Fish are of varying feeding habits in nature. All require live food for their good growth. They also take artificial diets in absence of natural food. Fish will not die without any food due to all of your absence. If no one is available to feed your fish, the next best option is an automated feeder. These can also be handy if you work long or odd hours and want to feed your fish. With automated feeders, you place the food for each feeding in a separate compartment, and they are released into the aquarium at set periods. A maintenance meal once a week is recommended. It is good idea to put some fine leaved plants in the aquarium. The fish can also nibble at these if they are hungry. If you are leaving your aquarium for more than two weeks, it is best to get someone to check on the tank in your absence and to do a water change and feeding.