Reliable Auto feeders?

keithw283 · Dec 14, 2021

I'm looking to set up an auto feeder on my tank so I can feed more often. I only want it to feed once a day when I'm at work because I feed after work but I feel that once a day isn't doing enough. What are some reliable auto feeders that I don't have to worry about sticking on. I was looking at the neptune one and it looks like the biggest issue with that is the noise which isn't a problem for me as it will only be on while no one is home. Are there any other concerns with that one or do you guys have any other suggestions? Like I said, noise is not a huge concern for me.

arking_mark · Dec 14, 2021

Love my Plank feeder...works flawlessly.

Crabby48 · Dec 14, 2021

Never had a problem with Neptune auto feeder but you need an apex I think

BigMax · Dec 14, 2021

Eheim has been a good inexpensive solution for me. All feeders seem to have their quirks, so I won't say it's stellar, but I prefer Eheim over the Lifegard which I've used as well.

vetteguy53081 · Dec 14, 2021

If you have apex, the Neptune AFS has been super reliable for me- 2+ years and trouble free
Noise- when the bin comes out, yes but only 12 seconds and I like the noise as I know unit is dispensing and working
For portable battery operated- can’t beat Eheim auto feeder

AJsReef · Dec 14, 2021

Have owned numerous Eheim feeders without issue. The Plank gets rave reviews as well, just purchased one over black Friday but have yet to set it up

Lbrdsoxfan · Dec 14, 2021

Aquarium Wi-Fi Fish Feeder Automatic Fish Feeders Auto Fish Food Timer Feeder for Fish Tank

I bought a few, they are great and the price can't be beat.

Parker Kufel · Dec 14, 2021

BigMax said:
Eheim has been a good inexpensive solution for me. All feeders seem to have their quirks, so I won't say it's stellar, but I prefer Eheim over the Lifegard which I've used as well.

+1

LeftyReefer · Dec 14, 2021

I use one of the $25 Alexa/Google enabled wifi fish feeders from Amazon.

Mine is linked to my Alexa/Google accounts, so I can activate it by voice from anywhere, or pull out my phone and activate it via an app like Smartthings, or the Alexa/google apps. Or you can set it up to function on a timer for completely set it and forget it simplicity. Can be set to feed once or ten times per day.

it uses the same generic body/housing as the old Eheim feeders, so many of the eheim feeding accessories work with it like the Eheim feeding station, feeding ring, etc...

keithw283 · Dec 14, 2021

BigMax said:
Eheim has been a good inexpensive solution for me. All feeders seem to have their quirks, so I won't say it's stellar, but I prefer Eheim over the Lifegard which I've used as well.

is this the one you have?

Eheim Feed-Air Digital Automatic Feeder (3581090) - Feeders

Digitally controlled programming allows up to 4 daily feeding cycles with a choice between single or double rotations. Features an exclusive ventilation system to ensure consistent, accurate feedings. Battery operated; Batteries Included.

eheimsupport.com

keithw283 · Dec 14, 2021

arking_mark said:
Love my Plank feeder...works flawlessly.

I've heard awesome things about that one actually. Looked into it about a month ago too. How long have you had yours? The price tag made me a bit hesitant to pull the trigger but I'm willing to spend extra money if it's something I know will work.

keithw283 · Dec 14, 2021

vetteguy53081 said:
If you have apex, the Neptune AFS has been super reliable for me- 2+ years and trouble free
Noise- when the bin comes out, yes but only 12 seconds and I like the noise as I know unit is dispensing and working
For portable battery operated- can’t beat Eheim auto feeder

I do have apex and also a bunch of $10 cards from BRS for the black friday deals

SlugSnorter · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
I'm looking to set up an auto feeder on my tank so I can feed more often. I only want it to feed once a day when I'm at work because I feed after work but I feel that once a day isn't doing enough. What are some reliable auto feeders that I don't have to worry about sticking on. I was looking at the neptune one and it looks like the biggest issue with that is the noise which isn't a problem for me as it will only be on while no one is home. Are there any other concerns with that one or do you guys have any other suggestions? Like I said, noise is not a huge concern for me.

APEX neptune is good, only issue is that apex stuff is pricey

keithw283 · Dec 14, 2021

SlugSnorter said:
APEX neptune is good, only issue is that apex stuff is pricey

yeah I've been buying a lot of their stuff recently and have loved all of it so far.

SPR1968 · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
I'm looking to set up an auto feeder on my tank so I can feed more often. I only want it to feed once a day when I'm at work because I feed after work but I feel that once a day isn't doing enough. What are some reliable auto feeders that I don't have to worry about sticking on. I was looking at the neptune one and it looks like the biggest issue with that is the noise which isn't a problem for me as it will only be on while no one is home. Are there any other concerns with that one or do you guys have any other suggestions? Like I said, noise is not a huge concern for me.

If you have Apex I would get the Neptune feeder, yes it’s noisy but it works very well I have 2. 1 for each tank,

I use it with small pellets a mix of ocean nutrition 1 and 2 and I’ve never had any issues with it at all.

Its very useful when away as you can program it to feed however you prefer

Before I had Apex years ago, I used the JBL feeder and that was good as well.

just a note you can’t use it for frozen food etc, which I feed manually every day. Well you could try, but it would get a little smelly and messy! Lol

arking_mark · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
I've heard awesome things about that one actually. Looked into it about a month ago too. How long have you had yours? The price tag made me a bit hesitant to pull the trigger but I'm willing to spend extra money if it's something I know will work.

I've had mine since it was 1st released...about 14 months.

SlugSnorter · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
yeah I've been buying a lot of their stuff recently and have loved all of it so far.

if you have apex go with neptune, better to have a unified ecosystem

BigMax · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
is this the one you have?

Eheim Feed-Air Digital Automatic Feeder (3581090) - Feeders

Digitally controlled programming allows up to 4 daily feeding cycles with a choice between single or double rotations. Features an exclusive ventilation system to ensure consistent, accurate feedings. Battery operated; Batteries Included.

eheimsupport.com

Yes, that's the one.

Lbrdsoxfan · Dec 14, 2021

SlugSnorter said:
if you have apex go with neptune, better to have a unified ecosystem

Meh, I sold mine for more than I bought it. I do have a classic, and I never went into the 'feed' mode, just time the pumps, uv and skimmer.

DatsoonDave · Dec 14, 2021

keithw283 said:
I'm looking to set up an auto feeder on my tank so I can feed more often. I only want it to feed once a day when I'm at work because I feed after work but I feel that once a day isn't doing enough. What are some reliable auto feeders that I don't have to worry about sticking on. I was looking at the neptune one and it looks like the biggest issue with that is the noise which isn't a problem for me as it will only be on while no one is home. Are there any other concerns with that one or do you guys have any other suggestions? Like I said, noise is not a huge concern for me.

I use the eheim for pellets and it seems to work pretty well. Pretty simple. Just sits on top of the bar of the tank. Tumble drum type I think. Haven't seen it stick so far