Manual or Automatic feeding?

[BeanAnimal]

Eheim 100% the only one I trust.

I have two at opposite ends of the tank that feed alternately (controlled by Profilux)

I've left the tank for 8 weeks whilst travelling running autofeed with no problems.

You should try the AVAST Plank... It is wonderful.

 

[gbroadbridge]

How do you have the Eheim connected to your Profilux? Is there a specific model and accessory needed?

I use the Profilux Switch outputs on the S Port which are switching an optocoupler connected across the feed button on the Eheim. Set up Profilux timers when you want to press the feed button.

You still need to check the batteries in the Eheim.

 

[Not_Erick]

Manual because I only have 3 fish lol

 

[crabgrass]

Half a cube in the AM and PM (manual).

Very light Auto (pellet mix), 3x a day

 

[secret_reefer337]

Pellets are auto feed twice a day. Manual feeding frozen, including whole manila clam for CBB every other day and daily for nori.

 

[Doctorgori]

both, the Neptune AFS is tricky to adjust dispensed portion amounts for certain pellet sizes so I use it mostly supplementally …
…manual frozen also as it’s good for your fish to recognize you

 

[cilyjr]

Manual for me because I've pretty much only used frozen cube to this point. The last few days I've been trying new life spectrum algae max pellets to see if I could use an auto feeder when I am away.


I'm interested in how well this works for you. I have a week long trip coming up in a month. I have someone in my office (the tank is at work) who will feed my tank every morning, but it would be easier for her if I could find a way to eliminate the step of thawing the food. Is this something you drew up, or a download?

I bought the IM frozen food thawing gizmo, but it doesn't work well in my tank. The gyres don't agitate it enough to shake the food loose.

It works well. I designed mine to fit onto the half inch lock line that comes off of my return. I did not want anything hanging over the top of my tank so a second power head defeat it was not an option.
Here it is installed. They pop off the lock line pretty easily so it can be cleaned.

 

[tmhickey2023]

Use a plank feeder with their Reef Jerky and then frozen manually once per day to supplement.

 

[JM302]

75% Plank / 25% Manual and of course nori for the herbivores.

I've said it before and I'll continue to say it - the Avast Plank was the single best piece of gear I've ever purchased. It was really a game changer for me and not to mention happy Anthias and Chromis and predictable nutrients. Well balanced diet for the fishies too.

The ability to effectively feed freeze-dried food is what sets the plank apart from the rest. Prior to the plank I would only use an auto-feeder if I was away.

I'm feeding 8 times per day for 1 minute. Zero nutrient problems. I still have to dose nitrate.

 

[cilyjr]

This. I have an AFS for when I am gone. But it's ugly and bulky so it gets put away when we are home.

Yup. And loud. But I hid mine way up in my canopy.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yup. And loud. But I hid mine way up in my canopy.

Many say loud. I hear it but also have mine under canopy and noise only lasts about 14 sec four times daily

 

[cilyjr]

Many say loud. I hear it but also have mine under canopy and noise only lasts about 14 sec four times daily

I know, I don't mind it, but it is loud compared to the cheap battery operated ones.

My canopy is "floating" so it's like it's out in the open.

 

[alabella1]

Both. My automatic feeder feeds new life spectrum pellets twice a day.

In the evening I usually put a cube of frozen in.
I printed this a while back to just drop the cube in as the water spins it, it feeds the frozen cube out over the course of a few minutes.

Every couple days I broadcast feed benereef powder

I want to know more about this, sending a pm

 

[dangles]

*MOSTLY* autofeed with the Avast Marine Plank. Yes, it's expensive. But WOW it's an amazing feeder! SUCH a huge improvement over the rotating-drum style feeders. WELL worth the money.

I do a cube of frozen mysis 2-3 times per week on top of that.

 

[vetteguy53081]

*MOSTLY* autofeed with the Avast Marine Plank. Yes, it's expensive. But WOW it's an amazing feeder! SUCH a huge improvement over the rotating-drum style feeders. WELL worth the money.

I do a cube of frozen mysis 2-3 times per week on top of that.

agree- awesome instrument

 

[rknapp]

Neptune AFS auto feeds dry food 3x day. I feed pellets or frozen more than 50% of the evenings. Fish know what’s coming when they see me approaching the tank.