Anyone using automatic feeders for flakes/pellets?

[darb]

I am using the Eheim single and also strongly recommend it.

I also bought the Hydor unit online and never used it and it is sitting BNIB ...

weak points on it include:
- need an air pump if you want to circulate air through chamber
- no bracket to mount on rim of tank, you need to sit it on a flat surface
- not exactly programmable feeding times, there are pre-set spacings which you must use and if you want to go with 4 feedings, that puts you on a 12, 14 or 16 hour schedule, can't recall exactly which one.

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

I'd like to hook one up but I am worried that the majority of the food would go own my coast-to-coast overflow. I've simulated using one but the pellets do not sink fast enough before going down he overflow.

Anyone experience this?

You could try using a feeding ring below the outlet to control your float away factor.

[reefgirl189]

I have the eheim sitting in a box somewhere as I bought it and never set it up. I like the idea of the feeding ring. Picturing the flakes getting dumped in the tank and watching them float right into the overflow is the reason I haven't bothered testing the eheim out yet. Maybe I should give it a try this week.

[paddyob]

I use both the Hydor and Nutrifin feeders.

The Hydor feeder is amazing. Works flawlessly.

Both feeders are feeding NLS pellet (Finicky Eaters). They are a perfect feeder pellet.

[paddyob]

Originally Posted by darb

I am using the Eheim single and also strongly recommend it.

I also bought the Hydor unit online and never used it and it is sitting BNIB ...

weak points on it include:
- need an air pump if you want to circulate air through chamber
- no bracket to mount on rim of tank, you need to sit it on a flat surface
- not exactly programmable feeding times, there are pre-set spacings which you must use and if you want to go with 4 feedings, that puts you on a 12, 14 or 16 hour schedule, can't recall exactly which one.




You could try using a feeding ring below the outlet to control your float away factor.

Your info on Hydor is not accurate. The air hose is an option. Reduces humidity therefore drier flakes. I never use and no issues. Not a weak point.

The feeder option is ... One feeding, two feeding, three feeding. All feedings
Are from first feeding (power on) and spaced out over 8hrs. Or 12.

Quite easy to use. No extra buttons.

It keeps your feedings limited to lights on.



Ditch flakes and rings. Get a quality pellet.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Tyler Werbowski

You made that feeding ring? Impressive.
I've tried the New Era pellets and I find they are too big for the majority of my small mouthed fish. Guess I'll have to make a feeding ring for my small sinking pellets that do not sink fast enough.

If you don't want to make a feeding ring, you should be able to find one at your LFS. I purchased one before I made the bracket for my autofeeder, they're very inexpensive. They're simply a plastic ring floated by styrofoam & attach to the inside of the tank with a suction cup.

And... it took a prototype or two & a good measure of cussing before I ended up with the final product as shown in the photos.

Here's a link to the cheapo one you can buy.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...fm?pcatid=6280

[darb]

Originally Posted by paddyob

Your info on Hydor is not accurate. The air hose is an option. Reduces humidity therefore drier flakes. I never use and no issues. Not a weak point.

The feeder option is ... One feeding, two feeding, three feeding. All feedings
Are from first feeding (power on) and spaced out over 8hrs. Or 12.

Quite easy to use. No extra buttons.

It keeps your feedings limited to lights on.

It is if you do need to circulate air through to manage moisture in the drum which I imagine is an issues for some locations such as say Ontario in the summer. The Eheim has a built in air circulation unit so you don't have to run a separate air pump if you do need that feature, if you are not already running air.

Originally Posted by paddyob

Ditch flakes and rings. Get a quality pellet.

My NLS pellets float for a bit, so only quality pellets sink right away? Personally I would like to see a gradual sinking to the bottom, not fall to the bottom like a rock. But that al would depend on the feeding habits of the fish you have I suppose ...

[Snappy]

I've been using Rena auto feeders for about 4 years also and would recommend them.

[es355lucille]

Where did you get these Greg? I have used the Eheim singles and I have killed 3 of them now.

Originally Posted by Snappy

I've been using Rena auto feeders for about 4 years also and would recommend them.