Vacation Fish Food Cakes?

Question

How can I make my own fish food cakes that are slow-release so if I go on a trip my parents don't have to worry about feeding my fish? I want to make some that are healthy for a full 20 gallon tank and a full 10 gallon tank for 2-3 days, and some for up to 14 days. Can I do such a thing? I don't want to buy the 2 week version and end up using it for 2 days and wasting my money. Is there any way to preserve them once you are back for later use?

Answer 1

I purchased a battery operated feeder for when I go on vacation, and it has worked fine for me. I can set this particular one to feed how much I want, when I want. So I don't run in to any problems, I put in the compartments a lot less then I normally feed, just in case it screws up for some reason. It's a good idea to keep in mind for the future.

You really do not need to feed them at all, they'll be fine for 2 or 3 days (actually for a couple of weeks). It also helps your fish in that it will help "clean" their systems out and give their tummies a rest. However, if your parents are willing to feed them, and you are really worried about NOT feeding them, here's a suggestion. Go to a Dollar Store and get one of those 7 day pill dispensers. Then, as you feed your fish one day, put that same amount in each one of the compartments (or for as many days as you'll be gone). This way, your parents just have to open up the lid and poof, they are fed with no worrying about overfeeding or anything. If you want them to be fed 2 x's a day, fill all of them up. I think you get the idea. I am against the ziploc bag only because of static....the flakes tend to static themselves to the baggie and it's hard to get them out. Plus, baggies are more expensive then the pill dispensers, lol.

The more important thing then food is the temperature. Make sure that your thermometer is set right and that there won't be any surprise temp. changes. You wouldn't want to come home to frozen or boiled fish , lol. Just make sure you double check it before you go.

I hope I was able to help some way. Good luck, and have a great trip!! ;o)

Answer 2

The 2-3 days are no problem for your fish to go without eating. Just feed them normally just before you leave and when you get home.

The two weeks is even safe for most fish - and probably safer than even the commercially available feeders. All these are is fish food inside plaster of Paris which dissolves. Once fish realize "there's food in there" and start to pick at them, I have yet to see any last more than 3-4 days at the longest. This also adds chemicals from the plaster of Paris (calcium and sulfate) to your tank and may make the water cloudy.

If your parents are willing to feed your fish, the best thing to do is to make up small envelopes of ziploc bags of the proper amount of food (so the fish aren't overfed, leaving you with a messy tank or dead fish when you get back - and hide the rest of the food just in case!). You can even reduce the feedings to every other day using the normal amount without harming them. Pill containers can be awkward to remove food form, especially if the sections are small and the "days" don't open individually. Adult fingers can't always pick the flakes or pellets out easily, so if going this route, get one where each day opens so that section can be "dumped" in the tank.

Answer 3

I don't think it would be a good idea since you run the risk of the extra food compromising the quality of the water. Why don't you get a pill container and distribute the amount of food that the fish need each day into each compartment. That way your parents will know how much to feed the fish. It shouldn't be too big of an inconvenience to them if all they have to do is put the food in once a day.

Answer 4

If you are only going for 2 days, you don't really need to worry about the fish, they will be fine.

But if you really want to get the store bought ones, you can break them up, and leave an appropriate size for the time you are gone. That way, you can save the unused portions for later.