Vacation Plant Care

[dougrm3]

Hi All,
Heading down to Florida for a conference and will be gone for five days. My wife Suzanne is going to feed the tiger shrimp that I just got from Ghazanfar at the last meeting. They are loving their new home. Wondering the best way to leave my plants. My t5 HO are on timers and have battery fish feeders. I’m using the Seachem daily recommended dosing routine and pressure CO2 .

I’m wondering if I should do any of the following:
1. Make no changes and just pick up the dosing when I return?
2. Cut off the CO2 while gone and cut back the photo period?
3. Dose extra heavy before I leave?
4. Aquarium needs a trim. Could cut way back.
5. None or some of the above.

Not a big deal. Know the plants will snap back. Just don’t want to throw things out of balance while gone. Plants have been growing very well. Did a forum search before I posted. Just wondering what other people do? Thanks for any suggestions or help.
Hoping to check out some local fish stores while on my trip to Florida (Orlando, Tampa).
Doug

[Jim Miller]

I'd lower the photoperiod, keep CO2 running during whatever photoperiod is chosen.

Dose normally before leaving.

Don't trim.

Have fun in FL.

jim

[Judi]

I do a big water change, and dose normally. I usually reduce the intensity of the lighting, or cut the photoperiod.

[dougrm3]

Jim and Mary,
Thank you for your input. I’ll follow your suggestions and cut the light intensity and photo period. Hoping for some warm weather and sunshine in Florida. Thanks again.
Doug