General Care Discussion :: leaving for 10 days..

[scripta_elegans]

I am leaving for Mexico on Saturday, and I am hoping I have covered all bases for the kids while I am gone.
1) I have an automatic feeder that dispenses pellets, will get 12 rosies, and have lots of aquatic plants in the tank for them to eat.
2) I will clean the tank Friday night, and do a 50% water change.
3) They have 2 water heaters, and 2 basking lights and 2 basking platforms. I figure if one goes, the other will still be there. (The heaters are 300 watts each in a 75 gallon.)
4) I have my mother and best friend checking on them every other day. I have made a care sheet and talked to them about things to watch for including the temps for water and basking.
5) They know the vet's # and location in case anything happens. I have also spoken with the vet about billing me if they should need to take them in.
Anything else I should do?

[jenaero]

1) Give the automatic feeder a test run while you're home if you haven't already...just to make sure

2) Sounds good. Evaporation shouldn't be a problem in only 10 days

3) I assume they're not all on at once? Just be careful w/temps if they are.

4) You might want to go over what to do if the filter quits, if a light goes out or if a turt escapes (if that's possible)

5) Sounds like you've got a good vet!

Nothing else I can think of right now.

[scripta_elegans]

I did test the feeder. I am such a worrier I actually left it on for 10 days to make sure the battery would last, and that it worked every day.
Thanks for the suggestion about the filter! I didn't think of that, but it is something I should cover with them. I don't think the turtles could have escaped before, but I lowered the water level by a couple inches to be absolutely sure. my dad is building an above ank basking area for them, and then it will be escape proof and filled all the way!

[marisa]

Give them instructions about what to do if any of the equipment stops working. You didn't mention it, but the lights are on timers, yes?

[scripta_elegans]

Yes, the lights are on timers. Thanks for the suggestions!

[CountryGirl68]

Looks like you've got your bases covered! Have a great time in Mexico!!

[missibsu]

In the past, I have left my caretaker my log on info for this site. I left the basic care URL so she could double check things if she needed, or if she felt something wasn't right, she could come here and ask all of you.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Sounds like you have all the bases covered, Scripta! Have a WONDERFUL time in Mexico!

[scripta_elegans]

Okay, per Missi's excellent suggestion, I have left this forum as a place to go for questions they have that I didn't cover. So if you get messeges in odd places from scripta_elegans in the next 10 days, you know why.