I will be leaving to visit family for three days over Christmas, and I'm not sure what to do with Vincent (my Oscar).

I can't just put in a bunch of extra pellets - he refuses to eat them after they get water clogged. I thought about peeling a bunch of grapes and tossing them in, but I'm worries he'll over-eat and get sick.

Will he be OK for a few days without food? Any other suggestions on how to keep him fed while I'm away (I don't really have neighbors I can ask to feed him...)?

Don't worry, you can safely leave your fish for three days without any food and it will be perfectly okay. Don't leave the lights on either.

Fish are cold blooded and as need only 10%-20% the energy of warm booled animals to survive. In addition fish are very efficient users of their available energy, so I think they only need about 7% of the energy.

Young growing fish must have regular food to ensure they grow normally. I recommend no more than 5 days without food for young oscars under 8cm long.

Large adult fish in good condition can be left for months without food with few detrimental effects. I regularly leave my Oscars for 2 weeks without food when I holliday. They do not lose any condition over that time but tend to damage tank decor looking for food.

Do not give the fish a big feed just prior to leaving - you may upset the nitrate cycle in the tank and you will not be there to deal with it!

Three days will not be a problem for a fish over 2cm. Do not leave extra food in the tank!

Hope this helps.

I concur with all the above...However if you feel like your Oscar will need some sustenance, they do manufacture automated feeders.
www.bigalsonline.com/edealinv/servlet/Ex...t.x=0&submit.y=0

another idea (for those who maybe planning longer vacations away from home)....... see if you have a professional aquarium service in your area (they maybe listed as commercial aquarium services or something).... They probably offer "one time servicing" (instead of the typical monthly contract). I thought it was worth considering - especially if you are going out of town and don't have friends that can perform tasks above and beyond feeding (i.e water changes).

The one in my area charges $75 for a full maintenance (chemistry test, equipment check and water change).

Great advice Meghan... Just make sure you check references. We have helped a couple different people who have used a service to keep their tanks, and the service NEVER tested and NEVER used a gravel vac!!!

MeghanR wrote:


yeah, we got that too, it's called "Mom".
lol, the 76 year old woman comes over from Germany and takes excellent care of my fish and tanks.
She may be old, but she knows the ins and outs of fishkeeping (like my filters and feeding) and i can go on a holiday with peace of mind.

If you need her phone number just PM me.