maintenance

[bob1]

I am debating upgrading from fish only to reef tank but I need to know how long I can leave such a tank unattended (vacations)

[Bughead]

I'm very antsy about leaving my tanks for more than a day or two, but actually they'd be fine for a week. I'd still think it would be best if you could have somewne come in every day or two to feed and check on the equipment,etc. But I've heard of people leaving their reef tanks for a week at a time without probs.

[zhenya]

I hate living my tanks unattended as it always resulted in some losses in my case.However, if you have automated top off and all plumbing is secure,I'd say that leaving it for a week is doable,providing that fishes could be fed by someone or some auto food dispencing gadget.

[rayjay]

My concern would be the maintainance of the s.g..
In my case, I replace a little over 5 gal a night for evaporation and even two nights missed means I have to bring it back up over a few more nights to make the system as stable as possible. Greater changes increase the chances of having problems.
I get someone to come in and top up nightly, and feed the tanks in the morning.
If I'm gone for more than a week, I also get them to magnet clean the glass so the build up doesn't become impossible.