How to Feed Your Fish While on Vacation

Solution #1: Automatic Fish Feeder

This is exactly what it sounds like. Automatic fish feeders use a timer, which you set yourself, to release a fixed amount of food. If possible, do a practice run with your fish feeder to see how your fish respond to this method of feeding.   

The Good: Super easy to use. Plus, you can set an automatic feeder to dish out food at their normal feeding times. 

The Something-to-Think-About: With no one to clean up any leftover food, you might end up with a slightly messier tank after your vacation. You should also know automatic fish feeders are not meant to dispense live food.   

Solution #2: Vacation Fish Feeder

Also known as fish feeding blocks, vacation fish feeders are dense blocks of food that dissolve and release food when submerged in water. These are meant for aquariums with small groups of fish. For this kind of fish feeder, we suggest trying one beforehand to see if you and your fish are okay with how much food these blocks dispense.    

The Good: Even easier to use then an automatic fish feeder. Just drop it and go. 

The Something-to-Think-About: Your fish may get gluttonous and overeat. You may also come home to large amounts of uneaten food floating around your tank. In addition, vacation fish feeders aren’t an ideal option if your fish eat live food as part of their diet. 

Solution #3: A Fish Sitter

Have someone you trust (friend, neighbor, family) come by your home to feed and check up on your fish. Or search online for “fish sitters near me” to find a professional sitter.  

The Good: You get the peace-of-mind knowing someone is literally looking after your fish, especially if they require some sort of special care or need to eat live food. Just remember to leave a clear set of instructions for the sitter.  

The Something-to-Think-About: You will either have to pay for a professional fish sitter or owe someone a favor.

Final fish food for thought: After your vacation, check to see if your fish are okay. Some signs of illness include circling, hiding, rubbing up against objects or going up to the surface for air. And while some fish can survive without food for a day or two, daily routines such as being fed are important for a healthy aquarium—so try and get an automatic fish feeder, vacation fish feeder or fish sitter.