A worry-free holiday: how to keep your aquarium running smoothly whilst you’re away

Switzerland is a country of travellers. Whether it’s a hiking holiday in the Grisons Alps or a stay by the sea – when the suitcases are packed, a delicate system is left behind: the aquarium. The worry that the water will be cloudy or the fish unwell upon return is widespread, but is usually unfounded if proper preparations are made.

An aquarium is a biological system that thrives on consistency. Your aim whilst away on holiday should therefore be to alter the usual routine as little as possible, whilst at the same time putting safety measures in place.

Preparation: No experiments before departure

A common mistake is to make major changes just before setting off. A new filter, a new lighting setting or even new fish can upset the balance. If something goes wrong whilst you are away, you will be unable to intervene.

Our expert advice: Carry out the last major partial water change around three to four days before you leave. This gives you time to observe whether the equipment is running smoothly again after the change and whether all the fish are healthy. Only clean the filter if absolutely necessary, and never at the same time as the water change, to preserve the important beneficial bacteria.

Feeding: Less is often more

Fish are cold-blooded animals and – provided they are healthy and well-fed – can easily go without food for a few days. For an absence of up to three days, no action is usually required.

If the trip lasts longer, there are two tried-and-tested strategies:

1. The automatic feeder: Modern devices can be programmed precisely. They dispense exactly the amount your fish need. Important: Test the feeder a week before departure in a ‘dry run’ over a plate to check the portion size. Nothing is more dangerous than a feeder that dispenses too much food into the water, causing the water parameters to become unbalanced.
2. Holiday food (food stones): These dissolve slowly and release nutrients. They are a good solution for classic community tanks, but should also be tested beforehand to ensure acceptance.

Avoid asking untrained neighbours to feed the fish without first measuring out the portions precisely. The notion that “the fish look so hungry” often leads to massive overfeeding and, in the worst case, to the death of the fish due to nitrite poisoning.

Secure equipment and lighting

Lighting must be controlled via a timer or a controller. A consistent day-night cycle reduces stress in the fish and prevents algae blooms.

Also check all plug connections. In modern aquatics, smart home solutions are becoming increasingly popular. With Wi-Fi sockets or aquarium computers, you can check via smartphone from anywhere in the world whether the temperature is correct or the pump is running. A quick glance at the app in your hotel room goes a long way towards putting your mind at ease.

The ‘emergency plan’ for when you’re away

Even if you don’t need anyone to feed the fish daily, it’s advisable to give a key to someone you trust. This person doesn’t need to be an aquarium expert. A quick check every two to three days is enough:

• Is the filter running (can you hear it splashing)?
• Is the water clear?
• Is there a dead fish in the tank (this would need to be removed)?

In this case, leave the telephone number of your specialist retailer or an experienced aquarist right by the tank.

Return with peace of mind

If you follow these steps, a healthy, clear aquarium will await you on your return. Plants often grow particularly well during your holiday absence, as the system has been barely disturbed by reduced feeding and the period of rest.

At AQUATANA, we know that the safety of your fish is your top priority. In our online shop, you’ll find a selection of reliable automatic feeders, digital thermometers and smart controllers, specially designed to cover holiday periods. We’d also be happy to advise you on which solution is safest for your tank size and stock. This way, you can enjoy your holiday to the full, whilst your underwater world at home is well looked after.