of people leaving their tanks in the care of neighbors or friends and returning to a disaster. Seriously.
It has happened enough that I personally STRONGLY recommend that a known club member or other experienced marine hobbyist be asked to check at least every third day during your vacation. Have them accompany the person watching your house and give that person their number and/or my number to call if ANYTHING looks funny.
It really helps to place premeasured food portions in individual baggies on the table and in the freezer. It's also a good idea to give smaller food portions while you are away. Better to underfeed than overfeed.
Don't leave your tank totally in untrained hands.
This is not WMAS policy. It's my personal experience.
(Adam and I used to live about a mile apart. We always did this for each other.)
Edited by Mark Peterson
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Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks:www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Connie
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Joined: December 28 2003
Location: West Jordan
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 5:27am |
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I reviewed the member list and found Mike who lives a block down the street. We have been in touch and he is going to watch mine and vesa/versa. Im with Mark, if someone has no idea what their doing... Would they even know if something was out of whack in time to save it?? I know Id be happy to help anyone out in the Southwest part of town.. Sorry Renee but you live to far away for me.
Have fun on your trip |
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Edited by Connie
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Kahuna
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Joined: September 20 2002
Location: Belize
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 8:32am |
This is a great thread to put some kudos in. My neighbor Summertop has saved my skin literally, a number of months ago. When I first set up my sump in floor below my tank I had a number of wet mishaps. I work out of town any only through Shawn's(Summertop) kindness and diligence, do I still have a tank set up. He was able to tweek things and mop up and I greatly appreciate it. I owe him big time. So yes have any experienced aquarist look after your tank.
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Cell 801 860-7333
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Kahuna
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 8:51am |
I think this is a good time for a wife to make some comments!!  Although your family of fish friends are dear and precious and for some a close second to spouse and children there are a few other IMPORTANT things to consider besides the untimely death of fish and corals. I know, blasphemy to most of you!!
As Kahuna slightly mentioned, overflowing tanks, I like to call them FLOODS, can cost lots of money in the way of carpet, base boards, flooring, etc, etc, not to mention many nights sleeping on the couch for the enthusiast. Our dear neighbor Summertop, was quick to come to my aid. I only feel comfortable going on vacation now because of his expertise and diligence in actually checking on things. His quick and TIMELY assistance helped soften my comment of: "This tank is coming down TODAY!!" And, the fact that we didn't have to replace any carpet or flooring---Kahuna wanted to make sure I added this.
Very tolerant Wife
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Adam Blundell
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Joined: June 24 2002
Location: Davis County
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 11:27am |
I was out of town recently. For that time I didn't have anyone feed my tank, just watch over it. I didn't want to chance an over feeding incident.
And on a sticky note, right on the front glass were Jake's name and cell number. And in case Jake wasn't available I had a few other fish friend names and numbers listed. But as Mark said, having a WMAS friend to watch your tank is the best thing. That's what I've always done.
Adam
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Come to a meeting, they’re fun!
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jfinch
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Joined: March 06 2003
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 12:35pm |
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I always try to have someone who knows about reef tanks keep an eye on my tank. Luckily, I have a neighbor and father-in-law that are willing to do this. Usually I'll just ask them to check/feed every other day.
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Will Spencer
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Joined: September 04 2003
Location: West Jordan
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Posted: May 14 2004 at 6:56pm |
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If for some reason you are not able to get a WMAS person to keep an eye on your tank (which I find hard to believe,) and feel that you fish must be fed, (they can go at least 5 days without,) get one of those daily pill dispensers and put a little in each days square. Instruct the housesitter to feed only the food that is in that days square no matter what. That way you get to measure "a pinch". Not the house sitter. Their "pinch" is always bigger than yours.
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