Automatic feeder for an aquarium: pros, cons, how to choose?

Home/EQUIPMENT/Automatic feeder for an aquarium: pros, cons, how to choose?

Fish, like all pets, require proper care. They require quality water in the aquarium, cleanliness and proper feeding. It is not enough for aquatic inhabitants to simply throw food in the morning. Food is given according to a schedule and in portions so that there is no excess left, which begins to rot and spoil the water. An automatic aquarium feeder can help with this. After setting it up, which takes 5-10 minutes, you don’t have to worry about feeding. The fish will be given food in portions, in one place and at one time, which is important for maintaining their health. The feeding regimen allows you to immediately identify a sick individual by noticing its lack of appetite, which is impossible with haphazard feeding.

What is the use of feeders?

A fish feeder is a kind of discipline. Feeding will be associated with only one location. Thanks to this, you can improve the condition of the water in the aquarium, since the residues will settle in only one place, which allows them to be removed from the aquarium or collected by catfish. The catfish will not have to scour the entire ground in search of food; it will know exactly where to look for the treasured delicacy. The minimal distribution of food in the aquarium prevents rotting processes, which means the water stays clean longer.

A feeder for live food greatly simplifies the feeding process. The fact is that particles of such food are heavier than water and quickly sink down, so slow fish or those who do not know how to feed from the bottom do not have time to fully enjoy live food. Thanks to a properly selected feeder, particles are retained in it, which will allow the fish to slowly eat all the food offered.

Features and purpose

The debate about whether fish actually need a feeder has been going on for many years. Some aquarists insist that the device is simply necessary and thanks to it, the aquarium always remains clean and tidy. Others, on the contrary, are convinced that feeders are not an essential item and can do just fine without them . Therefore, the question of purchasing this device depends on the personal preferences of the aquarium owner.

So, a fish feeder is a rather simple design, the most elementary example of which consists of a boundary contour and a fine mesh, with its help the food does not settle to the bottom of the aquarium and does not rot in the corners. This helps keep the aquarium water clean and also prevents it from becoming cloudy and producing an unpleasant odor.

In addition, particles of live food are much heavier than water, so they tend to sink to the bottom of the tank. Because of this, particularly slow fish that cannot feed from the bottom often remain hungry. The net reliably holds the food and allows timid individuals to eat well.

Feeders that are not equipped with a net, although they do not retain uneaten food, do contribute to its settling in a strictly defined place. This allows catfish not to scour the bottom in search of food, but to purposefully swim to the desired areas and eat calmly.

Moreover, the use of a feeder solves the problem of feeding fish during the owners' vacation. However, for these purposes, more complex electronic automatic devices are used, which, in the absence of a person, will feed the inhabitants of the aquarium at a strictly defined time.

What to look for when choosing

To make your purchase as useful as possible, we recommend that you study the selection criteria given in the article below.

• Simplicity and ease of installation. The feeder should be mounted in a convenient place, and not as intended by the manufacturer. Setting it up shouldn't be confusing.
• Multifunctionality. Choose a multifunctional feeder. After all, aquarium fish need to be fed with both dry and live food. And for such purposes you will need a removable mesh or cone.
• Feeding frequency. Modern automatic models can be programmed to dispense food three or more times a day. In addition, there are options that start “feeding” the fish only after a certain period of time. Therefore, if the owner of the house is absent for 6-8 hours, a simple electronic battery-powered model would be the best option.

Automatic feeder: general principle of operation

The operating principle of the device is based on portioned feed supply per unit of time. The mechanics of most modern automatic feeders are, in principle, the same: a strictly dosed portion of food is poured into the water through a hole in the drum.

After food is served, the drum rotates and its compartment is refilled from the common chamber. The capacity of the feed compartment is adjusted using a special curtain, which can be moved in one direction or another until a characteristic click is heard.

In addition to drum-type devices, there are:

• Fully automated automatic feeders with feed supply during the opening of a special shutter (like curtains in old mechanical cameras).

• As well as auger devices , when the dose of feed is regulated by the number of turns of the worm shaft.

• disk samples on sale , where food for fish is served sequentially from compartments on the disk. At a certain time, the lower disk rotates and all the food from one compartment is poured into the aquarium. Next up is the next drive bay.

But the main technological unit in all commercial automatic feeders is, of course, the electronic control unit.

Many devices can be powered by both household AC power and ordinary batteries.

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Review of the best automatic feeders for 2021

Among the large assortment of automatic fish feeders, it is necessary to highlight a list of models that have repeatedly proven their quality and have positive reviews from users.

Wall mounted

Trixie Aqua Pro

The advantage of the feeder is its simple installation. It can work in two modes: one-time and two-time feeding. The capacity of the hopper is 200 grams, this amount is enough for a long period.

The device can be used for small feed, granules or special tablets. The portion is adjusted individually, depending on the type of aquarium inhabitants. The feed bunker is protected from moisture, so even with prolonged use the feed mixture will not become damp.

feeder Trixie Aqua Pro

Advantages:

• easy to install;
• large capacity;
• An easy way to set the required level.

Flaws:

• Frequent battery replacement is required.

Cost - 2500 rubles.

Prime PR-H-9000

The automatic feeder has a spacious hopper that holds dry food. Using a feeder, you can be away from home for up to 30 days. The device is mounted on the wall of the aquarium. The device is designed for 2 feedings per day. A special feature of the device is the ability to supply air to the bunker. Thus, dry food does not form lumps and is evenly served to fish and other aquatic inhabitants.

feeder Prime PR-H-9000

Advantages:

• spacious feed compartment;
• several modes of food supply;
• simple controls.

Flaws:

• portions are not regulated.

Cost - 1700 rubles

Ferplast Chef Pro

An ideal feeder option for aquarium owners who are away from home for a long period of time. Suitable for all types of aquariums. The device has 4 holes for supplying different types of feed. The feed supply mode is adjusted manually.

The serving size also needs to be adjusted manually. The device can supply food to fish from 1 to 3 times a day. The product runs on batteries. Another feature of the model is the ability to remove the feed hopper and rinse it with running water.

Feeder Ferplast Chef Pro

Advantages:

• several feeding modes;
• consumes little energy;
• You can set the serving size yourself.

Flaws:

• not found.

Cost - 3000 rubles.

AF-01

An inexpensive feeder that will become a real helper for fish lovers. The device is mounted on the wall using a special clip. This installation will allow you not to worry that the device will fall into the water.

The feeder consumes little energy, so it only requires 2 batteries to operate. The feeder can be easily disassembled and cleaned of any remaining mixture.

feeder AF-01

Advantages:

• simple installation;
• several feed mixture supply modes;
• maintenance is undemanding.

Flaws:

• not found.

Cost - 1300 rubles.

AF-2019B

A bright model that will become a real decoration for an aquarium. Attaches to the wall using a special screw or adhesive tape. All mounting systems are included. A special feature of the model is the wide variety of feed mixtures that can be used. Aquarists can use not only granular food, but also flakes and special tubes. The valve, which is responsible for dispensing the feed mixture, is adjustable to the required width. The model provides a function for enriching the feed mixture with air, this reduces the risk of lumps appearing.

The feed mixture dispensing mode can be adjusted from 1 to 4 times a day. All necessary information is displayed on the display.

feeder AF-2019B

Advantages:

• great functionality;
• easy to use.

Flaws:

• not found.

Cost - 3000 rubles.

HAILEA WT-180

The model can be used for both automatic and mechanical feeding. The number of feedings can be adjusted from 1 to 6 times a day. Suitable for all types of feed mixture, including sticks. The food mixture is evenly distributed in the water, so aquatic inhabitants will not remain hungry. Thanks to the gradual dispensing of portions, the food does not sink to the bottom and does not cause water pollution.

A special dial allows you to set the required time for dispensing the next portion. The device runs on AA batteries.

feeder HAILEA WT-180

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• uniform supply of feed mixture.

Flaws:

• no protection against moisture.

Cost - 2000 rubles.

With installation on the aquarium lid

Sera Feed A Plus

The feeder is designed for uniform distribution of feed. The plastic is high quality and will last a long time. Control is carried out using a special toggle switch, which is located outside the aquarium. The device can support several types of feed mixture.

You can feed the mixture into water using several modes. Depends on the personal preferences of the aquarist, and the variety of aquatic inhabitants.

Sera Feed A Plus

Advantages:

• small sizes;
• You can set the feeding time yourself.

Flaws:

• not found.

Cost - 2500 rubles.

SITITEK Pets Fish

A small model is mounted on the lid or edge of the aquarium. The food supply mode is determined by each user individually, depending on the type of aquatic inhabitants. The program supports from 1 to 4 feedings. The device is equipped with sound signals that notify you when the food runs out. There is also a light sensor on the case that will promptly notify you of low battery charge.

The large display makes setup easy. The feeder can be used for small food or in the form of granules.

feeder SITITEK Pets Fish

Advantages:

• prevents feed caking;
• easy to use.

Flaws:

• not found.

Cost - 2500 rubles.

Juwel EasyFeed Juw-89000

The feeder is designed for feeding fish in an aquarium twice a day. The size of the bunker has a large capacity, so after the department is completely filled, the feed lasts for up to 2 months.

The device can be used for both small and granular feed. A special drum distributes the feed evenly. A special ventilation function reduces the humidity in the drum, so the nozzles do not become clogged.

Feeder Juwel EasyFeed Juw-89000

Advantages:

• allows you to be absent for a long time;
• easy to use;
• feed supply modes can be adjusted;
• The portion is adjustable.

Flaws:

• When the feed in the bunker decreases, the portion decreases.

Cost - 2000 rubles.

Universal models

Eheim Autofeeder

A universal device suitable for all types of aquarium. There is a model for dry food. Can be mounted both on the walls and on the lid. The hopper holds 100 grams of feed. The frequency of feeding is adjusted individually, depending on the number of fish. The program allows you to set a feeding schedule up to 4 times a day.

The features of the model include the presence of additional functions, such as supplying food outside the feeding mode and saturating the feed with air. The device runs on batteries. The device has a small monitor that displays all the necessary indicators, including battery discharge.

Eheim Autofeeder

Advantages:

• convenient use;
• even distribution of food.

Flaws:

• high price.

Price - 5000 rubles.

Tetra myFeeder

The device is suitable for installation on walls or a lid. Despite the fact that the set includes only 1 food container, these characteristics are enough to work for a long period. The program provides feeding 3 times a day. However, if necessary, you can use the special function of serving food outside of the schedule.

The device is small in size and suitable for both large tanks and medium-sized aquariums.

Tetra myFeeder

Advantages:

• stylish appearance that fits into the overall design of the aquarium;
• easy to use.

Flaws:

• small feed is supplied above the specified portion.

Cost - 3000 rubles.

Fish Feeder FD 55 Jebao

This model, despite its high cost, is very popular. This device is especially often used for large containers. Unlike other models, the device is mounted on a special fastening system, which is mounted to the wall or floor covering.

The device allows you to feed aquatic inhabitants up to 6 times a day. Portions and number of feedings are specified by the user independently. The owner of the aquarium can set the feeding mode according to time, and the program will comply with the specified parameters with high accuracy.

The capacity of the hopper is 5.5 kg. Special protection of the feed compartment reduces the risk of moisture penetration. All necessary information is displayed on a special display.

Fish Feeder FD 55 Jebao

Advantages:

• large capacity;
• advanced functionality;
• easy installation.

Flaws:

• high price.

Price - 12,000 rubles.

Video “Do-it-yourself automatic feeder”

In the video from Diy aquarium you will see instructions on how to make an automatic fish feeder with your own hands.

Aquarium fish create coziness in the home. They are considered to be the easiest pets to care for. Therefore, fish are usually owned by those who are away from home all day and often go away for a long time. It seems to them that the fish will not suffer in the absence of the owner. But in fact, these pets require the same attention and care as everyone else. And in addition to maintaining the right atmosphere for them in the aquarium, it is very important that they are fed regularly. Therefore, travel lovers are faced with the following problem: how to feed the fish in their absence? The best solution in this case would be an automatic aquarium feeder. You can buy it at a pet store or at the market, then it will provide a normal diet for your pets for a long time. If the owner of the fish leaves for a short time, you can make such a device yourself.

Comparison table of the presented models

In order to compare the presented models, we recommend taking a look at the table with their characteristics.

Model	Manufacturer country	Feeding frequency (number of times per day)	Dimensions (cm)	Weight (g)	Price, rub)
Juwel	Germany	2	14x6x8	32	from 2435 to 3000
Eheim	Germany	up to 4	14x6x6.5	360	from 4450 to 6000
Sera	Germany	until 6	21x14x10	505	from 1900 to 2340
Sitetek	China	1-4	24x16x50	3050	from 2500 to 3220
Feed-Ex FF03	Russia	1-4	6x9x14	400	from 2500 to 3200

Where to place it?

The correct location of the feeder makes it possible to make feeding fish as comfortable and safe as possible . So, regardless of the power and type of design, feeders should be installed away from the filtration and aeration systems of the aquarium.

Otherwise, the food will be washed away by the current created by the filter and placed in places inconvenient for the fish. As a result, part of the food will settle along the way and begin to rot, while the other part will be dispersed throughout the aquarium, which will not allow the fish to eat properly. In addition, when installing automatic feeders powered by the network, it is necessary to take into account the accessibility of sockets.