If you’re looking for the best automatic fish feeder for your fish tank, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll explore the top choices for automatic fish feeders, considering their features, functionality, and user reviews.

So, keep reading to find the perfect feeder for your aquarium!

Our Top Picks:

• Best Overall: EHeim Fish Feeder 
• Fish Mate 14
• Zacro Rechargeable Automatic Fish Feeder
• Intelli Fish Feeder

What To Look For In A Good Automatic Fish Feeder

Automatic fish feeders can make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to feeding your fish. But with so many options out there, you may not know where to start. By considering reliability, capacity, ease of use, maintenance, power source, and build quality, you’ll find the perfect one for your needs.

Reliability

When choosing an automatic fish feeder, reliability is key. You want a feeder that you can count on to do its job consistently. So, look for models with a reputation for dependable performance. After all, you don’t want to end up with a feeder that lets you down and leaves your fish hungry.

Capacity

Consider the capacity of the feeder. How much food can it hold? This is important, especially if you have multiple fish or if you’ll be away for an extended period. You want to make sure the feeder can provide enough food to keep your fish happy and well-fed while you’re away.

Ease of Use

Nobody wants a complicated setup or confusing instructions. So, look for an automatic fish feeder that is easy to use. Find one with a user-friendly interface and clear instructions that make setting it up and programming it a breeze. 

Of course, the last thing you want is to spend hours trying to figure out how to get it working.

Maintenance

Cleaning the fish feeder shouldn’t be a hassle. Choose a model that is easy to disassemble and clean. Look for feeders that are designed with maintenance in mind. This way, you can keep your feeder clean and functioning properly without much effort.

Power Source

Consider the power source of the automatic fish feeder. Some feeders run on batteries, while others need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Battery-powered feeders offer flexibility in placement, without worrying about cords. 

Electric feeders tend to be more reliable, ensuring a consistent power supply. Choose the option that suits your needs and preferences.

Build Quality

Invest in a fish feeder that is built to last. Try to look for models made from high-quality materials that can withstand being near water. Choosing a well-built feeder ensures longevity and saves you from having to replace it frequently.

What Are The Different Types Of Automatic Fish Feeder?

There are a few different types of automatic fish feeders available on the market. Let’s explore two common types:

Rotating Barrel Fish Feeders

Simple Design: Rotating barrel fish feeders have a basic design. They usually have a round container that holds the fish food. The container spins to release the food into the tank.

Adjustable Rotation Settings: These feeders let you change how often they rotate. You can set them to spin at certain times, like once or twice a day. This allows you to decide when your fish get fed.

Reliable Food Dispensation: The spinning mechanism in these feeders ensures that the food comes out smoothly. It prevents clogs and makes sure the food keeps coming out steadily for your fish to eat.

Portion Control Fish Feeders

Precise Portion Sizes: Portion control fish feeders give you exact amounts of food for each feeding. They have separate compartments that hold specific portions. This helps you avoid giving your fish too much food, which can cause problems.

Adjustable Feeding Intervals: These feeders let you choose how often they dispense food. You can set them to release food at different times during the day, helping you establish a regular feeding schedule.

Prevents Food Waste: By giving out measured portions, portion control feeders reduce the chances of wasting food. They make sure only the right amount of food gets released so you don’t end up with excess food sitting at the bottom of the tank.

Customizable Feeding Schedules: Some portion control feeders allow you to personalize the feeding schedule. You can program different feeding times and portion sizes for specific days. This is useful if you have different types of fish or if you want to mimic their natural feeding patterns.

Best Automatic Fish Feeder

When it comes to finding the best automatic fish feeder for your tank, it’s important to consider the experiences and opinions of users who have actually tried these products. Below, we’ll explore some popular automatic fish feeders on the market. 

Let’s dive in and discover the features, pros, and cons of each product:

EHeim Fish Feeder (All Rounder)

The EHeim Fish Feeder is voted most popular by fishkeepers for good. It is a versatile option that suits various tank sizes and fish types. It offers precise feeding and is easy to program.

Pros:

• Reliable and accurate feeding schedule
• Adjustable portion sizes
• Easy to install and use
• Suitable for both flake and pellet foods

Cons:

• Limited food capacity
• The programming interface can be a bit tricky for some users

Fish Mate 14 (Mixed Food)

The Fish Mate 14 is designed to accommodate different types of fish food, including flakes and pellets. It offers customizable feeding intervals and portion sizes.

Pros:

• Versatile for different food types
• Customizable feeding intervals
• Battery-powered backup feature
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Feeding mechanism may occasionally clog with certain food types
• Programming interface could be more intuitive

PetBank Automatic Fish Feeder

The PetBank Rechargeable Automatic Fish Feeder is a convenient option that operates on a rechargeable battery. Just like the Fish Mate 14, it also allows for customizable feeding schedules and portion sizes.

Pros:

• Rechargeable battery eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements
• Adjustable feeding schedule and portion control
• Can be mounted on different tank sizes
• Easy to install and clean

Cons:

• Battery life may vary depending on feeding frequency and portion sizes
• The food compartment size is relatively small

Intelli Fish Feeder

The Intelli Fish Feeder offers programmable feeding schedules and portion sizes. It is designed to prevent moisture from affecting the food quality.

Pros:

• Precise and customizable feeding options
• Moisture-resistant design to preserve food freshness
• Easy to set up and operate
• Suitable for various types of fish food

Cons:

• Limited food capacity
• Some users reported occasional issues with the programming interface

What Food Can You Put In Your Automatic Feeder?

When using an automatic fish feeder, it’s important to know what types of food you can safely use. Not all foods are suitable for automatic feeders because they can get stuck or spoil quickly. Here are some common fish foods that work well in automatic feeders:

Flakes

Flakes are a popular choice for many fish. They come in different varieties for different diets. Flakes are easy to dispense and won’t clog the feeder.

Pellets

Pellets are another common option. They come in different sizes and formulas for different fish. Pellets work well in automatic feeders because they are easy to dispense and provide a balanced diet. 

Additionally, some fish, like bettas, prefer slow-sinking or floating pellets. If you want to use these pellets, make sure your automatic feeder is designed for them. You don’t want them to get stuck or cause any issues.

Granules

Granules are similar to pellets and work well in automatic feeders too. They have a mix of ingredients that many fish enjoy. Generally, you can dispense granules without any problems.

Freeze-Dried 

Depending on the model and the portion size, freeze-dried foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia can be used in automatic feeders. Just make sure the feeder can keep the food dry and fresh. Also, make sure to store these foods in sealed containers to maintain their quality.

How Much Food Should You Put In Your Automatic Feeder?

Knowing how much food to put in your automatic feeder is important for keeping your fish healthy. Here are some things to consider:

Fish Type

Different fish species have varying dietary requirements. Some fish are small and have slower metabolisms, while others are larger and more active. Research the specific dietary needs of your fish using the fish guides on this website to determine the appropriate portion size.

Avoid Overfeeding

Overfeeding can lead to various issues, including poor water quality and health problems. And remember, it’s better to slightly underfeed than to overfeed your fish. So, start with a small amount and see if they finish it within a few minutes.

Consider Feeding Times

Automatic feeders can be set to dispense food multiple times a day. If you choose to feed your fish multiple times, divide the total daily amount of food into smaller portions. This helps prevent overeating and promotes a more natural feeding pattern for your fish.

Monitor Fish Behavior

Pay attention to how your fish eat. If they eat everything quickly, the amount is probably right. If there’s still food after a few minutes, reduce the amount so they don’t waste it.

Make Adjustments  

It may take some trial and error to find the right amount of food for your fish. Regularly monitor their condition, growth, and behavior. If your fish appear too thin or lack energy, slightly increase the portion size. If they’re getting chubby or the water quality becomes bad, decrease the amount of food.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions that people have about automatic fish feeders!

Do You Need An Automatic Fish Feeder?

An automatic fish feeder is useful if you’re busy or travel often. It ensures your fish get regular meals, even when you’re away. It controls the amount of food, preventing overfeeding or underfeeding. It saves time by feeding your fish automatically.

Conclusion

Finding the best automatic fish feeder for your tank can make a significant difference in maintaining the well-being of your fish. By selecting a high-quality automatic fish feeder, you can ensure that your fish are well-fed and thriving, even when you’re not around.