The 12 Best Automatic Fish Feeders For Your Fish Tank
- May 27, 2023
- By Dr. Deborah Fletcher
If you have an approaching trip, whether it's for a few days or a few weeks, you've undoubtedly been researching care alternatives for your fish while you're gone. In place of having someone check on your fish while you're away, an automated fish feeder is an excellent alternative for ensuring that your fish are cared for.
However, it is crucial to ensure that the automated fish feeder you purchase will function as intended, especially if nobody will be able to check on your aquarium. Here are BestForPets (bestforpets.org)'s reviews of the best automatic fish feeders for your fish tank to assist you to choose a device that will keep your fish healthy and well-fed.
Reviews
Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder
The Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder is the greatest automated aquarium fish meal feeder. Customizable with three preset feeding times and a feeding quantity adjuster. This automated feeder was created with flakes in mind, but it can accommodate virtually any sort of dry fish food.
The Eheim Everyday automated feeder can carry up to 100ml of food, which is sufficient to feed several fish for up to six weeks, even with heavy feeding many times a day. It has a digital display and a warning mechanism that provides enough notice before the batteries fail.
It measures 5.5 by 2.5 by 2.5 inches and may be used safely in both freshwater and saltwater due to its durable plastic casing. This feeder has a mounting bracket for securing it to an open-topped tank.
It is not designed for use with tanks with lids, but it may be placed on top of a cover to allow food to fall through an aperture. However, this configuration is not ideal if there are other pets in the property that might knock over the feeder.
Pros
- Three feeding occasions
- Variable feeding portions
- Compatible with the majority of dry fish meals
- Holds sufficient food to sustain much fish for up to six weeks.
- Digital display
- Warning system notifies the user of a low battery
- Use of freshwater or saltwater
- Mounting brackets for use with tanks without a cover
Cons
- Designed for use with tanks without a lid
Automatic Penn-Plax Daily Double II Fish Feeder
Penn-Plax Daily Double II Automated Fish Feeder is the greatest automatic aquarium fish meal feeder for the money. Not only is this product inexpensive, but it is also manufactured by Penn-Plax, a respected aquatics manufacturer.
This battery-powered automated feeder will dispense food every 12 hours, and the drum can store enough food for four weeks of unsupervised feeding. It may be used with most types of dry fish food, however, it is developed specifically for flakes and pellets.
The dimensions of this feeder are 7.24 inches by 2.76 inches x 5.24 inches. It includes an adjustable clamp to secure it to the edge of an aquarium, but it is also weighted so that it may be used securely freestanding.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Once every 12 hours.
- Variable feeding portions
- Contains enough meals for four weeks
- Compatible with the majority of types of dry fish food
- Adjustable clamp for edge attachment or freestanding use
Cons
- Cannot be adjusted to certain feeding times
- Does not have a digital display
Current USA 3860 Aquachef Automatic Fish Feeder
The Current USA 3860 Aquachef Automatic Fish Feeder is the most expensive option for automatic fish meal feeders for aquariums, but it offers several functions that justify the higher price. It is designed for use with the majority of dry fish meals, and the drum contains a hopper bar that stirs the food within each revolution.
This digital-display automated feeder may be programmed to feed up to four times each day. Each feeding might consist of either a single or double amount. In addition, it contains a manual feeding button for extra feedings. With its adjustable clamp, this feeder is compatible with a range of tank sizes and shapes.
It also contains double-sided tape, allowing for simple attachment to a tank lid rather than the rim. This feeder operates on AA batteries and displays a warning when the batteries are running low. This item’s dimensions are 5,1 by 2,7 by 4.5 inches.
Pros
- Compatible with the majority of types of dry fish food
- The internal hopper bar stirs food during every rotation.
- Digital display
- The display notifies you when the batteries are low.
- Can be programmed to feed up to four times each day.
- Included are a mounting bracket and double-sided tape.
- Manual button for feeding
Cons
- Premium price
Aquarium Fish Feeder Fish Mate F14
The Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder is an economical and straightforward automated feeder. The timer on this battery-operated gadget may be adjusted for up to four feedings each day and can accommodate up to 14 meals. With everyday use, a single AA battery may power the device for up to a year.
This automated feeder is designed for use with all forms of dry fish food, and various feeds may be placed in each meal slot, allowing for the feeding of many species of fish on the same day. In high-humidity situations, the manufacturer suggests pellets or tablets as opposed to flakes.
A simple timer dial is used to determine the feeding schedule, and a battery indicator alerts the user when the battery is going low. It may be put on an aquarium hood or a tank’s glass rim.
This feeder also has the capability of accepting airline tubing attached to an air pump (not provided). This airflow keeps food from spoiling and prevents clogging. The dimensions of the product are 4.65 inches x 5.47 inches by 1.54 inches.
Pros
- Can provide up to four daily meals
- One battery can last up to a year when used regularly.
- Each lunch slot may have distinct foods.
- Compatible with the majority of types of dry fish food
- Simple setup
- Battery voltmeter
- Mountable on a hood or a wheel
- Air pumps can be used to maintain food’s freshness and avoid clogging.
Cons
- Does not have a digital display
- Feeding quantity cannot be set for each feeding.
- Utilization of flake foods is prohibited in high-humidity settings.
- Limited to 14 meals
Automatic Fish Feeder by Zacro
The Zacro Automated Fish Feeder is a rechargeable, intelligent automatic fish feeder. A lithium-ion battery and a USB charger are included. This feeder can be used for up to six months on a single charge and can be recharged up to 800 times.
This automated feeder has a 200ml drum capacity and can be programmed to feed 1-3 pieces up to four times a day, making it an excellent choice for big tanks or animals like turtles. There is also an option for hand feeding. It may be used with pellets, powders, and flakes, among other dry food types.
It includes a digital display, making it easy to configure. It may be installed on a glass of different thicknesses thanks to its adjustable mount. This feeder is not designed for use with a lidded tank. The dimensions of this feeder are 6.61 inches x 4.80 inches by 3.54 inches.
Pros
- One charge may last up to six months, and the battery can be recharged up to 800 times.
- Contains 200 ml of food
- Can be programmed to feed up to four times each day.
- Can provide 1 to 3 servings per feeding
- Can be used with the majority of dry food varieties, including big food
- Digital display
- Simple to set up
Cons
- Batteries cannot be changed once exhausted.
- Too big for most practical feeding applications.
- Not applicable to tanks with a cover
- Not recommended for use in ponds
Automatic Barkmew Fish Feeder
The Barkmew Automated Fish Feeder is an automatic feeder that may be programmed to provide 1-3 servings up to three times each day. Additionally, hand feeding is a possibility. The drum contains up to 200ml of dry food and can be easily refilled from the top without the need to remove it.
This automated feeder may be used to feed large aquatic species, such as turtles and koi, in huge tanks. It may be used with virtually any dry food, even big foods such as sticks for koi.
It may be put vertically on the rim of a tank using an adjustable mount, or horizontally on a tank hood using a double-sided sticker. The digital display facilitates setup and personalization. This item’s dimensions are 5.9 by 2.76 by 4.7 inches.
Pros
- Up to 200ml of food capacity
- Can be programmed to feed up to three times each day.
- Can support 1 to 3 servings per feeding
- Can accommodate most dry food kinds, especially big food
- Digital display
- Simple to set up
- Mounts both horizontally and vertically
Cons
- Too big for most practical feeding applications.
- Too hefty for most tanks without rims
Automatic Fish Feeder NICREW
The NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder has an innovative ventilation system that circulates fresh air throughout the system, reducing moisture buildup and preserving the freshness of the food. This feeder may be programmed to provide 1-3 servings each feeding up to five times per day. Additionally, hand feeding is a possibility.
This feeder is powered by two AA batteries and boasts a digital display that is simple to operate. The adjustable clamp attachment allows this feeder to be mounted to the rim or edge of the majority of tanks; however, it is not designed for use with tanks with lids.
This feeder holds 60ml of food and is designed for use with the majority of dry foods, including pellets and crisps. This item has dimensions of roughly 6,4 by 4,6 by 3.4 inches.
Pros
- A unique ventilation system maintains food’s freshness and hydration
- Can be programmed to feed five times a day.
- Can provide 1 to 3 servings per feeding
- Optional feeding by hand
- Digital display
- Adjustable mounting bracket
- Compatible with the majority of types of dry fish food
Cons
- Not applicable to tanks with a cover
- Can barely contain sixty milliliters of food
- Ventilation fan may cause batteries to expire fast
Automatic Petzilla Fish Feeder
The Petzilla Automated Fish Feeder is a straightforward solution for automatic feeders. It can only be programmed to feed once or twice a day, and though the feeding volume is adjustable, it is a notch-based system that may not deliver proper portions.
This item has dimensions of 3.9 inches by 1.65 inches x 4.3 inches and lacks a digital display. It is set using a 12- or 24-hour switch, and the amount of every feeding is determined by the drum’s notches. It functions well with flakes or grains. This feeder has an adjustable bracket that allows it to be mounted to a tank’s rim. It cannot be applied to tanks with lids.
Pros
- Simple to employ
- Compatible with flakes, granules, and pellets.
- Adjustable mounting bracket
Cons
- Only two feedings every day
- Feeding quantity notches might not provide precise feeding quantities
- Not applicable to tanks with a cover
- Does not have a digital display
Automatic EHEIM TWIN Feeder
The EHEIM TWIN Automatic Feeder has two separate chambers. Each chamber may be programmed to provide up to three feedings each day. They may be scheduled at the same or different times. There is also an option for random feeding.
Each chamber of this feeder can accommodate 80ml of pellets, flakes, sticks, or granules. The chambers are aerated to maintain the freshness of the food, but there is no active ventilation system.
This device offers an easy-to-setup digital display. It takes four AA batteries, which should be inspected on a regular basis to guarantee their functionality. This feeder’s dimensions are 6.34 by 2.91 by 4.65 inches.
Pros
- Individually programmable twin chambers permit feeding up to three times each day.
- 80 milliliters per chamber
- Digital display
- Optional feeding at random
Cons
- Too big for many practical applications.
- Requires four AA batteries
- Not designed for use on tanks with tops
- Possibly too hefty for certain rimless tanks
- Certain dietary restrictions apply to the use of this feeder.
SunGrow Pleco Wafer Fish Feeder
The SunGrow Pleco Fish Wafer Feeder is a basic, cost-effective feeder designed for wafer-type meals. It may be programmed to provide a single amount up to four times each day.
Because this product is designed primarily for feeding wafer meals, it may not accurately measure smaller foods like as flakes and pellets. The drum contains up to 100ml of food and is ventilated by a fan to maintain food’s freshness and dryness.
This ventilation system may hasten the demise of the two AA batteries, thus they should be frequently inspected. If the ventilation system is not functioning properly, moisture will gather in this feeder, causing the food to get blocked and rot.
This feeder includes a digital display and is simple to install. This item’s dimensions are roughly 7.87 by 3 by 2.7 inches. It is meant for daily feedings and is not designed for extended use, such as during a vacation.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Contains 100 ml of food
- Ventilation system
- Digital display
Cons
- Designed only for wafer-type foods
- Other sorts of food may not be properly portioned.
- A ventilation system may hasten the demise of batteries.
- Not designed for prolonged use
- If the ventilation fan fails, too much moisture will be absorbed.
Buyer's Guide
Cons
- How Long You’ll Be Gone: If necessary, some automated feeders can feed your fish for weeks! If you’re going on a lengthy journey, you’ll want to get a feeder that has enough food and battery power to last the entire time. Some feeders are more suited for daily or short-term use, making them a better option for weekend vacations or even routine feedings.
- A tank containing six huge goldfish will require far more food than a tank containing twelve neon tetras. An excellent technique to assess how much food your automated feeder will need to contain is to keep track of how many times each day and how much you feed your fish.
- How Often You Feed: The number of fish you feed is not the only factor to consider when determining how much food your feeder should store. If you wish to feed your fish four times per day, an automated feeder with once or twice-daily settings would not suffice. You need to choose an automated feeder that will feed your fish the appropriate amount at normal intervals. The last thing you want is to overfeed your fish while you’re away and return to a water quality disaster.
- If you are feeding koi, your feeder must be able to evenly spread the koi sticks that you are feeding. If you are feeding little fish, your feeder must be able to accommodate small foods like powder, flakes, or baby pellets. Not all feeders will distribute all types of food uniformly.
- What Your Tank Setup Is: If your tank has a hood, you will need to find a feeder that is compatible with hoods or devise a technique to rig a feeder. Acrylic tanks can support greater weight than glass tanks, although they are more susceptible to scratching when using adjustable mounts. Knowing your tank’s materials, wall thickness, and whether or not it has a rim can assist you to select the appropriate automated feeder for your needs.
What alternatives are there when purchasing automatic fish food feeders?
- Others feeders may be put over the rim of a tank or over the glass of a rimless tank, while others can be set on top of a lid or hood, and some can even be fitted on the bottom of a lid that is far enough from the waterline.
- Most automated feeders are powered with batteries, although some may also be hooked via a USB port or an electrical outlet. A plug-in feeder will never run out of electricity, but it may need to be reset after a power outage, and it clearly requires an outlet. Automatic feeders that are powered by batteries are successful, but they must be regularly checked to ensure that the battery remains fresh or charged to maintain the feeder operational.
- Some automated feeders are equipped with ventilation systems that function to keep food fresh and dry. Some feeders lack this function but are designed to be watertight and prevent moisture from entering the food hopper. Other feeders provide the option of connecting external air pumps to supply airflow into the feeder in order to maintain food freshness.
- Depending on how many fish you’re feeding, how long you’ll be away, how often you’ll feed, and what sort of food you’re feeding, you may require feeders of varying sizes. Some feeders can only contain enough food for a few days or can only hold tiny food, but others can hold so much food that they are unsuitable for anything other than feeding huge or many fish.
- Automatic fish feeders may feed anywhere from one to five times each day. Knowing how frequently you wish to feed your fish will help you choose the appropriate feeder.
- Some automated feeders include digital screens and basic to complicated configurations. Other feeders lack digital screens but might still be difficult to accurately configure.
Conclusion
The Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder is the best overall product based on its high functionality and user-friendliness, however, for a more premium product, the Current USA 3860 Aquachef Automatic Fish feeder has the most features and the most user-friendly design. The Penn-Plax Daily Double II Automatic Fish Feeder offers the best value due to its low price and user-friendliness.
Choosing an automated fish feeder for an aquarium may be a stressful endeavor. You want to have confidence in the thing you buy, so utilize these reviews to select the greatest item for your aquarium. Once you’ve selected an automated feeder, test it for as least a few days before leaving, to ensure that it is completely working and configured to your fish’s preferences.
We honestly appreciate your time in reading thus far. BestForPets (bestforpets.org) believes this article will assist you in selecting the best automatic fish feeders for your fish tank for your needs
Dr. Deborah Fletcher
Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.
Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher
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