Are Automatic Fish Feeders Any Good?

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There are several fish feeding devices that allow electric feeding of tropical fish at set times. An automatic fish feeder is a useful tool for when you go on vacation or are away from home for a long time.

 

Feeding is adjustable at multiple feeding times via a built-in clock. With the help of feeding intervals and sophisticated portions in separated feeders, the fish obtain their food dosed regularly throughout the day. Additional meals in between can be given at the touch of a button. Most feeders work with new or rechargeable batteries that last a month sometimes longer, depending on how economical the feeder is. The splash-proof trays are filled with various types of dry food ready for consumption. The somewhat simpler devices have only one container to hold the food. There are also devices that work as a conveyor belt, on which the feed must be scattered.

 

Connecting feed dispenser to aquarium

Not every aquarium has a recess into which a feeder fits. In larger fish tanks, there is often a special opening in the lid. When purchasing, you should check whether you can attach the feeder to something. If there is no recess, you can drill a hole in the cover yourself.

 

Aeration system

With a tray system, make sure it has active ventilation. The trays are not completely watertight sealed! With aeration, by air pump connection or built-in ventilation, flake food and other dry food is kept dry with air.

 

Heating to evaporate moisture

There are feeders that heat to evaporate penetrating moisture. Prolonged heating can cause vitamins and important nutritional elements to decay from the feed. The same happens with feed jars kept in warm place over light bar of the aquarium. Store dry feed at room temperature to maintain feed quality.

 

Usability feeding dispenser

The dispenser is ideal for when you go on vacation or with young fish in growth. Young fish grow up faster and healthier when fed several small meals daily. Apart from artemia, you can also feed in doses with various kinds of dry food. In nature, fish find their food spread throughout the day. Thanks to the use of a feeder you can imitate this.

 

Quantity of fish food

The amount that should be given depends on fish species and how many are in the aquarium. Some types of food often pass through the opening more easily than others. It is trial and error to find the right amount of fish food to give. The food should be gone within 5 minutes. If residue remains, you should give less next time.

 

Some rotary systems are less suitable for flake feed, unless you finesse the large flakes first. When the water is much warmer than outside temperature then condensation forms, this can be detrimental. The feed becomes sticky and moist. Instead of flake food, use pellets. Pellets are also more nutritious and are less likely to pollute the water. Also test the water parameters more often in the beginning and adjust the amount of food accordingly. To keep fish beautiful and healthy, good nutrition and adequate food rotation is important. Fortunately, there is a wide choice of fish food, making it easy to alternate.

 

Feeding fish manually

Manually feeding the fish remains fun to do, of course. During feeding time, you can observe the ornamental fish well. It is a time when you can easily count the number and possibly recognize a sick fish. A healthy fish comes to feed quickly, sick fish behave differently and are reluctant.

 

Let us know what device you have, state the advantages and disadvantages. What are your experiences with which brand of feeder? Write below the brand and your experience.

Ben
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