How to prepare for being away.

[someguy]

If I'm going away for a while, I pre-package food for each day, make sure my top-off is full, demonstrate skimmer cup cleaning, warn them that some algea will build up on glass and tell them not to worry about it (ie: I don't want them sticking anything in the tank to try to clean). Lastly, I have them turn off the lights for the last 3-4 days and stop feeding. This makes their job easier, makes over feeding less likely and I always find that a few days of no light and no food makes the whole tank look a little happier.

[Coralgurl]

The last time I went away, I was lucky as my daughter was my tank sitter. As she had a good idea of what needed to be done, I still left instructions and I made sure I labeled EVERYTHING, equipment, plugs etc. I had all my buckets ready for top up water, plus more made in the basement. I also did a water change a few days before I left, plus made sure there was mixed water if needed. I also found someone who could take a phone call if something happened. One night my ATO stopped working so the return pump started sputtering once the water level dropped. She called Matt and got it sorted out.

I also watched someone's tank for them and they left awesome instructions, how to refill top up water, amount of food, dosing and freshwater fish. Don't assume what you do on your tank, someone else does, even with experience. I took better care of his tank while he was away, than I did mine, I was so scared something would go wrong. Try to have as much prepared in advance so your tank sitter just has to wipe the glass and feed the tank.

Not sure how some of you can go 2 weeks without cleaning the skimmer cup...