Healthy fish in a stable aquarium can sometimes manage a short weekend, but for trips of several days a sitter visit to feed them and check the filter, heater and lights is safer. A PetHome Israel visit starts at 90 ₪ and ends with a photo and short video of the tank. Prepare food in daily portions to prevent overfeeding.
What the sitter does
- Feeds the exact portion you prepared.
- Checks that the filter, heater, air pump and lights work.
- Checks water level and temperature if you leave a thermometer.
- Looks for anything unusual and reports it.
- Sends a photo and video.
How often
For many home aquariums, a visit every second or third day is enough on longer trips; for sensitive species or small tanks, more often. Follow the advice of your aquarium shop or specialist.
Preparation
- Do any water change a few days before you leave, not the day before.
- Portion food into labelled daily containers.
- Write down the light timer and heater settings.
- Leave the phone of your aquarium shop or specialist.
- Show the sitter how to switch off and restart equipment.
Overfeeding is the main risk
Well-meaning helpers often feed too much, which pollutes the water. Pre-portioned food solves this.
Power cuts
If you have a power cut while away, the sitter checks that equipment restarts. Tell the sitter what to do if it does not.
Other pets
If you also have a cat or a dog, the sitter can check the aquarium during the same visit. Make sure the tank lid is secure, since some cats are very interested in fish when the owners are away.
Holidays
Before long holidays, book early and test any automatic feeder for a week while you are still at home.