My neighbor over fed my fish while I was away

[pattihi]

I went out of town for a few (3) days, and instructed my neighbor on how to feed Bernie and his tank mate, Bubba (algae shrimp) and when I got home the water was just turbid with food and poop. Oh my gosh! I did 3 water changes last night and another one this morning and it's much better, but there's still a few pretty big clumps of poop laying around.

Bernie was pretty stuffed and sluggish last night, and even this morning, but I think is starting to look a little livelier. The poop coming out of him looks very big and poofy which is not really normal. Bubba seems fine and unaffected. I plan on not feeding them for a day or two. Should this be fine or is there anything else I should do?

[cajunamy]

That's fine, and if you have some frozen brine shrimp or daphnia it can also help clear him out.

[pattihi]

Thanks, cajunamy!

[Miyazawa]

If I was you I would just let them without food for a few days since they will survive and it is better than getting them bloated :P at least you know that your neighbor didn't neglect them lol

[Bombalurina]

I know this doesn't help now, but in future, if you are planning on leaving for less than a week, I wouldn't ask someone to feed your fish at all. Hardy fish like bettas should be ok without food for up to 7 days (though I'd prefer not to do more than 5 without). :)

[pattihi]

I was afraid that if I didn't feed Bernie enough he try to eat Bubba. So far they're getting along pretty well, but I've only had the shrimp for about a month.

[mjoy79]

I'm not sure if anyone has ever used these - but they have weekend and vacation feeders for bettas at petstores.

[Bombalurina]

If you mean the white blocks, avoid them wherever possible. They just pollute the water.

[mjoy79]

I haven't used those in awhile but it seems like it would be better than an overfed fish. Just do a water change when you get home... ?

[bkelizabeth]

I never can understand how people can ignore directions :/ it seems to happen a lot. I pay my little 12 yr old sister $1 a day to feed my one betta when I go away for a weekend. She ALWAYS follows directions. Pfft, maybe you can hire her too ;)