Automatic Feeders

JGT · Nov 22, 2021

Anyone use an automatic feeder that they really like and if so why? Looking for one that I can use if I’m going to be away from my tank for about a week or so. Do any of them handle frozen foods or just dry?

Thanks.

Timfish · Nov 22, 2021

I use ehiem with SPectrum pellets on most of my tanks and on average have them last about 5 years. I've tried a several of the ones offered by Amazon and have only been happy with the "Zacro" brand even though there are some others that look exactly the same.

BroccoliFarmer · Nov 22, 2021

Not sure what your price point is..but I am using the Avast Marine plank and it is hands down fantastic!!! Little pricey but definitely worth it.

JGT · Nov 22, 2021

BroccoliFarmer said:
Not sure what your price point is..but I am using the Avast Marine plank and it is hands down fantastic!!! Little pricey but definitely worth it.

Price is not an issue if it works well. Why do you like it so much?

BackToTheReef · Nov 22, 2021

BroccoliFarmer said:
Not sure what your price point is..but I am using the Avast Marine plank and it is hands down fantastic!!! Little pricey but definitely worth it.

What type of food are you using in the plank?

BroccoliFarmer · Nov 22, 2021

JGT said:
Price is not an issue if it works well. Why do you like it so much?

1. I can put a few months of food in it at a time and not have to worry about it.
2. The microfeedings are absolutely great. I have it feed my fish for 20 seconds every hour the lights are on and my fish are getting nice and fat.
3. The design to hydrate the food means that very little gets wasted in the over flow
4. It can use a good variety of food (reef roids, reef jerkey, flakes, pellets, and more) and get a good variety in one shot.

BroccoliFarmer · Nov 22, 2021

BackToTheReef said:
What type of food are you using in the plank?

Reef Roids, Reef Jerkey, Dehydrated mysis, flake and marine pellets. Really nice mix and tank has been pretty happy

vetteguy53081 · Nov 22, 2021

Apex AFS if you have an apex.
Battery models: Eheim Everyday feeder, Walmart LCD Feeder (I believe is eheim but cheaper) and Hydor auto feeder

JGT · Nov 22, 2021

Timfish said:
I use ehiem with SPectrum pellets on most of my tanks and on average have them last about 5 years. I've tried a several of the ones offered by Amazon and have only been happy with the "Zacro" brand even though there are some others that look exactly the same.

Zacro and Eheim looks like they have potential

BackToTheReef · Nov 22, 2021

BroccoliFarmer said:
Reef Roids, Reef Jerkey, Dehydrated mysis, flake and marine pellets. Really nice mix and tank has been pretty happy

Thanks! I was wondering how it would handle pellets. How's the capacity? (I don't remember seeing that on the website)

JGT · Nov 22, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
Apex AFS if you have an apex.
Battery models: Eheim Everyday feeder, Walmart LCD Feeder (I believe is eheim but cheaper) and Hydor auto feeder

No Apex so gotta go old school.

BackToTheReef · Nov 22, 2021

JGT said:
No Apex so gotta go old school.

I think Coralvue has one for the hydros now that looks like a hydros compatible version of one of the ones that has been around for a while but not sure which...

BroccoliFarmer · Nov 22, 2021

BackToTheReef said:
Thanks! I was wondering how it would handle pellets. How's the capacity? (I don't remember seeing that on the website)

The capacity is roughly 1.5 cups. It's design is to hold one full tub of reef jerky. Now how long that last is depending on your feeding habits. Mine has easily lasted a few months.

JGT · Nov 22, 2021

BackToTheReef said:
I think Coralvue has one for the hydros now that looks like a hydros compatible version of one of the ones that has been around for a while but not sure which...

No Hydros either. Old school..battery powered is as cutting edge as I get.

vetteguy53081 · Nov 22, 2021

JGT said:
Anyone use an automatic feeder that they really like and if so why? Looking for one that I can use if I’m going to be away from my tank for about a week or so. Do any of them handle frozen foods or just dry?

Thanks.

I have the plank also but prefer the APEX AFS

BackToTheReef · Nov 23, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
I have the plank also but prefer the APEX AFS

What do you like about the Apex over the plank?

Timfish · Nov 23, 2021

The Ejiem and Zacro probabnly hold 4 oz. completely full but I won't fill more than half full to reduce mold and extend battery life. When using pelets it's important to remmember pellets are much more conentrated than frozen which is usually about 90% water ("moisture"). so whatever amount of frozen you're feeding you'll only want to feed 10% - 15% dry food.

Idech · Nov 23, 2021

I don’t use it often but I’ve had my Eheim auto feeder more than 15 years and it’s still going.

vetteguy53081 · Nov 23, 2021

BackToTheReef said:
What do you like about the Apex over the plank?

It has never clogged or failed. It’s holds flake and pellets and no moisture

Sleepingtiger · Nov 23, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
It has never clogged or failed. It’s holds flake and pellets and no moisture

Your plank failed because it got clogged and moisture got inside?

I am really wanting to get the plank because I can finally get anthias and provide the food that it needs. Now that you said that, it has me a bit worried