Skip feeding for about 3 or 4 days?

[geno]

Okay -- what's your opinion about this?

I will be away for about 3 or 4 days and could do one of the following:

1. Teach a novice how to feed my fish (they will be staying at my home)

2. Skip the feedings until I return

I've read (that can be dangerous, I know) that fish can go quite some time without food -- and, in fact, it may be safer than the potential of over feeding.

Thanks for your opinion.:up:

-geno

 

[sshindell]

Either way will work. Fish can go a few days without food. Even novices can put in pre-measured amounts and be taught not to touch plumbing.

 

[glxtrix]

I've gone 8 days without feeding once. Fish weren't phased at all. Keep in mind, there isn't a magical hand in the wild that feeds fish every day Generally what I've done when I'm leaving and I know no one is watching my tank, feed heavier the day or two before to plump up the fish and leave without any worry.

 

[raisingtwo2006]

Yep, I've gone a week without feeding when I had just started the hobby.. didn't have anyone to help feed while we were gone, so I took my chances. Granted, I only had a couple damsels, yellow tang, clown and a porci puffer.. But everything was alive and kicking when I got home.

 

[slayer]

i've skipped a whole week also,,no effects on the fish... you could also try an automated feeder..

 

[glxtrix]

All the more reason to starve the fish (well not really starving, there is plenty of algae in a tank to pick off rocks) so when you come back, they will be uber happy to see you

 

[jefft]

Barbara;180652 wrote: the fish start shimmying and coming to the front, and then ....... "Oh Lord, she's picking up the can! Yes, the one with the blue top!!!''' (quiver quiver quiver). I mean, that's the coolest part of my tank is feeding the fish!

Ah Barbara maybe you make an appointment with Dr. Steve! :lol2:

 

[geno]

Many good comments -- as always!

I feel reassured that I can go either way. But I feel best that I can leave them to fend for themselves -- if I decide that's the safest move.

Barbara -- you really crack me up. I love your dialogues -- please keep responding to my posts -- I look forward to them.

I don't have many fish to feed: 2 clowns, 1 yellow head goby, 1 lawnmower blennie, 2 cardinals (dumb as rocks), 1 fire shrimp and the typical inverts and a few corals -- the easy kind LPS (remember I'm new at this).

-gene

 

[jballa15]

Salt water fish have fat sores which allow them to go for many days without food. Most freshwater fish do not and can only last a couple days before starving. Not an expert, just what ive been told.

 

[geno]

Not sure I can believe everything I read... but this seemed reasonable and balanced.

http://www.fishlore.com/vacationaquarium.htm">http://www.fishlore.com/vacationaquarium.htm</a>

-geno