Vacations?
 

I am considering setting up a reef tank in the not too distant future.

However, my wife and I will be spending 3 weeks in the UK next summer.

How do you reef keepers maintain your tanks over lengthy vacations? Any tips to prevent coming home to a dying "cesspool"?

If I cannot figure something out, my build will likely be cancelled (for the sake of my marriage and my health). Lol.

Two things that would come right off the mind: ATO with enough reserve for double the time you will be out. And a controller so that you can look at the tank's condition through internet. And maybe a wifi camera just to add a bit of relaxation :D

For food: maybe ask someone to come every three/four days to drop off some food into the tank. To me, asking someone to dump food everyday is a bad idea. Also don't keep any anthias.

ATO and a automatic feed with someone coming by once a week to refill the feeder.

Spend the money on good automation with lots of fail safe, backup, webcam and text alerts....Its possible if you plan right. Or maybe you would want to wait. Personally I always thought if I couldnt go on vacation with a reef tank I wouldnt have one. So I just go on vacation and I've always had good luck pretty much. Of course my trips are usually only a week long (no one watches the tank), not 3.

I also typically go for a week at a time, leaving the tank on it's own. For three weeks, I'd arrange a sitter to feed the tank. Everything else is fine on it's own.
I did once go to SE Asia for 6 weeks, I sold my tank before going :) Bought a bigger one when I got back!

3 weeks a bit long to stay away from your tank without having someone with good knowledge for what your system will be.
I would look into getting someone in the hobby to watch over the system not just any joe from any LFS.

I should add that my 3 sons will be staying behind so the tank can be monitored daily (just not by someone necessarily knowledgeable).

My 14-year old is very responsible and has a real interest in aquariums. I would likely task him with some very simple tasks such as pre-portioned feedings every 3-4 days, topping up my ATO container and ensuring that all pumps are running.

I am also hoping that I could ask a reefer in my area to act as "emergency" contact.

I kinda feel like if something is going to fail during that 3 weeks, it will fail whether I am home or not.

Thanks for your feedback so far. Any additional thoughts?

Get a tank sitter! There are businesses / LFS that will do this.

Have you used one? I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with a stranger looking after my tank etc.

I've had a couple of different tank sitters. Both of which I met on canreef. They've worked out quite well. You definitely should develope a relationship with them first if you are unease letting strangers sit your tank.

I've never used a commercial service but have friends that do. There are reputable services in town.