Will my tank survive while I'm overseas for 3 months?

**stinkolicious** · 16th Jul 2010, 12:07

Hi everyone

wanted to get some views here

I have a small 10g tank setup, residents include:
- 3 x 1.5inch comet goldfish
- 2 x 1inch golden algae eaters
- 1 x 1inch sae
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a clump of java fern
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1 x 32led AquaZonic led lights
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bottom of rounded pebbles, no gravel
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1 x 2213(new addition around for about 2months)
1 x HOB filter
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Situation: I will be heading overseas for about 3months and I dont think my parents know how to maintain the tank other then the topping up water or feeding.

Questions:
1.) I am concerned about nitrate buildup and water quality between changes. Hence I am thinking of adding some Java Moss.
Pros: it might help keep water quality from deteriorating too fast
Cons: Fast grower (but my SAE and the occasional nibblings of my goldfish might help keep it from overgrowing). Am I wrong to think this way?

1a.) If I am adding the Java Moss, I might add in a Dymax 28led light.

2.) My HOB filter now consists purely of filter wool as I have transfered my bio-filter material into the canister. Should I keep it running for the duration I am away? Or slowly pack it up and rely entirely on my canister?

appreciate your time and inputs

**eviltrain** · 16th Jul 2010, 12:15

Since nobody at home knows how to look after, decomm is a better suggestion from me if you going for 3 months. alternatively, ask a friend who knows to look after for you.

**xaine** · 19th Jul 2010, 14:47

Normally, a 10G tank with 5 fishes, one can sustain long enough with little water change (if your plants does enough to suck up excess nutrients). The worrisome factor is your 3 goldfish, they have a large appetite and produce enough waste to choke your filters in 1-2months. I would suggest that you can either house them with a friend or put it up for sale /adoption. The rest of the tank should be able to sustain long enough for your return by the looks of the filters used.

**stinkolicious** · 20th Jul 2010, 01:13

thanks for your inputs guys

much appreciated!

**green palette** · 20th Jul 2010, 01:55

another problem might be water evaporation. Someone in your family will have to constantly be topping up water in the tank. Since it is a small tank, if no one tops up the water, you might be coming home to a vivarium instead =)