Automatic Fish Feeders - Opinions/Suggestions Wanted!

PuffLuv · #1 09-25-2009, 02:10 AM

In the past I have been fortunate enough to have someone come over to feed my livestock, however, that may change over Christmas. I would like to know everyone's opinion, and why they prefer one auto-feeder over another. The one I purchase will be used to feed a small amount of pellet food, 2-3 times daily. I have an open top, and a center brace that it could rest on or zip tie. However, a clamp-on might give more placement options and be more aesthetically pleasing. Also, some form of power backup is desirable (ie. batteries), however I could plug it into a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
Are some feeders more prone to clumping from moisture? (I do have an open top)

Auto Feeders I'm considering are:
http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/FD...od+Feeder.html

http://oceanaquatics.com/store/produ...r-Auto-Feeder/

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/em...ic+Feeder.html

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/fd...sh+Feeder.html

Is the heating module in the Rena much better than the air line with the Hydor? Also, light sensor....?

Are all of the feeders except the cheap one, a zip-tie installation?

Thanks for your input!

mark · #2 09-25-2009, 02:26 AM

how long you gone for (as might be safe for the fish to go without for a few days)?

subman · #3 09-25-2009, 02:27 AM

I have the Rena and I love it. I bought it for holidays and have never taken it off. I thought the heater was a joke but I have never had a clog! It has a mounting bracket (no zip ties). One of the best things I've bought.

PuffLuv · #4 09-25-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

how long you gone for (as might be safe for the fish to go without for a few days)?

I'll be off to Las Vegas for about a week( can't wait!)

Quote:

Originally Posted by subman

I have the Rena and I love it. I bought it for holidays and have never taken it off. I thought the heater was a joke but I have never had a clog! It has a mounting bracket (no zip ties). One of the best things I've bought.

Thanks for the input subman! More feedback like this please!

leducreef · #5 09-25-2009, 05:26 AM

ya i would go with the rena

globaldesigns · #6 09-25-2009, 03:48 PM

I go all the time and leave my fish for 3-4 days... it doesn't seem to hurt them, just very hungry on my return.

Let me know how the feeder works, as I would seriously think about one for myself if I go away longer or if these things actually do work.

My worries are that it dumps the whole thing in the tank.

PuffLuv · #7 09-25-2009, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leducreef

ya i would go with the rena

Do you have or had one in the past? Have you had others to compare it to?

Quote:

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

My worries are that it dumps the whole thing in the tank.

I didn't even think of that, has anyone heard of any particular models that do this? Or ones to stay away from?

Thanks again everyone for their feedback! Keep it coming...

subman · #8 09-25-2009, 08:09 PM

I went away for over a month and have been using the rena for about 3 months now and it has been flawless! Even now when I am at home I leave it on and just supplement with a little frozen as a treat. I can't see any possible way for it to over feed just based on the design.

mike31154 · #9 09-26-2009, 03:18 AM

I use an Eheim 3582 Twin feeder. Two compartments allow more flexibility in type of food and intervals. It's in constant use, both when I'm home and away. When home I supplement with frozen for the evening feeding, the remainder of the time, the feeder does it's thing. It's not inexpensive and also fairly large. I ended up building a bracket/holder out of acrylic to hang it on the rim. I needed a ramp to tilt it slightly in order for it to dispense larger flakes. The auger mechanism tends to favour smaller morsels and very large flakes can hang up. Other than that, it's a great unit. Here's a link with additional info.

http://www.aquariumproonline.com/Pro...3582_twin.aspx

whatcaneyedo · #10 09-26-2009, 05:48 AM

I've got the Eheim Automatic Feeder you listed. Its prevented from falling over with weights in the base of the unit but if you think you might bump it in a zip tie might be a good idea. I've been using it off and on for the last two years whenever I'm out of town to feed pelleted food to my tank and always had good results with it.