steve;

I've been in your position; going to Mexico for extended periods of time and having to leave my tank in someone else's care. I'm not sure I understand exactly what you explained you're doing, but here's what I would do in addition. 1. Make sure your landlord has a few emergency phone numbers of people you trust in your area that could come over and deal with any problems, and have someone come over a couple of times while you're gone just to check things out. 2. Buy an extra powerhead, because something they always seem to fritz out when you're gone. Clean the pumps your using really well right before you leave. 3. Mix up some extra seawater, and leave it circulating in a tub, with a heater if your place doesn't stay warm enough. Probably here, it's warm enough in the summer.

Oh yeah, there's a guy from Monterrey who's been posting recently on reefcentral. I think his recent post is something like "sump frustration" on the filtration/lights/etc forum. I'd send him an email and tell him you're coming from San Antonio for a while. Every time when i go to Mexico, I end up bringing stuff for friends there that's really easy for us to get here, but expensive or hard to find in Mexico. My guess is that if you bring him something small that he needs from a lfs, you'll make a new friend and get a few big favors in return. Who knows, maybe he has a gorgeous sister! (Actually, that might not be such a good idea) :roll:

Que tenga un buen viaje!

Matt