Summer is approaching and It's vacation time. What are your fears?

[Tcook]

I know, right?
I wish I knew ANYONE around here who kept a reef tank.

Where is “here”?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I know, right?
I wish I knew ANYONE around here who kept a reef tank.

LFS
Local Reef Clubs
Trusted competent person that can handle simple instructions

 

[HomebroodExotics]

Vacations? In this economy? Only CEOs get vacation because they work so hard.

 

[Kellie in CA]

My "vacation" is usually 2 nights somewhere within a 2 hour drive, so it's not too worrisome. But I did buy a cheap camera on Amazon that I hook up while I'm gone. My biggest fear tank-wise is earthquakes, so if a small one happens while I'm away I can at least see that the tank is intact.

 

[Sink_or_Swim]

Well, because of my job, I've never really been able to take more than a couple days off at a time - so I don't usually worry about the tank too much when I'm gone. Lights are on a schedule, have an ATO and I have an automatic feeder that I'd set up if I was ever gone longer. However, I would need a housesitter for my 3 dogs regardless - so I could potentially "train" someone watching them to at least feed the fish and keep an eye on things at a minimum. My dad would be the best option as he's kept fish forever, including a saltwater tank when I was a kid (he's never had coral though, so I'd worry about that a little). If I was ever gone for a really extended time, I think I'd hire the guys from my LFS to take care of the tank.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Whatever you kids do, don't make any changes to your setup in the last days before you leave for vacation.

 

[vetteguy53081]

making last minute adjustments often is the biggest enemy of going on vacation.
All too often, we see failure or tank disruption from over-prepping.
Remember the term : S T A B I L I T Y
If car is running good- why tune it up. Same applies to tank

 

[KK's Reef]

As many of us travel, go camping and visit relatives, we find ourselves leaving our tanks behind.
What are your biggest concerns and fears when leaving and returning home?

I have someone who is very experienced to watch and feed my tanks daily. I fear a phone call with " I hate to tell you this", but have been lucky.

What is your fear ?

I fear higher Disneyland ticket prices.

 

[GARRIGA]

Storm induced power outage and high heat.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I fear higher Disneyland ticket prices.

$116/PP

 

[LPS Bum]

The usual concerns. Extended power outage that goes past my battery backup’s capabilities. Neighbor forget to refill ATO. Some piece of critical equipment (such as a return pump) fails, etc.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Storm induced power outage and high heat.

Yes summer brings storms, hurricanes and weather warnings

 

[exnisstech]

My fear is how POed my Gal will be because I won't go on vacation because I have no automation except ato and no one to care for the tanks.

 

[MnFish1]

As many of us travel, go camping and visit relatives, we find ourselves leaving our tanks behind.
What are your biggest concerns and fears when leaving and returning home?

I have someone who is very experienced to watch and feed my tanks daily. I fear a phone call with " I hate to tell you this", but have been lucky.

What is your fear ?

Hmmm.. well there is the Red Sea thing... However, I'm beyond that. IMHO - anyone with an expensive collection of fish/coral - should have an 'accurate' - web-linked controller. because - as you say - things always go wrong with vacations. I get away without these fears by hiring someone to stay in my house - If there is a problem - I can talk them through whatever it is.

 

[MnFish1]

LFS
Local Reef Clubs
Trusted competent person that can handle simple instructions

Or a person you can train.... Are the lights on, are the pumps running, etc. . One time - we had a house sitter - 10 years ago. she called and said 'the water is cold' - I thought - oh ok - the heater is broken. However the whole tank was not working.....

edit - we make a list of the stuff the house sitter should check every day.

 

[MnFish1]

I'm worried that my fish will outgrow the tank while I'm away.

This is an absolutely awesome topic - and everyone should think about this.... Another thing - Is your tank/apartment/home/ etc - covered. The contents of our tanks which may be worth. couple thousand dollars - minimum - Check with your policy

 

[OscarHaglund]

Im going abroad for 3 consecutive weeks this summer. My biggest worry is probably heat. We don’t have ac and the indoor ambient can reach 29-30 celcius.

i might have someone with minimal experience check in maybe once a week…

 

[MnFish1]

Im going abroad for 3 consecutive weeks this summer. My biggest worry is probably heat. We don’t have ac and the indoor ambient can reach 29-30 celcius.

i might have someone with minimal experience check in maybe once a week…

I would say - slow temperature increase for fish is not an issue - Coral is another story

 

[iamacat]

A rainy day!

I moved to my vacation and installed a generator. I don’t miss the separation anxiety

 

[i cant think]

I’m not going on vacation that I know of, however as it’s summer I am concerned most about heatwaves. Last year my area hit the record of longest time with no rain in the UK… 45 Days of drought was causing my tanks to crash slowly but surely.
I’ll never forget having to beat the heat and I hope I don’t have to face it that badly again.