Owning a pet is good for us in a lot of ways. It relieves stress from work or school since it keeps us calm and relaxed. It also helps us be emotionally healthy because giving love and caring for another being actually takes our mind off the chaos and problems for a moment. It is also often overlooked by many, that owning pets can help us form relationships. Being able to talk to others about your pet can connect you with animal lovers who have the same interest and can help you create new friendships. Most people prefer to have cats or dogs as pets. Some like to take care of birds or rabbits, while there are some who find joy in collecting and caring for a fish.
While it sounds simple, fishkeeping is not an easy task. It requires commitment and consistency from the owner. It takes a portion of our time, and sometimes, we don’t have much to give, especially when our days are hectic and we’re not in our homes to do the task. Perhaps you are busy with work, or you have a lot of activities at school, or maybe just taking a break away from home. Not being physically present to feed your fish does not have to stop you from keeping them.
This is where an automatic fish feeder comes to the rescue. It is a device that automatically feeds your fish at a predetermined time so you don’t have to do it by hand manually. Moreover, having an automatic fish feeder allows you to control the amount of food being taken by your fish to avoid overfeeding. In a way, it is much more reliable and useful than manual feeding as fishkeepers can tend to feed them more than they should take.
Having an automatic fish feeder in your aquarium is not necessarily a must when raising a fish. However, if you are a busy individual who barely has time to feed your pet fish, this is an excellent option for you. When you decide to get one, it is essential to make sure that you invest in a reliable and top-quality device. Keep in mind that you must choose a fish feeder that allows you to get what you paid for because it is good to know that your money is being put to good use.
When it comes to the welfare of our pets, we only want the best for them. There are a lot of feeders to choose from in the market to help you with fishkeeping, but we’ve listed below 5 of the best ones and everything there is to know about them to help you decide:
This automatic fish feeder device is often recommended and preferred by most beginners and experts in fishkeeping alike. It is a top choice for a lot of users because it offers the best value for its price. Additionally, it is capable of dispensing almost all types of common food that you put in it. Various-sized pieces, flakes, and freeze-dried blood worms all tumble out in consistent serving sizes after being properly adjusted. If you have a hectic schedule and are not around all the time to manually feed your fish, this is a great option for you.
Interestingly, you can also use this automatic fish feeder to feed your pet turtles, frogs, and newts. It is also very easy to set up in your aquarium so you don’t have to worry if you’re a beginner at fishkeeping because you can do it on your own. It has its own ventilation system, a built-in fan, and splash-proof control buttons together with an adjustable slider to make it easier to control food portion sizes. Finally, the Eheim automatic fish feeder has a maximum drum volume of 100ml which means that you can put in food that can last up to six weeks without refilling.
Pros
The fish feeder is provided with a three-year warranty
It is a well-reviewed and trustworthy brand by users
Quick and straightforward manual for digital LCD screen setup
Cons
A bit on the pricier side, not ideal for fish owners who are on a tight budget
Users highly recommend the Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder because of its preciseness. This device allows you to decide on the exact amount of pellet dispensed on the aquarium every feeding time. This is a premium feature when it comes to automatic fish feeders because it ensures that your pets will not be overfed. Putting the exact amount of pellet is done through stocking the fish food to all of the food trays, which is 14 in total.
Another exciting feature about this automatic fish feeder is that it allows you to feed not only your fishes but also other aquatic organisms if you have any. Take, for example, your shrimp and neon tetras. You can feed both of them at the same time by mixing the fish flaxes and algae wafers inside one tray. If you are the type to skip feedings, this is a suitable device for you. The Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder allows you to feed your fish on alternate days. You can do this by simply filling in only every second tray. This fish feeder is convenient for owners who are often out for work or maybe even on holiday.
Pros
Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder is equipped with a 14 meal capacity
Allows users to decide on an exact amount or accurate doses of fish food
Can dispense up to 4 meals per day
Three-year guarantee
Cons
Can store less food than the usual rotating barrel type
The opening of the dispenser is facing downward, making it prone to moisture
This automatic fish feeder has a rotating drum feed dispenser as its unique feature. Its 360-degree rotating pedestal makes loading food in the hopper much easier. The hopper is moisture-resistant, which ensures that the food does not get wet. The Barkmew Automatic Fish Feeder is able to store fish feed of three week’s worth and can feed up to four times a day. An AquaBlue timer is included with the device, allowing you to set the gap between each feed period. It also has a plastic body with an integrated ventilation system.
This system guarantees users a worry-free feeding experience because it ensures that the fish food will not go bad in the storage. Another interesting feature about this automatic feeder is that you can switch it to manual programming. Perhaps you have time to spend at home and want to enjoy the experience of feeding your pet fish. This feature allows you to do just that.
It can be installed in two ways. The first method is by using the holder to affix the feeder into the wall. The other one is to use double-sided tape to place it in the aquarium. Many dish food types can also be dispensed by this device such as pellets, strips, flakes, and crisps.
Pros
Two installation methods
Up to three feedings a day
Hopper enables moisture tolerance to keep food dry in storage
As a pet owner, it is difficult to leave your pet in the house without someone to take care of it and feed it. It is easier to have sitters do the task if you own a pet cat or dog, but it’s a bit different when you have a fish. The Zacro Automatic Rechargeable Timer Fish Feeder can be the perfect solution for this problem. It is different from other fish feeders because of its dual power supply feature which allows users to power the automatic feeder with the use of batteries or USB ports.
It is so energy-efficient that it takes up to 6 months before it will have to be recharged. Its reservoir capacity is up to 200 ml which can support various types of fish food such as granules, flakes, pellets, powder, and more. Its size makes it more suitable for a 158-gallon tank, but it can also work well with different aquarium sizes. It has a capacity of up to four feedings per day and has a feature that enables it to dispense up to three times each feeding. The lithium battery of this feeder can support a maximum of 800 charges/discharge. It also has a large LCD screen which makes it more convenient and sleek.
Pros
Rechargeable lithium batteries
Usage can last up to six months with a single charge
Large feed storage
Two power supply options
Cons
Not ideal for small aquariums because it’s relatively large in size
The Uniwood Digital Automatic Fish Feeder is relatively large to support a lot of food in the storage. This ensures that your fish will have enough food even if you will not be able to come home for a couple of days or even weeks. It is very reliable and recommended by a lot of pet owners because of its trustworthy features. This Automatic Fish Feeder is designed to dispense the exact amount of food for your fish. It can feed up to four times a day, but if you prefer a different feeding schedule and feel like your pet’s needs are different, you can easily program it to feed your fish at a particular time every day.
Moreover, it is a guaranteed moisture-resistant device to ensure that the food supply in the storage will be kept dry all the time. A variety of fish food types can also be dispensed by the Uniwood Digital Automatic Fish Feeder such as pellets, crumbles, flakes, powder and more. This product’s price is also cheaper than other automatic fish feeders while still offering the best quality and guarantees that you pay what your money is worth. If you are on a budget, this is an ideal option for you.
It requires consistent attention and great effort to make sure that you are raising a fish the right way. However, there are some pet owners who just don’t have the extra time to pay attention to aquarium fishes. A busy schedule or a lot of different responsibilities can prevent us from feeding them every day. If you are someone who’s always away from home and does not have the extra time to spare for fish feeding, you need automatic fish feeders in your life. Investing in this product will help you give the right amount of care for your fish, while also completing your tasks. Automatic feeding is not the only feature that this product can offer. It can also guarantee precise amounts of food being dispensed in the aquarium so you can make sure that your pet is not being overfed.
Another point to consider about this device is its reliability. You can easily set the feeding times you need and relax, knowing that your beloved pet will never go hungry. Another overlooked benefit of this device is its contribution to a healthy ecosystem inside the tank. Excess food decomposes in aquarium water, causing it to become contaminated. There are fewer risks of rotting leftover food because the auto fish feeder regulates the amount of food that goes into the tank. If you want to experience all the benefits mentioned, then an automatic fish feeder is for you. Although it is not necessary for fishkeeping, it is definitely useful for pet owners who are always on the go. On the other hand, if you are the type of owner to stay inside the house and can manually do the feeding, this device is not necessary.
How do I choose the best Automatic Fish Feeder?
When you decide to purchase an automatic fish feeder, you want to make sure that you are getting the best value out of your money. More importantly, it is crucial to choose a fish feeder that can offer your pet fish the best service and function. Listed below are the following tips to consider in choosing the best automatic fish feeder:
Choose the right Food Container Size.
The automatic fish feeder can cause damage to the aquarium if we’re not careful in choosing the right size. However, if you are looking for a feeder that will be right for a big pond with a lot of fishes, it is best to purchase feeders with big containers. If you own a smaller aquarium with just the right amount of fish, then an automatic fish feeder with a smaller container size is the best option for you. The size of your container will determine how often you will have to refill it when it’s empty.
Make sure that there are no delays in refilling, or else the fish will not have enough to eat or nothing to eat at all. When we are able to choose the right compartment size for our automatic fish feeders, we can ensure that the right amount of food will be dispensed in the aquarium and that the device can function effectively.
Consider available Mount Options/Aquarium Installation.
Automatic fish feeders have different installation methods. Available options may vary depending on the brand or model of the feeder. It is important to choose a feeder that can be installed in a way that is convenient for you. Perhaps you’re scared that the feeder will scare the fish once installed inside the aquarium or the aquarium is placed in the corner of the house where it can be mounted perfectly on the wall, then purchasing an automatic feeder with mount options is the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you do not have the extra space and prefer to install it inside the aquarium, then automatic feeders with this installation option are the best option for you as well. However, a lot of automatic fish feeders found in the market can be installed both ways. You can find one that is priced fairly or just choose from the Top 5 best automatic fish feeders stated above.
Pick Feeders that allow multiple feedings a Day.
You’ll need to consider how many times a day your feeder needs to dispense food based on the type of fish you have. Some feeders only offer food twice a day, while others give food eight times a day.
Before you buy a feeder, think about how many fish you have and how much food they need on a regular basis. Almost all fish and other aquatic creatures only need one to three feedings a day. In general, setting the food amount to the maximum limit that aquatic pets can consume in 5 to 10 seconds is recommended. This will ensure that there is no ammonia or cloudiness, which can be harmful to marine organisms.
Purchase Feeders that have built-in Fans.
The majority of busy fish owners who do not have auto feeders live in constant fear of finding dead and smelly fish in the fish tank. In any case, if your auto feeder has a fan and a ventilation system, you can relax knowing that the fish feed is healthy.
The purpose of the air circulation in the food storage area is to keep the food from spoiling. Before selecting a feeder, make sure it can handle dampness, as this is one of the key factors in keeping the food clean and fresh. Also, choose a feeder whose reliability and price are in line.
Make sure you get Quality Products that are fairly priced.
There are a lot of automatic fish feeders found in the market. Some offer a lot of standard features at a cheap price, while other products are designed with premium features but are pricier than others. Not all pet owners have the extra amount to spend on a fish feeder, especially because it is not considered a necessity by everybody.
When we decide to purchase or invest in something, we want to make sure that we get the best. A lot of pet owners who are on a budget do not consider buying fish feeders because of the notion that it is expensive. However, there are automatic fish feeders built with premium features and are of top quality that are cheap and offer the best value for your money.
What are the different Automatic Fish Feeder Types?
There are different types of automatic fish feeders. When deciding on which type to purchase, you need to consider the needs of your fish and the frequency of feeding appropriate for them. The two most common types of fish feeders are the rotating barrel fish feeders and the portion control fish feeders. What exactly is the difference between the two?
Rotating Barrel Fish Feeders
This is the most common and popular type of fish feeder. The key advantage of a revolving barrel fish feeder is the amount of food it can store. This should be your first resort if you are away from home for an extended period of time. Some fish feeder brands can keep fish food for up to 6 weeks which is ideal for owners who love to travel or go on a vacation. This automatic fish feeder usually comes in multiple mounting or installation options, making it convenient for beginners. However, this is not ideal for food types that are large in size because they can get stuck in the feeder.
Portion Control Fish Feeders
This type of fish feeder is similar to a pill container because it comes in several trays. To use portion control fish feeders, you simply need to fill the trays with your fish’s food, press the button that will set the alarm or timer, and the feeder will release food from a single tray into your tank when feeding time arrives. The advantage of having this type of feeder is that each fish meal can be precisely measured. Although it can take a little longer, you can also combine various types of fish food to feed your whole tank, from top to bottom. However, because the numerous trays take up more space, this type of feeder can hold lesser amounts of food in the storage.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
While it sounds simple, fishkeeping is not an easy task. It requires commitment and consistency from the owner. It takes a portion of our time, and sometimes, we don’t have much to give, especially when our days are hectic and we’re not in our homes to do the task. Perhaps you are busy with work, or you have a lot of activities at school, or maybe just taking a break away from home. Not being physically present to feed your fish does not have to stop you from keeping them.
The automatic fish feeder can cause damage to the aquarium if we’re not careful in choosing the right size. However, if you are looking for a feeder that will be right for a big pond with a lot of fishes, it is best to purchase feeders with big containers. If you own a smaller aquarium with just the right amount of fish, then an automatic fish feeder with a smaller container size is the best option for you. The size of your container will determine how often you will have to refill it when it’s empty.
Automatic fish feeders have different installation methods. Available options may vary depending on the brand or model of the feeder. It is important to choose a feeder that can be installed in a way that is convenient for you. Perhaps you’re scared that the feeder will scare the fish once installed inside the aquarium or the aquarium is placed in the corner of the house where it can be mounted perfectly on the wall, then purchasing an automatic feeder with mount options is the right choice for you.
You’ll need to consider how many times a day your feeder needs to dispense food based on the type of fish you have. Some feeders only offer food twice a day, while others give food eight times a day.
The majority of busy fish owners who do not have auto feeders live in constant fear of finding dead and smelly fish in the fish tank. In any case, if your auto feeder has a fan and a ventilation system, you can relax knowing that the fish feed is healthy.
There are a lot of automatic fish feeders found in the market. Some offer a lot of standard features at a cheap price, while other products are designed with premium features but are pricier than others. Not all pet owners have the extra amount to spend on a fish feeder, especially because it is not considered a necessity by everybody.
