Fasting
FASTING AND ABSENCES
How long can fish go without eating?
| Type of fish | Days Without Eating (Normal Health) |
|---|---|
| Adult tropical fish | 7–14 days |
| Juveniles | 2–3 days at most |
| Large Fish (Oscars, Cichlids) | 2–3 weeks |
| Bettas | 10–14 days |
| Cold-water fish (low temp) | 3–4 weeks |
On vacation
- Up to 7 days: No action is needed if the fish are healthy
- 7–14 days: Programmable automatic feeder
- More than 14 days: Automatic feeder + change the water before leaving + ask someone you trust to check on them (but not to overfeed them)
Automatic Feeders
They dispense small amounts of dry food at scheduled times. The best ones: Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder, IceCap Battery-Powered Feeder.
- Caution: A mistake could fill the aquarium with food → death from ammonia. Test first.