PetCloud fish sitters can feed your fish and check your tank while you are away, but most fish tank maintenance happens before you leave: a partial water change, a filter check and a light timer. This guide covers what to do before a trip, what a sitter can handle, and when to book a professional aquarium service.
Fish tank maintenance before you go away
- Do a partial water change a few days before you leave, so you can check the tank is stable before you go
- Rinse filter media in old tank water, not tap water, so you keep the helpful bacteria
- Check the heater, filter and air pump are working, and set lights on a timer
- Test the water and fix any problems before your trip rather than leaving them for a sitter
- Remove any sick fish to a separate tank and ask your aquarium store or vet for advice
Feeding while you are away
Overfeeding while the owner is away is a common cause of cloudy water and sick fish. Pre-portion food into labelled daily containers or a pill organiser, and tell your sitter to feed only what is in each portion. For short trips, ask your aquarium store whether your species can safely go without food for a day or two.
What a fish sitter can do
| Task | Fish sitter | Professional aquarium service |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding from pre-portioned food | Yes | Yes |
| Checking temperature, filter flow and fish behaviour | Yes | Yes |
| Topping up evaporated water with treated water | Yes, if you show them how | Yes |
| Water testing and larger water changes | Only if experienced | Yes |
| Equipment repairs, algae scrubbing, gravel vacuuming | No | Yes |
A PetCloud fish sitter can visit as part of a home visit, and is often booked alongside care for other pets. Sitters can also add fish tank cleaning as an extra on their listing. For large marine or planted tanks, a specialist aquarium maintenance business may be the better choice. A 2023 care guide from one Australian aquarium business quotes $150 to $450 per service, so compare quotes for your tank.
Leave clear instructions
- How much to feed, and which container is for which day
- Normal temperature range, and what the heater and filter should look and sound like
- What a healthy fish looks like in your tank, and what to report
- Your aquarium store or vet’s details for advice
For everyday care, read our complete guide to caring for fish. PetCloud strongly encourages pet owners to choose a police-checked sitter, and strongly encourages sitters to complete a biometric identity check.
Frequently asked questions
How do I maintain a fish tank while on holiday?
Do a partial water change and filter check a few days before you leave, set lights on a timer, and pre-portion food into daily containers. A PetCloud fish sitter can then visit to feed your fish and check the tank.
Can someone feed my fish while I am away?
Yes. A PetCloud fish sitter can visit as part of a home visit, feed from pre-portioned food and check the temperature, filter and fish. Leave clear written instructions to avoid overfeeding.
How much does fish tank maintenance cost in Australia?
Prices vary with tank size and type. A 2023 care guide from one Australian aquarium business quotes $150 to $450 per service. Home visits from a PetCloud sitter start from $45 for feeding and checks.
Should I clean the filter before going away?
Rinse filter media in old tank water a few days before you leave, not on the day you go, so you can check everything is running smoothly. Never rinse it in tap water, which can kill the helpful bacteria.
