Holiday care

Tank preparation

Start FOUR WEEKS BEFORE your holiday to maintain a healthy, well-balanced aquarium. DO NOT introduce any new fish OR plants during this period. If in doubt, ASK.

Water changes

Routine maintenance runs throughout the year, but three weeks before your holiday change up to one third of all the water and add an approved preparation. Remove ALL debris from the tank and gravel. If you have under-gravel filtering, put a siphon down the uplift pipe and remove ALL debris from beneath the plates.

With box filters rinse some of the media in old aquarium water. Added water should be at the SAME TEMPERATURE as the old water. REVERT TO NORMAL CLEANING AFTER THIS PROCEDURE.

Feeding

Fish will naturally go for long periods without food, but you should work to a scientifically proven regime.

At the start of the four week period increase feeding levels to help build up body fat reserves. During the final week before departure gradually reduce feeding levels to a half or a third to prepare the fish for the conditions while you are away.

Upon you return gradually increase feeding levels back to normal so that the fish can make the necessary adjustments to the digestive system.

Remember that feeding blocks are a very useful feeding aid while you are away. Consult your OATA retailer about these.

A neighbour or friend can also help out, but remember to stress the dangers of overfeeding. If you have any fry in the tank you must arrange regular feeding.

Lighting

Automatic timers help to maintain plant health with balanced lighting, but if you don't have one, leave some curtain light access. Automatic timers could also prove a useful security device with a light coming on and off.