I haven't had a chance to research this yet myself, so I'm hoping there's an easy solution that you all might know.

We got invited to a thing in Vegas for about 5 days. I don't have anyone I can have come over that frequently to feed these guys.

Is there a decent automatic feeder out there? Is there a wiggly jello vacation feeder for discus? I've had good luck with those for the other cichlids and stuff, but like, not sure what to do with these.

Good question! I have heard good things about the Eheim Automatic Feeder. As for the wiggly jello vacation feeder I dont know. I would like to take a vacation but the thing I'm worried about are water changes. Maybe pops knows of a better feeder.

I really don't keep Discus and have never used auto feeders. Sorry I can't help out on this one...hopefully someone will chime in that has more input on this.

Research on the internet says that the Eheim 3581 feeder is "teh awesome"

If this is a definite go, I will pick one up and test it out before I go, and let you all know how good it is.

As for water changes, a day before I leave and right after I get back, shouldn't be that big a deal. Unless you ask Pops.

The live plants seem to do a pretty good job of keeping the nitrates down.

Heck, with the accidental Tub of Taro and Mint filtration system I stumbled on with the Koi, I *never* do water changes anymore, with them I just add water when it's low.

I've had an Eheim Automatic Feeder (not sure of the model #) for about 10 years. It will feed up to four times a day if I remember correctly. It also has a good size hopper. It was rather expensive, $60+, but it worked well.

I didn't realize that Discus were that delicate. Of course the last Discus I kept, thought it was a Peacock Bass. It became great pals with a 2-3 lb. P'Bass I had in a 150 at the lfs I used to manage, and would even go after the live shiners I fed the P'Bass. In fact they were such pals, that when I sold the Bass, the customer came back after about a week and bought the Green Heckel, because the Bass was sulking. Last I heard from the customer was about three years later, and the "Odd Couple" were still doing fine.

Mark

Woah thats crazy!

Yes... If I would've had a big enough tank at the house back then (Mid 1980s) they would have gone home with me. The Green Heckel was W/C and grew from about 4" to about 7" before it was sold. It was hilarious watching it hang on to the tail of a 2" to 3" Shiner. Obviously, it never read the books on how a Discus is supposed to act. I miss those fish.

Mark

Nice story indeed...and a crazy mix for sure!

Feeding while you are away can be tricky!!

I would recommend that you feed them before you leave and do a 50-60% WC then just feed as soon as you return.

You can use auto feeders but you must first test for a few days and feed aminimum while you are away so the water does not foul.

Wow Mark. That is totally bizarrely awesome.

The discus I have are still wee. (2.5 to 3") So they're still supposedly a bit delicate even if they don't act like it.

Pops: Nothing to eat for 5 days? Really? Don't you feed yours this size 2 or 3 times a day? I missed one day once and they were not thrilled about it. I'm not sure I'd want to chance them dying with 5 days of no food. Also I'd be using a flake food while I'm gone. Your discus food mix would totally clog any feeder.

As far as the water changes then, sounds like I should be fine. If your doing a 25 once a week.

Also I wasn't saying to *not* ever do water changes. The koi pond is open (as is the plant part) and between evaporation being so fast, and however I set it up, all their levels have been at zero. I still test it because I still can't believe it, but the plants thrive (so long as the koi don't get em) and the koi are doing just as well.

Also, not very fair to compare essentially carp and discus. I've rescued koi from water that at a quarter as bad would have killed off any discus.

Discus can live without food for 5 days , When we go on vacation I fatten them up before we leave. Just before we go out the door I feed a fair amount of flake(high protein veggie mix) they are fine when we return . I have left for 6 days before and have not lost one Discus or angel. Our Angels live longer when their food is cut back to a minimum.

Well, I'm gonna have to trust you on this one. The angels I can totally see that, I skip a day now and again for them because it doesn't seem like the actually want to eat every day. Those discus are needy little buggers tho.

You're totally dealing with my crying kid, if one of 'em croaks while we're gone tho.

I can not guarantee that this will work for you , as I do not know your current feeding schedule and tank maintenance, all these things factor in to your ability to skip feedings for several days . You must condition your fish at least a week prior to you leaving for vacation ; with all the fish you have I would recommend that you have someone look in on them at least once during the five days you are away.

You must also use good judgment ,taking into account your fishes needs .