I love fishes that nowadays are close and lovely friends of human. However, raising and feeding fishes aren’t easy than we thought. I have a beautiful fish tank in my house and sometimes feeding fishes seems difficult for me as I have to work for 8 hours a day and can not trust anyone to do my job properly especially when I am away. Feeding fish is more difficult than other pets because if you aren’t careful, you can easily overfeed them.
It is a reason why you need an automatic fish feeder. After trying and testing different types, I have concluded 12 must-try automatic fish feeder items based on their pros and cons. I hope that after reading this post, you will find the best product.
What Is An Automatic Fish Feeder? How Does It Work?
An automatic fish feeder works to deliver the right amount of food into your fish aquarium at a particular time every day. Some feeders are designed to dispense foods more than once daily. An automatic fish feeder can ease your burden of feeding your fishes when you go away on vacation or when you forget. This machine also calculates the proper amount of food, so that your fishes won’t be overfed.
If you are an aquatic hobbyist, you may know how crucial your fish’s health is. If fishes are overfed and aren’t fed, they can be malnourished and ill. Sometimes, it also leads to death. An automatic fish feeder can help you reduce those risks.
Another advantage of an automatic fish feeder is to keep a favorable, stable and clean environment for fishes to grow and develop by releasing food in small quantities. Furthermore, it also helps keep the harmful chemical ammonia in control.
I have multiple species, so I always worry that my fishes aren’t fed equally. In this case, an automatic fish feeder has saved my life. Some fish feeders are designed to have separated compartments that ensure foods to release equally for a range of aquatic species.
Automatic fish feeders are either run on electricity or battery operated via a power cord. Each type has its own advantages. For example, using feeders operated by battery, you don’t need to worry about the power outage or electric shock. On the contrary, with an electrical power fish feeder, there is no risk of the battery dying.
Each feeder has different ways to function and dispense the food. But most machines are designed with several chambers to contain food. When a clock mechanism works, the feeder can rotate to make the food release into the aquarium at a certain scheduled time.
Choose the best automatic fish feeders to keep your aquatic pets safe and healthy now!
| Products | Dimension | Max Feeds Per Day | Food Types |
| Zoo Med BettaMatic Automatic Daily Betta Feeder | 3 x 1.6 x 4 inches | Once daily | |
| Saim Battery-Operated Automatic Fish Feeder | 7 x 6 x 3 inches | Twice daily | Flake or pellet |
| Top Fin Automatic Fish Feeder | Twice daily | ||
| PROCHE Digital Automatic Fish Feeder | 2.8 x 3 x 8 inches | 4 feeding times per day | Flakes, pellets, powders, and strips |
| Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder | 4.7 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches | 1 to 4 meals per day | All fish foods, including flakes |
| NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder | Up to 5 daily feeding times | Most types of food | |
| UStyle Automatic Fish Feeder, Fish Feeder | 16.5 x 6.5 x 6.5cm. | Up to 4 feedings per day | Most types of food, including pellets, flakes, strips, and powders |
| Current USA 3860 Aquachef Automatic Fish Feeder | 10 x 6 x 8 inches | 4 feedings per day | |
| Eheim Automatic Feeding Unit | 2.5 x 2.5 x 5.5 inches | Up to 8 feedings per day | Small and medium pellets, flakes |
| EHEIM TWIN Automatic Feeder | 6.3 x 2.9 x 4.6 inches | 3 feedings per day | Granulate, sticks, pellets, or flakes |
| Torlam Auto Fish Feeder | 4.7 x 3 x 5.5 inches | 3 feedings per day | Most types of food including pellets, flakes, or crumbles |
| P7000 Pond Fish Feeder | 8.3 x 8.3 x 14.5 inches | 3 feedings per day | Pellets and ‘stick’ food |
1. Zoo Med BettaMatic Automatic Daily Betta Feeder
Buying this automatic fish feeder, I feel secure when going away for a few days. This auto machine can feed my betta fishes by dispensing the food on a daily basis. For me, the Zoo Med BettaMatic Automatic Daily Betta Feeder is the best automatic fish feeder for betta fish.
I went gone for 2 weeks and put enough foods for 14 days in this feeder. And I was happy and satisfied when I returned and found my little fishes were still alive and swimming happily. This automatic feeder releases food once a day at the same time every day and keeps things work consistently.
I also like its cheap cost, decent design, and lightweight property. Therefore, I recommended this one to my friends and they also fall in love with it immediately.
Furthermore, it works accurately as a travel alarm clock that operates on the 24-hour cycle battery.
The only thing that makes some cat owners hesitate is the pretty fragile and thin plastic food ball; therefore, you have to be careful with the little latches of the ball sides.
Overall, this thing is still working fine and it is the best automatic fish feeder for betta fish I would like to highly recommend to you.
2. Saim Battery-Operated Automatic Fish Feeder
You need to feed your fish twice daily, right? If yes, this is what you are looking for. The daily double automatic fish feeder is the easiest and simplest to operate by moving the slider down and up to release the food.
Using this machine, I just need to crush food up into the small pieces to ensure that it won’t be stuck in the chamber. This machine can be set a timer but you can change the position of the barrel to when you want to feed your fish. I tested this Saim Battery-Operated Automatic Fish Feeder for a couple of days and it worked perfectly.
The price ($10 – $15) is also a big bonus for fish lovers to buy this one. Although it isn’t the highest quality fish feeder, for that price, it functions and operates well enough to make you satisfied with the purchase.
3. Top Fin Automatic Fish Feeder
Top Fin automatic fish feeder has a little more expensive than the Saim and Zoo Med BettaMatic feeders because it is designed to minimize the installation and set-up steps.
By setting a particular time, this machine can help dispense foods once or twice in a 24 hour period. It will make you feel secure when you have to go away for a few days. Furthermore, it can ensure the correct amount of food is delivered each time.
Besides, this machine is lightweight; therefore, you can bring with you when you have to transfer to the new place.
For all those reasons mentioned above, I think it is a great fish feeder for you to invest your money.
4. PROCHE Digital Automatic Fish Feeder
This digital automatic fish feeder costs only $20 but is designed with several advanced features. There are many reasons for me to choose it as the best automatic fish feeder and want to recommend to aquatic lovers who have fish, turtle, frogs, and newt.
What I like about this product are the 2*AAA batteries that are more powerful than other batteries and can work for up to 3 months. So I can go away for long periods of time without worrying that my fish and marine animals are overfed or underfed.
Secondly, using this auto feeder, I don’t need to worry about which type of food can be delivered because this machine can be used for all food kinds such as flakes, strips, pellets, and powders.
There is no need to crush up the food and all the thing I have to do is to set four suitable feeding times on the product. Also, I can set the amount of food delivered each time by adding the slider.
Thanks to those pros, the feeder is a fine product although securing it on the top of the tank seems challenging. Anyway, it is still the best investment in your life.
5. Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder
I know a lot of people don’t like or trust auto feeders because of their own disadvantages. For example, they cost a lot of money and can not provide a balanced meal for fish. However, the Fish Mate F14 small automatic fish feeder is a different story.
This feeder is absolutely fantastic as it receives a lot of good reviews. I have tried this one for nearly three months and it doesn’t make me disappointed. As you can see, this feeder having 14 compartments can give your fish 14 different healthy meals that can be divided into 1 to 4 meals per day.
For that benefit, fish nutritionists highly recommend. When I go away and want to feed my fish 3 times with different types of foods including algae wafers, flakes and shrimp pellets, this style of feeder allows me to do that.
Furthermore, while other auto feeders make moisture get into the machine, spoiling the food, this one has an air inlet that allows you to hook an air pump up in order to prevent moisture from ruining the food.
Another reason I make the purchase is that the battery condition indicator will help me know when I have to recharge the battery. Although the cost isn’t affordable for all cat lover, it is still the perfect choice for small or medium sized aquariums that has the capacity up to 150 liters. For the outdoor ponds, I think this one is not suitable.
6. NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder
I would like to give this good automatic fish feeder 4 stars and if the manufacturer finds a solution to simplify this item, it will deserve to receive 5 stars.
What I like about this feeder is that it has on/off button; therefore, it can be easy for me to turn it on and off, or pause it for a while when I don’t need it to work. The second thing I give it 4 stars is how the manufacturer focused on the solution to keep food always fresh with the design of an integrated fan and ventilation system.
Usually, I use this feeder when I go away for a few days. Before the trip, I just need to set up 5 feeding times per day and adjust the amount the food releasing each time by using alternative rotation and adjustable slider.
However, the only drawback I found in this automatic fish feeder is that it may not reliably work for small food. But if you like the advanced function of this one, I think it would be the best investment.
7. UStyle Automatic Fish Feeder, Fish Feeder
Coming in a square style or around style, this UStyle Automatic fish feeder is designed to be used to feed all kinds of fish and aquatic animals with various types of foods including powders, fish flakes, pellets, and strips.
The outstanding feature is that an LCD display can make the setting up four meals per day and customizing portions become easy. I can feed my fish at any time and as much as I want to ensure their health especially when I go away.
Another advantage is that besides integrated fan and ventilation, the moisture-resistant hopper also contributes to keeping the food dry and fresh efficiently until the food releases into the fish tank. With automatic fish feeder for small tanks, I can feed my fish and aquatic animals a specific amount of pellets; therefore, there is no need for me to worry about the overfeeding, underfeeding and other built-up issues.
The price that fits any budget is also a reason making many fish lovers choose this one as their best automatic fish feeder.
8. Current USA 3860 Aquachef Automatic Fish Feeder
I love the simple design of this Aquachef automatic fish feeder. At the scheduled feeding time, the drum will rotate slowly and the plastic door at the top of the drum opens to release the food. After that, the door will shut to prevent moisture or water from getting into the drum.
This product allows me to feed my fish four times daily at the programmed time and each feeding can be single or double. So, programming the feeder is not too difficult, which is a big bonus if you want to consider to buy the best automatic fish feeder. I like the fact that it has a button I can press for feeding immediately, which is useful if you want to test it out before purchasing.
This feeder costs about $20 that is quite affordable for most aquatic lovers; therefore, it is the good automatic fish feeder many people are looking for.
9. Eheim Automatic Feeding Unit
It is about six months ago I switched to the Eheim automatic fish feeder and have used it as my daily feeder whether I go away or not. Therefore, over this course of time, I can list several pros and cons of this item that I think will be your reference.
The first thing I like about this product is the simplicity based on the easy-to-use LCD display, battery level indicator, and superficial ventilation system. There are four buttons which make it easy to program this device. Before I go to work or go away for a few days, I just need to set the feeding time and adjust the amount of food I want to distribute.
The second thing I need to say about this one is a great consistency. The timer works exactly like an alarm; therefore, I can go away without worry that my fish is overfed or underfed. The product can dispense the right quantity of food at the right programmed time, providing fishes and many kinds of the aquatic animal up to 8 healthy meals per day.
Furthermore, a drum has the volume of 100ml of food while the battery indicator lets you know when you have to recharge it.
All of those pros make this Eheim automatic fish feeder deserve to receive my 5 stars although there are some cons. For instance, it may not be suitable for small food because they could get stuck in the drum. Moreover, because of the simplicity, it doesn’t have the off button. So it will be difficult for me when I want to pause the feeder for a while.
10. EHEIM TWIN Automatic Feeder
I love the Eheim automatic fish feeder very much as I used their old version for a period of time; therefore, I didn’t hesitate to buy the updated version with advanced features and functions. As I mentioned above, the Eheim automatic feeding unit cannot be used for the different types of food or foods with different size. However, this Eheim Twin has fixed that drawback of the old version by designing with two separate food chambers that can hold pellets, stick, flakes and granulates.
Those chambers also allow feeding fish two types of food at the same time, which will be beneficial if you want to dispense the correct amount of food to all aquarium fish and creatures.
Furthermore, the programming is also easy to follow as long as you read the instruction. There are not many buttons to function and you can easily do it with the LCD display. Choosing the feeding time and the amount of food that will be dispensed each time, you just need to push the button to make the program run immediately.
I have been using this product for more than six months and the biggest but only drawback of this one is that it may be a little noisy when it operates and delivers the food.
Overall, in my opinion, the Eheim Twin is still worth a try if you are an aquatic lover although the cost may be much more expensive than other similar products.
11. Torlam Auto Fish Feeder
Does your fish tank have the lid? If yes, I am in your shoes. As a person who is obsessed with marine life, I spend a lot of time finding the best automatic fish feeder for a tank with lid. Despite a couple of times of failures, I chose the Torlam Auto Fish Feeder as the best item I have tried.
Let me start with their good points. The first one is that it can not only attach to the tank but also has a base to place on the cover or the hood of the tank.
Besides, designed with 8-hour setting (8 h, 12 h, 24h), the Torlam can allow you to feed 3 times per day. But its most outstanding point is you can feed by yourself by setting up the manual feeding program.
Move on the greatness. I really love the fact that unlike other products I have, this auto feeder can save the batteries as it can still operate well by plugging into the USB adapter via an outlet.
Although I can choose one of three cycles: 8 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours to program, I still wish this feeder will have a clock or multiple programmable cycles like other products I have tried. If it did, this would be the best automatic fish feeder no brands could beat.
12. P7000 Pond Fish Feeder
P7000 Pond Fish Feeder is a perfect outdoor automatic fish feeder for lakes and small ponds up to about 300-500 gallons because of the 30 cup capacity for dry food and 6 to 9-month battery life. I bought this feeder to feed my outdoor fish while I was on a vacation for up to 2 months. After coming home, this feeder proved that it works flawlessly.
Furthermore, the fact that it is easy to put together and has a good design made me satisfied and happy with the purchase. The instruction about programming is also easy enough to follow. I set the clock to feed my fish three times daily with a specific amount of food releasing per feeding.
My friend who also has two P7000 Pond Fish Feeder to feed his Koi said that the hopper may eventually crumble after a few years of using due to the intense sunlight. However, it isn’t a big deal because I can replace the hopper and this feeder with the amazing mechanism will still go on well.
How To Choose The Best Automatic Fish Feeder
There is no doubt that using an automatic fish feeder is beneficial in easing your burden of feeding fishes and reducing the risk of overfeeding or no feeding, but not all the automatic fish feeders are the same. It means that while some products make you satisfied, others end up in disappointment. The wrong decision can ruin every effort you put on taking care of your fishes. Before making the purchase, I always consider these following factors to make sure that I choose the best automatic fish feeder.
1. Size
How much food you want to store or how big your aquarium is will decide the size of the food chamber you should choose. Furthermore, the number of fishes you have is also an important factor if you want to invest in a fish feeder with the proper size of the chamber.
I have multiple species of fishes and marine animals; therefore, a large capacity automatic fish feeder is an ideal choice for me. That is also highly recommended if you want to buy more marine species and expand the aquarium in the future.
However, for someone who likes a beautiful aquarium, a big fish feeder seems bulkier and disturbed.
2. Battery Life
Of course, you don’t want a fish feeder with a short-duration battery that will fail in feeding your fish properly. As a result, it can cause illness, disease and in some cases, leading to death.
In my opinion, considering the battery life is important when you are searching for the best automatic fish feeder. I often have to go away for a long period of time, therefore, I need a feeder that lasts long until its batteries have to be replaced or the machine has to be recharged.
So, before making the purchase for the fish feeder, you need to find the information about feeder’s battery life written on the label or instruction. Doing that, you will know clearly and exactly when the battery needs changing.
3. Ventilation System
A good ventilation system cannot be ignored if I am looking for the best automatic fish feeder. Designed to provide fresh air to food compartments, the automatic fish feeder can keep foods for fish fresh even when you are away for a few days. If the ventilation system doesn’t function well, your food can be spoiled and your fish is vulnerable to illness. So, it is recommended investing in an automatic feeder which is well-ventilated.
4. Easy To Install And Use
I have tried a number of automatic fish feeders. Some are easy to set up while others are difficult. In my experience, if you are using manual feeders or automatic feeders, the important thing you need to consider before buying is how easy its installation is. The longer time you spend on installation, the more frustrated you may feel.
Furthermore, how easily it functions also give me a reason to decide whether I should buy this feeder or not. I often prefer a fish feeder designed with a digital display system because it can be easy to function, program and make adjustments.
5. Quality And Time Controller
Do you know that feeding fish many times per day is better than giving them a lot of food at once? That will make your fish digest food easily and prevent illness. Therefore, I always choose the feeder with a reliable and accurate timer to make sure that it can dispense foods at the exact time.
How much food is delivered each time should be accurate because anything going wrong can lead to overfeeding or harm fish’s health. Therefore, you should check the basic guide and usage directions before purchasing.
6. Frequency Of Feeding
Automatic fish feeders have different frequency of feeding. Depending on how often you want to feed your fish, you can decide the best automatic fish feeder.
For instance, some machines dispense food twice a day while others allow feeding your fish up to 8 times a day. Therefore, before you make the purchase for a feeder, you should know exactly the frequency of feeding your machine offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Best Automatic Fish Feeder?
According to numerous reviews on the internet and also, in my opinion, the best three automatic fish feeders that rank first among other products in the market are Saim Battery-Operated Automatic Fish Feeder, PROCHE Digital Automatic Fish Feeder, and Eheim Automatic Feeding Unit. Now, let me explain more.
The first one is Saim Battery-Operated Automatic Fish Feeder that receives 4.5 stars in Amazon.com based on buyer’s reviews. But in my opinion, three things that make this one stand out are an affordable price (about $10 per product), simplicity in installation and program, and efficient function. Furthermore, I feel secure when I have to go away for an extended vacation as this feeder attaching to the aquariums and tanks securely feeds my fish at the right programmed time and with the proper amount of food.
The second one Is PROCHE Digital Automatic Fish Feeder that has been mentioned as many page reviewer as the best product in 2019. Using this feeder of a long period of time, I was impressed with its simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency in its design and function. What I like most about this product is that it can help you decide exactly how much food you want to feed your fish per feeding and during the day. You can give your fish a large amount of food day by day or divide it into small portions. Besides, the price (about $20) is also one of the important factors that bring this feeder to become the best seller product in 2019.
Being more expensive than two above feeders, the Eheim Battery Operated Auto Fish Feeder won my heart because of its unique and small design that perfectly matches with small tanks and aquariums. The LCD display which makes programming and setting up become easily also gives this device a big bonus. With this one, I can schedule eight feeding times during the day and ensure it can help my fish healthy and happy. I also have to say that the Eheim maker did a great job when designing the installation clip to connect the feeder to the plastic fish tank simply.
2. How to Setup an Automatic Fish Feeder?
When fish lovers want to switch to an auto fish feeder, the important question most people ask is how to set up an automatic fish feeder.
The first thing I often do before making the purchase for the best automatic fish feeder is to check for any loose or damaged parts. The broken cells may ruin the product’s quality, making the water get into the drum and affect the device’s function. So, inspection is the most important part you should do before making the decision.
The list of automatic fish feeders I reviewed here are the best products I concluded, according to my experience and buyer’s reviews. All these feeders come with the best guarantee and after-sales service; therefore, make sure that you understand them well by reading the instruction or asking the sellers.
Unpacking the automatic fish feeder, you need to plug in the device via the outlet if it operates electrically. And if it runs on battery power, you have to insert the batteries to make it function.
Most auto feeders are designed with a dispensing entryway that will open up to dispense the food into the tanks or aquariums. This entryway can be customized by yourself. With my experience, I suggest you utilize the entryway at the highest setting.
Before filling food in the container, make sure that you clean the hopper carefully because any dirty problems can contaminate, spoil the fish food and kill your aquatic pets.
After installing and cleaning the device, the next thing I do is to program the feeding times and set the amount of food per feeding. Different products have different ways to program. Many feeders are designed with the customizable entryway that can adjust the amount of food delivered at every cycle. Some have a clock, LCD display or buttons to make the programming easily and precisely.
Most aquatic creatures need 1-3 feeding during the day and I recommend you limit the time per feeding within 5-10 seconds to avoid cloudiness and ammonia issue.
Conclusion
I have introduced 12 must-try automatic fish feeder ideas for aquatic lovers that will give you a variety of choices. Following the tips on how to choose the best feeders, you can easily find the device that matches your needs and purposes. Keeping your fish and aquatic pets safe and healthy no longer makes you frustrated when you own of these recommended products. Wherever you are, at home or away, you can feel secure about feeding your pets as you know these auto feeders can carry out your tasks very well.
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