Vacation-ready tank?

[rancher]

I'm going away for two weeks and need advice on prepping my 40-gallon planted tank. It's got a school of Tetras, a pair of German Blue Rams, and some Otocinclus. I've got an auto-feeder set up, but I'm worried about water quality. Any tips?

[hazel9]

I've never left my tank for that long, but maybe a big water change before you go would help. How often do you usually change the water?

[finner]

Yep, a big water change is a solid move. Also, cut back on feeding a bit before you leave. Overfeeding's gonna mess with your params real quick.

[rancher]

I've never left my tank for that long, but maybe a big water change before you go would help. How often do you usually change the water?

I do 25% weekly. Think I should bump it to 50% right before I leave?

[finner]

For sure, 50%'s a good call. And maybe toss in some extra filter media to keep the bio load in check. What kinda filter you running?

[hazel9]

I've got a sponge filter in my 20-gallon. It's pretty low maintenance, but I'm not sure if it's enough for a bigger tank like yours.

[rancher]

For sure, 50%'s a good call. And maybe toss in some extra filter media to keep the bio load in check. What kinda filter you running?

I've got a canister filter, Fluval 307. It's been solid so far.

[finner]

Nice, that's a beast. You should be golden with that and the water change. Just don't forget to test your params when you get back.

[hazel9]

Do you have someone who can check on the tank while you're gone? Just in case something goes sideways.

[rancher]

Yeah, my neighbor's gonna pop in every few days. She's not a fish person, but she can at least make sure the auto-feeder's working and the temp's stable.