Top 12 Best Automatic Fish Feeders for 2021

Aquarium fish are a popular type of pet that require special care. In order for the fish to feel good, it is necessary to regularly add special food. However, in some cases, aquarium owners find themselves in a difficult situation when they need to be away from home for a long period. For such cases, special automatic devices are used. When buying a feeder, you need to choose the right device that will cope with the tasks. The rating of the best automatic feeders allows you to study the advantages and disadvantages of the models and make your choice easier.

What are the advantages of automatic feeders?

In any zoological store you can see a large assortment of fish feeders. Automatic feeders are the most popular. Despite their high cost, the devices are completely worth the financial investment. This type of feeder should be chosen in the following situations:

The owner of the aquarium is not at home for a long period. The feeder feeds the fish regularly as long as there is mixture in the hopper.
The fish get their food in one place. Such actions reduce the risk of contamination of the aquarium. Feeding the fish in one place becomes addictive, and the owner will be able to determine when the pets are hungry.
The portion is dosed, so aquatic inhabitants completely consume all the food. Remains of the feed mixture often contaminate the water, so maintaining portions is a very important process responsible for the health of aquatic inhabitants.
Users can independently set the diet of fish depending on age and variety.

However, among the positive aspects it is necessary to highlight the negative ones. First of all, this is the possibility of breakage during food distribution. The automatic process fails at the slightest malfunction. It is also important to know that for fry it is necessary to purchase additional devices that are designed for small mixtures. It is also important to note that not all feeders are suitable for wet and natural food.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic fish feeder

Automatic feeders will be very useful for all those who often travel, go on business trips or have many aquariums.

The main advantages of automatic feeders:

the fish will be well-fed even in the absence of their owners for a long time;
feed portions are dosed;
The feeding process is carried out automatically and regularly.

This device also has disadvantages. The automatic feeder is ideal as the main source of food. But we must not forget that it only gives out dry food, and the fish need a balanced diet. Therefore, do not forget to include various supplements of animal or plant origin in their diet.

If desired, you can install a special device into which live food is poured. But this is only for one time, so regularly feeding the fish with live food in automatic mode will not work.

Among other disadvantages, the following factors are worth noting:

are not suitable for feeding fry, since the design does not allow the addition of microfeed;
an automatic fish feeder costs much more than manual models;
high risk of malfunctions. Therefore, it is still recommended to ask friends or neighbors to sometimes keep an eye on the functioning of this system.

Due to the possibility of breakdown, it is not advisable to install it immediately before a long departure. It is best to install the system in advance so that it works for several days, and the owners are convinced of stable operation.

How do feeders work?

The operating principle of the automatic feeder is very simple. The design has a bunker into which dry food is loaded. The user sets the necessary feed supply parameters. This can be one or three meals a day. Some models have functions for supplying the mixture every 2 hours.

A special drum rotates and the feed enters the water through a specially opening valve. The fish food is slowly released into the water so that the aquatic life can fully consume it.

From a bottle and a smartphone

There is another way to make your own fish feeder - this is to take an empty plastic bottle and an ordinary smartphone that no one uses. The following is done:

the bottle is cut in half - its upper part with the cap remains;
the lid must be screwed to the neck, but not all the way, so that a small gap remains;
food is poured into the bottle itself (if it starts to ooze through the gap in the cork, it’s not a problem, this is only at first);
A smartphone with a pre-installed “vibrate alert” mode is placed directly into the food;
the bottle is firmly fixed above the aquarium;
When a call comes to this smartphone, food will flow through the gap in the neck under the influence of vibrations.

This method may look very funny, however, it works, and the owners can independently dose the food supply to the fish while being far from home.

As you can see, leaving an aquarium with fish for several days is not a problem at all . For savvy owners, you can always find a way to make a simple feeder that will last exactly as long as needed, without requiring any expense. For those who are used to trusting professionals, there is always an excellent option that is affordable in any pet store.

What to look for when choosing an automatic feeder

In order for the automatic feeder to serve uninterruptedly for a long time, it is necessary to carefully study the available models. When choosing an automatic feeder, the following criteria must be taken into account:

Feed mixture tank size. This criterion is very important for those who are absent for a long period. The larger the hopper, the more mixture can be stored. This means the owner can go on vacation and not worry about their pets.
Power supply. Feeders can operate both from mains and batteries. Each user independently selects the appropriate model. However, the most popular are battery-powered devices.
Number of fish. If there are a lot of fish in the aquarium, preference should be given to large structures and installing several automatic feeders at the same time.
Price. High-quality devices usually have a high cost. Budget models quickly malfunction and are not suitable for long absences of the aquarium owner.

It is also important to pay attention to the quality of fastening. There are models that are attached to suction cups. This type of feeder does not guarantee that the feed dispensing device will not fall into the water. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase devices with special clips.

Pros and cons of the device

It often happens that a person is busy, absent from home, late at work and cannot feed his pets on time. Travel and vacations also become problematic. An automatic feeder for an aquarium is simply necessary for those who are away from home for 12 hours every day, or whose work involves frequent travel.

Using an automatic feeder frees the owner from responsibility and provides many advantages:

Correct dosage of feed;
Regularity;
Feeding in a specific place to which the fish become accustomed;
Simple and convenient fastening with protection of feed from moisture;
The feed container is easy to clean and fill;
Keeping fish healthy and water clean.
However, it is worth noting that there are some nuances:
High price;
Feeding only dry food in the form of granules and flakes;
Suitable for feeding only adult individuals.

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.

Criteria for choosing a feeder

Automatic feeders can be of various types, depending on the type of food. Some devices are designed for dry food only. There are also models that can be used for both live food and specialized pellets. A do-it-yourself automatic fish feeder takes into account all the necessary parameters. Before starting installation, it is important to determine the following criteria.

Mechanism of action

This criterion depends on the type of feed used. For small granules, a drum mechanism is used. If the fish are regularly given sticks or flakes as food, a screw mechanism is used.

Number of feedings

This criterion depends on the type of fish and age. Adult fish can be fed 2-3 times a day. But if there are fry, the number of feedings increases to 7-8 times per knock.

Feed hopper size

It is selected depending on the number of aquarium inhabitants. Standard bins can be installed. However, if the owner of the aquarium will be absent for a long time, it is recommended to use larger containers.

How to make a feeder yourself

A homemade feeder can be used when it is necessary to feed fish automatically for several days. You can use a simple method that has repeatedly proven its effectiveness:

Cut a 1.5 liter plastic bottle into two parts;
leave the part where there is a screw-on lid;
using 3 matches, you need to glue it onto the inside of the lid and after the structure has dried, insert it into the bottle, leaving a small hole, and fix it with silicone glue;
food is poured into the resulting feeder;
An old mobile phone is placed on top of the food, first you need to set a vibration signal on the phone at a certain time when feeding will take place, after the phone starts to vibrate, the food will begin to pour through the lid into the water.
Fix the feeder above the water.

You can regularly call the phone at a certain time, thus controlling the number of feedings. It is impossible to install portioned feed dispensing on this type of device. However, it allows you to provide aquarium inhabitants with food for several days. You can replace your mobile phone with a simple alarm clock. At the set time, the alarm clock begins to vibrate and activate the food.

How to increase the food supply of a pond?

To expand the food supply for fish, experienced farmers use some tricks:

attracting insects to the feeding area, for which purpose fluorescent lamps are installed above the water (about 30-35 cm) - for 1 hectare 1 lamp is enough (insects will appear in about a day);
loosening of natural sediments with a water rake, due to which plankton develop;
adding humus to the water - lower it to the bottom at the rate of 2 to 3 tons per 1 hectare.

The use of such methods increases the productivity of the reservoir by at least 20-30%.

Thanks to fish feeders installed in the pond, human labor is facilitated, production levels develop faster, and the water is kept clean. Saving feed, which is purchased in specialized stores, is especially important, since it is expensive.

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Adviсe

After purchasing, test the feeder for 2-3 days. Identifying faults and defects will protect the fish from overfeeding and water pollution.
When leaving fish for too long, it is better to be on the safe side. It is safer to entrust feeding to an automatic device, the functioning of which must be monitored. Friends should visit once a week.
Leave the friend assigned to supervise the operation of the feeder with all the necessary contact information and instruct him where to contact in case of equipment breakdown.
Do-it-yourself devices are best preferred for short-term absences.
If automatic feeders are used constantly, pay attention to the diet of the fish. Poor nutrition, consisting only of dry food, has a bad effect on the health of pets. You can diversify your diet with live, frozen and plant foods.
Cone-shaped feeders are convenient for feeding live and frozen food. Such samples are inexpensive.
Buying a fish feeder is not always necessary. For up to 7 days, purchase food that gradually dissolves in water.
When leaving the aquarium, do not forget to also change the water, wash the filter and check other equipment.

A myth has formed around aquarium fish about their short memory. In fact, fish are smart creatures that don’t forget to eat and can remember the owner’s face. Therefore, the aquarist must remember to feed the fish and provide them with constant feeding.

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