Originally Posted by
DiscusLoverJeff
This time of year the forum gets asked "what should I do before going on vacation."
I tried to do a write up for everyone to review as a "basic" guideline on what to do.
Remember, adult discus can survive without food for a week
If you do not have someone to take care of your fish before you go then do this; if adults, don't feed 48 hours prior to leaving and do as big of a water change as you can before you go. If someone can feed your adults but not change the water, it would just be best to not feed at all.
If juvies, (not advisable to purchase small fish before you go on vacation. If your source has them now, they will have them when you get back.) you have a few options. If you have someone who can feed them and do water changes, have that person knowledgeable of your setup before you leave. As we know the key to juvenile growth is good food and clean water.
If you have fry on parents, they should be fine if gone 7 days (depending on how long and how many have been attached, the fry could eat too much and hurt the parents), any longer than that, you could have dead fry when you get home. Again, the importance of having someone look after your spawning pairs.
Always check your equipment before leaving (heaters, air pumps, filters, sump, etc.)
If you have a sump, make sure someone can monitor and fill because their will be evaporation.