Figure 8 feeding

[Jagatorjake]

Haven't seen this anywhere around the forum yet, but just wanted to know how long a 2 inch figure 8 puffer could go without eating (SAFELY)...i'm going home for thanksgiving in a couple weeks and am probably gonna be gone for 4 days along with the rest of my dorm. didn't know if i should try and purchase an auto feeder or somehow take him with me.

[pufferpuggirl]

I believe that most fish, when they are exported, are not given food for nearly 1 week, so I think you'd be okay, it's better for him to go without food than to get too much.

[Jagatorjake]

Thanks for the reply. never really thought of the whole shipping deal, though it makes sense.

[Pufferpunk]

Yeah, feed him good the week before you go & then do a WC the night before you leave.

[Jagatorjake]

I plan on it. would leaving food in the tank be a bad idea? like say a piece of raw shrimp i know he wouldn't be able to finish. i figure it would probably start rotting and cause nitrites, but i figured i'd ask anyway. i'll probably end up just doing what you mentioned.

Thanks Again

[taureandragon76]

I wouldn't leave anything extra in the tank. I have left fish for 5 days with no problems. Just do what PP said to do and you will be all good.

[LilGreenPuffer]

I plan on it. would leaving food in the tank be a bad idea? like say a piece of raw shrimp i know he wouldn't be able to finish. i figure it would probably start rotting and cause nitrites, but i figured i'd ask anyway. i'll probably end up just doing what you mentioned.

Thanks Again

Ammonia and nitrites, yep! And don't be so sure he won't finish it...

[PolishPuff]

mine RED BELLY was with out food for five days, when I came back he was so happy to see me. He was paceing up and down like crazy

[bazil323]

Yeah, I'd do as suggested already and just feed good up until you leave, do a WC the night before, and do not leave any food in the tank.

I've left my F8 for up to 5 days without food. He had no problems at all. The newer one might nip fins of mollies and bbgs if left that long without food, but he'd survive just fine.

[hali]

what about when your away for 2 weeks? is it ok for someone and feed them a couple of times during the fortnight?

[LilGreenPuffer]

I would say at least four times during those two weeks. Portion out the food for each day so that they get the right amount.

[Jagatorjake]

Ya i'm definetly just gonna do what PP said. i had no desire to leave food in the tank, i was just asking to see what people thought. but i'm probably only gonna leave hime there for thanksgiving, and bring him home for christmas, which is gonna be a whole different battle. luckily i don't live too far away. again, thanks for the replies!

[Iliveinazoo]

If you have any gaps in the top of the tank then cover them. I've been away for 4 day breaks on 2 separate occassions, the first time went without a hitch but two weeks ago my halfbeak jumped, most probably in an attempt to get out of the tank and search for food. It's the worst feeling in the world when you have a death that you could have prevented.

The gap at the top of my tank is there for the HOB filter and for cable access and must be no more than 10cmx3cm.

[LilGreenPuffer]

Pieces of plastic craft canvas, cut to size, do nicely for covering gaps.

[Jagatorjake]

haha, i actually have a plastic water bottle covering the gap at the back of my tank. it doesn't cover it completely, but its mostly there to slow evaporation. i've never seen my figure 8 jump out of the water for anything haha, so i wouldn't expect it to jump through the small gap thats there, but you never know. i plan on getting some acrylic from home depot and cutting it to size for a perfect fit