Watching other's tanks?

[mojo]

I've been in the position several times (and will again in several weeks) where I'm out of town, and don't live with anybody, so my tank goes on 'auto-pilot' while I'm away. The only problem I've ever had (twice, in fact), is a MH bulb going out while I'm gone. Having your neighbor watch your fish isn't the same as watching a dog or something.

So... I'm wondering why we have a club of 200(?) members, yet no one talks about just keeping an eye on each other's tanks while we're away? I'm not talking about doing water changes or cleaning skimmers or anything. I'm talking about things like feeding a prepared algae clip, checking to make sure there's no obvious leaks, lights are all working, no fish are lying on the bottom, etc- the obvious warning stuff.

Is it a matter of trust (nobody wants strangers coming into their house), or am I the only one with this problem? I'm not opposed to paying someone or returning the favor at some point - it's more of a matter of finding a competent person in the first place.

[washowi]

I have the same problem. I put it out when I went on vacation and noone responded. But Jon up in my area put me in touch with one of his employees. She has watched my tanks twice. Once for over a week and I let her stay at my house while I was gone. She was wonderful and looked after them perfectly.

So I use her when she is available. Other than that, I don't know why noone watches tanks. If I am around and you live close to woodstock/Canton. I will watch them for you. No costs either.

I think it is BS to charge a fellow reefer to watch tanks. I consider it part of the hobby to help each other out.

I also feel that way about frags. I would NEVER charge anyone for frags. Ask anyone around my area. I have given freely to anyone that wanted something.

When I see frags for $20 and I get 2 polyps of zoos. That is freaking BS. I say free frags to members as well. Hell the grow freely!!

Todd

[kevinwholder]

I would like to see us start a team of people who would be willing to tank-sit while we are gone. Who better to trust your system to than a fellow reefer..

[twd4]

There are about 10-15 professional tank maintenance companies in Atlanta some are more selective than others how they take on clients. I can think of 4 in the NE corner of metro Atlanta and am friends with most of them. These are people with a business to lose so they arent going to do anything in your house outside of what you ask. Lemme know when you need this service and i can give you some numbers.

Originally Posted by kevinwholder

I would like to see us start a team of people who would be willing to tank-sit while we are gone. Who better to trust your system to than a fellow reefer..

I dunno. It is a very big responsibility to care for someones house and i know i dont have enough insurance to feel comfortable with doing it unless it was a great friend that i knew would not hold me responsible for any mishaps. I know my buddy has 1 million dollor insurance policy to cover his maintenance business.

[mojo]

I've talked to a couple of maintenence vendors - most want a contract for monthly or weekly service - that's overkill. And most will quote $50-100 per visit, which is also outrageous just for feeding and making sure a pump is running.

I agree about the responsibility/liability issue.... I don't have any suggestions....

[MyCockerIs4U2NV]

Maybe there could be a slight legality. Like a simple written paper saying that the sitter is in no way responsible for any mishaps, but while acting in good faith. Something with both sigs.

I would happily sit for someone else no charge. Especially after what just happened to me.

Tyler

[washowi]

Man you are losing the point. Fellow reefers will not harm or rip off someone. There must be some reefer code of conduct. Hell, why pay someone $50 to feed and top off a tank. That's insane. I won't do it. Would rather train my neighbor.

But I know there are guys in the area like me that are trustworthy and not out to make money. Hell it's just feeding and watching. Not splitting any atoms here.

Todd

[simon.kruger]

Todd, I totally agree. Talk about it at the Reef meeting. Maybe we should start building a list of people who are willing to baby sit fish. You can count me in on the list.

[washowi]

Cheers Simon. I am off to take your wife on a date..

Todd

[twd4]

Originally Posted by washowi

Man you are losing the point. Fellow reefers will not harm or rip off someone. There must be some reefer code of conduct. Hell, why pay someone $50 to feed and top off a tank. That's insane. I won't do it. Would rather train my neighbor.

But I know there are guys in the area like me that are trustworthy and not out to make money. Hell it's just feeding and watching. Not splitting any atoms here.

Todd

The point is money makes the world go round sad but true.

Just because someone owns a fish tank doesnt mean they wont have an accident or maybe violate the homeowners trust. True most maint. businesses want a contract but i know a few that will tank sit. You wont get anyone professional to come to your house for $50 thats rediculous man. More like $200 but its piece of mind. Also just because someone owns a fish tank doesnt mean they are qualified to take care of yours. Its just feeding and watching true as long as nothing goes wrong a trained ape could do it. What if the tank shows signs of stress then what. Having one or two fish tanks does not prepare anyone for every scenario that could go wrong. Will the person you left in charge be able to identify and remedy the problem or will they toss there hands up and walk out?

Every person would view this different because some people are laid back and some more anal retentive about who comes in there house and cares for the tank. Also some are more loose with the wallet than others too lol and some have more money then others in there system(s)

I know i am at the deepend of this opinion because i have (3) 180 Gallon tanks and as of tomorrow a 120gallon and some will feel different and not as "hung up" on the tanks as i am. Anyway thats my $.03

[washowi]

Agreed, me I am laid back and as long as the tank doesn't leak all over the house while I am gone. And I know they did what they could do while I was gone. What happens just happens. I am also close enough to LFS that the persons could always seek help.

Money makes the world go round, yes. But this is a hobby of FRIENDS. I would never ask a friend for money if they asked for my help. Never.

Thats' like playing a round of golf with your buddy, he looses all his balls in the lake, and you will give him balls for $2 a ball. Just doen't happen in my world, Sorry.

Friend do things for friends. That's what a hobby is. Most here do not do this for a business or personal gain.

My .04 worth.

Todd

[robsmith32]

I'd be glad to tank visit, anyone close to me for nothing. granted a professional should get paid, hobbyist, well maybe a few frags?? lol grab a beer if you're both into drinking it.
Plus the person you do it for, is the person that should be able to count on to return the favor..
And always, I'd expect anyone that is taking care of the tank/s to have me on speed dial in case of something.

Granted if tank decides to rupture while away.. that would be an immediate save what can, and distress call. Don't want them carpet surfing too long.
Geesh, looking at this, I hope my english teacher isn't reading it.
Anyways, hope get the gist, and If in 20 minute drive I'd be happy to help.
Heck, if the disaster happened, could be rounding up places to vacation home the occupants, untill safe to return.

[georgiajams]

I have tank-sat before. However, this person used to ask me to do a water change when he's gone as well (this is for less than 1 wk!). As a friend, I did the small water change and even went crazy and cleaned his glass, powerheads, etc. one of the times.

But, I think it is a little overboard to ask a friend to do a waterchange unless you are out for a month or more. I mean, if you are that anal about it, do one right before you leave and one right when you get back... it doesn't really have to be done on the same day every week... gosh!

[Lifestudent]

Originally Posted by washowi

Man you are losing the point....

But I know there are guys in the area like me that are trustworthy and not out to make money. Hell it's just feeding and watching. Not splitting any atoms here.

Todd

I like the idea!

I'd be willing to watch another's tank. I've already done this for club and non-club members without any pay just because we are all hobbyists who love fish!

Just in case stuff does go wrong, I discuss and look at the health of the fish and look at the equipment both while I am with the owner before he/she goes on vacation and then while I am tank sitting.

I also ensure that I have the owner's contact phone # in case of an emergency so they can decide what action to take and the name and phone # of their preferred LFS/maintenance company to call in. This is a lot better than having the unlucky owner coming home days later to discover their disaster.

I think this is a great idea too!

Bob

[Loverotties]

I have no one around so mines on auto pilot.Just got back from being on Vaction for 1 1/2 weeks and everything was good.