1. Do you have an old account but can't access it?


    See Accessing your GIRS Account or Contact Us - We are here to help!

Leaving the country for a Week!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Matt, Jan 5, 2011.

  1. Matt

    Matt Inactive User

    867
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Welp by some random luck, and the Girlfreind studying abroad.  I have got the chance to head over there in about 8 weeks for a trip.  Well this brings up a problem, my tank. My tank is on my Reefkeeper, so that aspect is all good.  But what are some tips that I could give my roomate?  He is up for anything since I have to watch his dog for a week in April.  But I wanna have him help me the next month so that he can figure things out so if something goes wrong.  I will most likely change the water before I leave.  But mostly its just the little stuff I would like him to know. 
    Any Ideas are welcomed!
     
  2. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Get someone in the club that knows reef systems to check in on things on a regular basis...once or twice a week.  Point out specific things to your roommate that are indicators that your corals are happy (i.e. good coloration, polyp extension, etc)...as well as indicators when they are not (if you happen to see any before you go).  Knowing when the corals are happy and when they are not will be a huge help so they know when to call someone before things get really bad.  Good luck and enjoy your trip!
    --AJ
     
  3. bobsfish

    bobsfish Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +3 / 0 / -0
    I would agree. I was gone for a week last spring on business and had my wife / kid feed the fish. Since it was spring, I didn't have the house air conditioner on. But, the weather turned warm outside and the house likewise got pretty warm. Consequently, the tank jumped up to 85 degrees. Fortunately, I didn't lose anything, but it could have been bad if I was gone longer. So, since then, I've had club members help out if I'm gone more than a few days at a time.

     
  4. Matt

    Matt Inactive User

    867
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Yea, thats what I was thinking just showing him how things should look, and feeding things.  The deal is I will be in London and most likely just have either skype or facebook, no cell phone. 
     
  5. Dave Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines Area
    Ratings:
    +450 / 1 / -0
    We were gone for a week 3 times last year and had the tank mostly on "autopilot". Used an automatic feeder and the ATO lasts for 6-7 days. I did have someone put a couple of gallons of water in the ATO about mid-week "just in case". I've heard so many horror stories about well meaning "tank sitters" that I thought automation was a better solution! Never had a single issue and everything looked great when we got back (other than the glass needing a good algae cleaning.
     
  6. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Matt, I am not far from you and I travel to Slater often. If you need someone to check on it let me know and we can hook up before you leave.
     
  7. phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

    Riverside
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Have things cleaned, double-checked and everything as automated as possible. Have someone who knows reef tanks as a back-up person to call, should something go wrong. Make sure you have some towels, spare saltwater made up for emergency water changes. Something can always go wrong, even in the best systems, so make sure to have a number you can be reached at and be sure to keep your phone on or check messages regularly.
     
  8. beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +616 / 2 / -0
    Document, document, document.  Even though you have told him what to do and when, someone that does not do it regularly will forget - or will be uncertain.  Create a spreadsheet/checklist of what to do daily, every 2-3 days etc.  Have a list of things that could be 'out of the ordinary' and what to do if it happens.  Have contact numbers for an expert locally, so that he can call if he's just not completely sure if he understood something he's supposed to do, or if something might just not be quite right as he remembers it to be.
     
  9. Gered

    Gered Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Make sure he has my number! Also pick up an auto feeder unless you think he will keep up on feeding. Do you plan on having the net module before you leave? If so you can give me the address and login so I can check on things from here.
     
  10. Matt

    Matt Inactive User

    867
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Yea Gered your number will be on his speed dial.  Net module might work, and I need to figure out how they work if it goes to a computer or a email.  If it goes to a email I will set yours up so you can keep a eye on it. 
     
  11. Gered

    Gered Experienced Reefkeeper

    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Well if it is similar to the Aquacontrollers you will have a website you will link to and then have it password protected. I am not sure how they do the whole network thing on the ReefKeepers so you will have to look into it.
     
  12. beckerj3 Expert Reefkeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +616 / 2 / -0
    If you don't want to get an automatic food dispenser - or if you are feeding frozen - get a weekly pill dispenser - then you can put in the amt you want fed each day.
     
  13. Matt

    Matt Inactive User

    867
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I might just mix up little cubes with all the food in the frozen and just add a pellet a day
     
  14. mcclandy

    mcclandy

    254
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Enjoy your time abroad!
     
  15. Matt

    Matt Inactive User

    867
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Andy I will have so much fun, It will be nice to see the Girlfriend after being away from her for 8 weeks.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.