Vacation advice! Leaving my tanks to my clueless room mate...

[tim the toolman]

Originally Posted by Snaz

I'm not sure adding a potentially disastrous piece of equipment like an ATO just before you leave is a good idea. I would want any auto device running for a few months before I trusted it unattended.

I agree. But salinity swings can be one of the worst things for all members of the tank and depending on the tank size it doesn't take long for this to happen. Marking water lines is a safe way to go but this is assuming the friend isn't a sleep over at a girlfriend/boyfriends for a few nights and forgets stuff easily. I think an ato with floats etc. Is pretty tricky but a pressure activated solenoid with a sturdy fastening system is pretty safe. It's a gamble on both sides.