Got my fresh food autofeeder working today :).

[scottsweet]

I'd definitely like more details as far as the build went and how you inject food from the dosers into the pressurized return line?

Very straight forward. I used lots of unions in case I need to take things apart . The outputs of each of the of dosing pumps join in to a single line that is connected to the injector part of the venturi injector.

The injector part of the venturi naturally creates a suction so as the food is pushed out, it is caught in to the water flow and in to the tank.

 

[scottsweet]

I also did something similar. If you want to take it up a notch, add a few $35 mini magnetic stirrers underneath your bottles. Program them to turn on for 10 minutes before each feeding.


What type of valve did you use to inject into the pass-through pipe? Is it a solenoid?

Actually, if you use Reef Nutrition food, the food is in full suspension..so no need for magnetic stirrers.

The venturi creates a natural suction when water in running through the main line of the venturi injector. The food is sucked up through the venturi and in the to the flowing water.

 

[scottsweet]

I will work on a picture diagram and post it....

 

[Hop2jr]

That is a great work! How long did it take you to dial it in to get the flow right for the suction to work?

 

[scottsweet]

Tha is a great work! How long did it take you to dial it in to get the flow right for the suction to work?

Very easy...2 minutes . I use a gate valve.

 

[scottsweet]

 

[Bonifacio]

Cool build!

 

[YankeeTankee]

Nice setup @scottsweet, there are some similar threads where the effluent side of the feeding line (coming from the doser) just drained into the pipe, since the flow was low, any back pressure was stopped by the peristaltic pump, or at least thats how I recall it.

They also fed it to the return section near the intake of the main return which distributed the food through loclines in different parts of the tank.

Have you found that RN foods really stay in suspension, not just a little bit?

 

[scottsweet]

Nice setup @scottsweet, there are some similar threads where the effluent side of the feeding line (coming from the doser) just drained into the pipe, since the flow was low, any back pressure was stopped by the peristaltic pump, or at least thats how I recall it.

They also fed it to the return section near the intake of the main return which distributed the food through loclines in different parts of the tank.

Have you found that RN foods really stay in suspension, not just a little bit?

Haven't found any issues so far. Yes..the RN food stays if full suspension. That is one of their unique advantages.

The food return is right near the main return line of the main tank so as the food is dispersed, it immediately goes in to the water column of the tank.

 

[BrandonS]

This is awesome!

 

[scottedontknow]

Amazing idea!!!!!!

 

[Magellan]

Really nice setup there!! Which reef nutrition products? I’ve only used Phytofeast live and Oyster Feast, but getting great results and haven’t bothered to experiment.

 

[scottsweet]

Really nice setup there!! Which reef nutrition products? I’ve only used Phytofeast live and Oyster Feast, but getting great results and haven’t bothered to experiment.

I am currently feeding mysis, beta-brine and Artic Pods. I will be adding oyster...

 

[Bpp124987]

Why do you figure it needs to be a compressor fridge only

 

[scottsweet]

Why do you figure it needs to be a compressor fridge only

The thermoelectric fridges do not get cold enough...especially when it is warm outside. Also, the compressor fridge's remove the humidity better.

 

[laverda]

Nice simple design. Is that the only return line to your tank? How much does it affect the water tem of your tank. I would think insulation around the pipes inside the refrigerator would be a good idea except for in the summer.

 

[scottsweet]

Nice simple design. Is that the only return line to your tank? How much does it affect the water tem of your tank. I would think insulation around the pipes inside the refrigerator would be a good idea except for in the summer.

No. This line only has ~ 2 gal/hr. It doesn't affect the water temp at all. PVC is not a good conductor of cold and there is little water contact to be of consequence.

 

[HOOPDEEZ]

Very cool! Any special invertebrates you designed this system for? Seems like a way to keep some crinoids or scallops or other hard to keep filter feeders if they will accept those foods.

 

[laverda]

I thought it might be an additional return line. I know PVC is not a good thermal conductor, but it will transfer some. Tank size will make a difference as to weather it is noticeable or not as well. Schedule 80 would reduce it as well for people with small tanks.

 

[scottsweet]

Very cool! Any special invertebrates you designed this system for? Seems like a way to keep some crinoids or scallops or other hard to keep filter feeders if they will accept those foods.

No...just a normal reef...I have anthias...they are happy . I will be setting up a feeding with Oyster Feast when the lights are off.