Time-away plan
Away for more than two weeks: water changes and wear parts
More than two weeks away: a water change falls due, airline and pump diaphragms wear, and feeder capacity is not trip length. What makers and Merck say.
Also listed as month away, long trip
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Short answer
Past two weeks, a water change falls due: Merck lists one every two weeks, and Python suggests 5 to 10% every other week. Feeder capacity is not trip length (EHEIM's holds about 100 ml, Aquarium Co-Op's about 200 ml), and wear parts such as pump diaphragms and airline age. Someone needs to look after the tank.
Key facts
- Feeding plan
- A person feeds; a feeder is not a plan for this long[1]
- Feeder test
- If a feeder supports the sitter, check its capacity against your portions[2][3]EHEIM: about 100 ml, mainly flake. Aquarium Co-Op: about 200 ml, up to four feeds a day.
- Aeration backup
- Know the signs of a worn pump[4]Tetra says a pump that stops producing air or gets very loud may have a worn diaphragm, a wear part not covered by warranty.
- Water quality
- A water change falls due: Merck lists one every two weeks[7][8][9]Python suggests 5-10% every other week. Merck says new water should be dechlorinated.
- Sitter check
- Daily checks, plus a water change and test partway through[7]
- If the power goes out
- Check valve on any pump below the tank[10]
Watch out for
- Capacity is not trip length. EHEIM's 100 ml and Aquarium Co-Op's 200 ml are volumes; how long they last depends on portions and feeds per day.
- Airline hardens. Aquarium Co-Op says all airline eventually hardens in water and suggests trimming 0.5-1 inch before refitting; check it before a long trip.
- Do not open mains equipment. Tetra treats the diaphragm as a wear part; replace a failing pump rather than opening it.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Faucet water changer
Python No Spill Clean and Fill, 25 ftChoose the 25 ft (25NS) length, after measuring from the faucet to the tank. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Python supplies a 69HD brass faucet adapter; some faucets need a MABA or FEBA adapter. Python recommends adding water conditioner during the refill.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comLiquid test kit
API Freshwater Master Test KitChoose the Freshwater Master Test Kit. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
API says it measures pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, with seven test solutions.
Airline tubing
Penn-Plax Aqua-Life standard airline tubing, 3/16 in, 25 ftChoose the 25 ft, 3/16 in roll. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Standard 3/16 in per the listing, not 4 mm metric: match it to your pump outlets and check valves. Aquarium Co-Op says all airline eventually hardens; trim the hardened end before refitting.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.com
See the maintenance checklist and faucet water changer guide.
Questions
Can I skip a water change while I am away for three weeks?
Merck's maintenance table lists a water change every two weeks, with the amount set by stocking level, so a trip this long crosses one. Ask your sitter to do it, or plan one just before you leave and after you return.[7]