Thread: Summer holiday planning

Just been told by missus we need to be away for 3 weeks in summer. I’m scratching my head to figure out how to get this approved at work - and even more worried what the koi /pond may go through. My lot went through flukes, Supaverm and all came out as winners, but I fear they may not survive 3 weeks during summer in a small 1000g pond. 1 koi 65cm. 4 40-45cm. A few fingerlings.

Questions:

1) if there’s plenty of algae on the walls for fish to eat when really hungry - do I still need to get an auto feeder? I’m thinking better to underfeed/no feed when away. Can fish live on algae and natural insects in pond?

2) any ‘fish sitter/visitor” service you’re aware of or can recommend for M25 Surrey/Kent/Gatwick area? I’d rather not ask a friend who hasn’t kept fish to feed or clean filter or do water changes - especially those who may bring their kids over to feed feed feed

3) I can install a camera and check from my phone while alway - though not very useful if I don’t have someone local to call if I see something wrong like pump broken. I’ve a float switch for leaks but if that happens will still need someone to top up water with declorinator

They’ve previously survived up to 1 week only with no one around so this will be unchartered

Thank you guys for the advice. I’ll get an auto feeder. Think I’ll set it to drop food once per day for 3 weeks to keep waste minimal when no water changes are done.

What feeder makes would suffice for this daily feed? I read good review about X Clear - at £200 or so. Quite expensive but if it’s of good quality I’ll get it. Don’t want any accident of feeder dumping liters and liters of food while away either!


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Thank you. Think this is the same one a few quid cheaper - https://aquasourceuk.com/product/x-c...c-fish-feeder/


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Finally came back from 3 weeks summer holiday and really relieved to see all fish alive and well! The X Clear auto feeder was great - I set it to feed 4 times per day with 60 seconds drop each - fish don’t look thin at all and have added some growth. Did a 50% water change earlier and Virkon etc. Shame I missed 3 weeks of best weather for aggressive feeding.

Hi mate it’s just over 1 ft