Automatic fish feeder: criteria for choosing a feeder

Aquarium fish are pets just like cats, hamsters or dogs. And every pet has its own separate place for eating. People unfamiliar with the aquarium world usually think that food is given to fish simply: poured anywhere. And some aquarists consider feeders to be pampering. But in fact, an aquarium feeder has many advantages. It allows you to train fish to feed not only in a separate place, but also at a specific time. And such a diet has a beneficial effect on their health and general well-being.

When is a device for automatically feeding fish needed?

An automatic aquarium feeder is a device that can be useful to every fish owner. Such a device is required in the following situations:

when the aquarium contains fish that require frequent feeding;
if the owner of the aquarium is at work for more than 12 hours;
in case of vacation, when there is no one to leave your pets with.

Such a device supplies the required dosage of feed in a timely manner. Which makes the care process easier. Feeders can be used in cases where the owner does not want to regularly monitor the process of feeding the fish, and prefers to use automated products.

Baits and baits

Maggot, worm, corn, pearl barley are the most commonly used baits

Not all attachments and baits are suitable for bottom fishing with a feeder.

The main criteria for choosing bait are as follows:

preferences and tastes of fish;
ability to stay on the hook well.

It is best to have several bait options when fishing to please the capricious fish.

Bottom baits:

canned corn;
worm;
maggot;
hominy;
mastyrka;
steamed pearl barley and wheat;
barley shell;
leeches;
boilies.

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 increase the food supply of a pond

A fairly common technique among private FORUMHOUSE fish farmers that allows them to obtain additional food for fish is attracting insects with lamps. In this case, fluorescent lamps are used, which do not need protection from rain, which are installed above the water, at a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface of the pond.

Insect flight reaches its peak activity at 22-23 hours (provided that the air temperature is +15 degrees and above). The lamp is usually turned on for 5-6 hours. One lamp is placed per 1 hectare of pond, and if all these conditions are met, about 100 grams of insects are attracted per square meter of pond area. The feeding coefficient of insects is on average 7 (i.e., per kilogram of fish growth, 7 kg of insects will be required). For comparison, the feed coefficient of wheat is 4).

Vsg member FORUMHOUSE

Solar-powered balls are inexpensive, can be mounted above the water in a sunny place, and they will attract insects to the surface of the water.

Other measures that increase the fish productivity of the pond:

— loosening of bottom sediments, which causes intensive development of planktonic organisms and helps fish reach the inhabitants of the pond, which are hiding, burrowing deep into the bottom. The bottom is loosened with a special rake with large metal teeth (25 cm long). If this technology is applied correctly and on time, it will increase the productivity of the pond by 20%.
— If fish are grown only during the summer, without wintering, in winter humus is added to the drainage pond bed freed from water, 2-3 tons per hectare.

DIY feeders

A do-it-yourself aquarium fish feeder does not require the use of complex components. It is enough to carefully understand the principle of feeding food and choose the appropriate one, depending on the needs of the fish. Automatic feeder options.

Using a mobile phone

An automatic fish feeder can be installed using a mobile phone and a plastic bottle. To do this, you need to perform the following algorithm of actions:

the bottle is cut into two parts;
the part with the plug is used. You need to make a small hole in the neck of the bottle;
install a tripod in the aquarium and attach a cut bottle to it;
pour dry food into the automatic feeder;
put down the old mobile phone, having previously set the vibration mode;
When you need to feed your pets, dial the phone number. The vibration signal will activate the dry food, which will be poured into the water.

This DIY fish feeder is the most primitive and is suitable for a short absence.

Feeder option using a clock

A do-it-yourself automatic feeder can be made using a table clock. This device works properly and can carry out the process of feeding the fish at the right time. In order to install such a structure it is necessary:

use small table clocks;
prepare a small plastic glass or cut bottle;
make a hole in the lower part and insert a plastic tube, the diameter of which will freely allow food particles to pass through;
attach the cup to the clock hand and pour in food;
set an alarm for the desired time;
Place the aquarium fish feeder on a container using a tripod.

This device allows you to feed aquatic inhabitants twice a day. However, it must be taken into account that too much feed may interfere with the movement of the needles, which will reduce the effectiveness of use.

Fishing technique

To catch fish on a donk with a feeder, the fisherman will have to constantly work. The main stages of fishing look like this:

Mixing bait. Usually, after moistening the mixture, a pause is made for 20-30 minutes so that every particle of food is saturated with water.
While the bait is infusing, you can measure the depths in the selected fishing area. To do this, some fishermen use a marker float (a specially equipped fishing rod). Other fishermen determine depth differences, edges, entrances and exits from holes using stepped wiring, borrowed from spinning fishermen.
The starting feeding is done with a bottom fishing rod and a feeder. Depending on the volume of the feeder and the type of fish, from 5 to 20 casts are made. The food is not packed tightly; as soon as the feeder touches the bottom (the tip of the rod straightens), you need to make a sharp hook. The bait will spill out of the feeder, after which you should reel in the fishing line.
Donka fishing with a feeder begins after the starting feeding. The feeder is filled with bait and compacted with your fingers so that it is washed out in 5-10 minutes. The equipment is cast, the fishing rod is installed on the stand, the fishing line is tensioned, and a bite alarm is mounted. After 10-15 minutes, the gear is re-cast.
After a bite, the fish is often detected due to the weight of the feeder and the sharp hook.

Ready-made devices

Fish feeders can be purchased in specialized stores. This method is suitable for a working person. Among the popular models it is necessary to highlight.

Eheim TWIN

Automatic aquarium fish feeder is suitable for large capacity. Equipped with two bunkers into which feed is poured. The electronic feeder allows you to independently specify the period when feeding will be carried out. One bin holds up to 90 grams of feed. Powered by AA batteries. Therefore, owners can safely go on vacation without worrying about the health of their pets.

Juwel

The automatic aquarium feeder can be used for all types of tanks. Suitable not only for small food, but also for granulated food. Can be used for feeding 3 times a day. The appropriate period must be specified. Before feeding starts, the green lamp lights up. The container is designed for 60 feeds. If desired, the user independently chooses the number of feedings and dosage.

Resun

The electric type device is used for long-term absence of aquarium owners. 4 feeding modes can be used. Depends on the characteristics of the fish. The container is provided for 30 days with 4 meals a day. However, the number of feedings is set individually. The aquarium feeder is protected from moisture. Can be installed both on the lid of the aquarium and on the side wall.