Automatic Fish Feeder

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According to a survey made in 2017 and 2018 by the American Pet Products Association approximately 12.5 million American households own freshwater fish while a lower number of households, 2.5 million, own saltwater fish. The total number of freshwater and saltwater fish held in the U.S. is 39.3 million and 18.8 million, respectively. The statistics also show that fish are currently the third most popular pet in America. There are many reasons why people get fish as pets, including the fact that some species are easy to care for. All you need to do is to properly maintain the aquarium or tank and feed fish regularly.

Once feeding per day is enough for keeping your fish healthy but some people prefer feeding them twice a day, or even more frequently. Anyway, no matter what is your feeding schedule, the most important aspect is to avoid overfeeding. Although feeding fish by yourself is not a demanding task, many people opt for an automatic fish feeder. This is a smart device that dispenses food by following a particular schedule. So, you can choose when exactly you want fish to be fed and the device will dispense food automatically. One of the main advantages of having a fish feeder is the fact that you can go on vacation without asking your relatives or friends to feed your fish. In case you’re interested in buying an automatic fish feeder, take a look at these 5 models selected by us.

Top 5 Automatic Fish Feeders Comparison

 

	1. Eheim 3581	2. Proche AF-2009D	3. Zacro CY-009	4. Fish Mate F14	5. Nicrew AF-013
	BEST MODEL	EDITOR’S CHOICE	Best Automatic Fish Feeder for the Money	Best Automatic Fish Feeder for Diversification
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Specifications
Water&Food Type
Water	Fresh or Saltwater	Fresh or Saltwater	Fresh or Saltwater	Fresh or Saltwater	Fresh or Saltwater
Food	Dry Food	All Fish Foods	All Fish Foods	All Fish Foods	All Fish Foods
Feedings&Capacity
Maximum Number of Feedings per Day	4	4	4	4	5
Capacity	Up to 6 Weeks of Feeding	Up to 3 Weeks of Feeding	Up to 4 Weeks of Feeding	Delivers 14 Individual Meals	Up to 3 Weeks of Feeding
Convenience
Power	2 AA batteries	2 AAA batteries	Rechargeable lithium battery	1 AA battery	2 AA batteries
Transparent Food Container
Manual Release Button
Adjustable Slider
Warranty&Support
Warranty	3-year warranty	1-year warranty	2-year warranty; 45-day money back guarantee	3-year warranty	1-year warranty; 30-day money back guarantee
Customer Support	1-888-89-EHEIM	N/A	+0086 13927466964	0117 971 9922	[email protected]

1. Eheim 3581

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Eheim is a well-known brand in aquarium accessories market and it was established in 1949. The vast experience in this field is a guarantee that any product sold under this name is a smart investment. The auto fish feeder we selected is ideal for everyday use and is very reliable when you’re away. It is user-friendly and the added features make it very convenient.

Design&Installation

The device is not bulky nor heavy. It comes with a universal installation clamp that simplifies the set-up process. Also, it fits on a wide range of aquariums and the mounting instructions are very easy to follow. The LCD display and the highly responsive buttons are a great advantage as they help you program the device much easier.

• Transparent food container: by knowing how much food is in the container you will know when it’s time to add some more.
• High-quality buttons: in order to last for many years, the buttons are highly resistant to water splashes.

Functionality

With this model, you can use various sizes of pellets, flakes, or any other dry food you want. The food container rotates automatically when it’s meal time and dispenses food in the aquarium. Setting it is a breeze and you have the possibility to program it to feed fish up to 4 times per day. You can also dispense food between feedings with the food dispensing button. At the same time, the built-in slider allows you to adjust the portion as you like. In order to keep food dry, the feeder includes a fan and ventilation system that prevents clogging.

• Optional second spins: the food drum can be customized to spin twice at 1-minute interval. This feature is great if you have more fish and you have to provide them more food.
• 2 AA batteries: works with 2 AA batteries that are included. When the batteries need to be replaced, the LO symbol will appear on display.

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2. Proche AF-2009D

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Our second choice is this fish feeder made by Proche. You can opt for it if you want an automatic feeder that does a decent job and comes with basic features. Setting it is a breeze, you just have to read the instructions provided and then let it do its job. Maybe it is not the most advanced feeder out there but most certainly it takes care of your fish without having to be around.

Design&Installation

The small design allows you to maneuver it with ease, thus simplifying the installation process. You have to 2 installing methods to choose from, so just like the other models, it is versatile from this point of view. The food container is transparent but it is not very large, being able to store food for maximum 3 weeks. The push buttons and the LCD screen simplify the set-up, so it won’t take more than several minutes to complete the process.

• Innovative stand: by using the stand, you can clamp it to the tank but you can also remove it to stick the device on the aquarium cover
• Large LCD screen: measuring 1.1 x 0.5 inches, the LCD screen is large enough to follow the set-up with ease.

Functionality

You can add pretty much all types of fish food in the container. It works with pellets and flakes but also with strips and powders. Once you add the food, the device can be set up to 4 feedings per day, having the possibility to choose the meal hours. You can easily control the amount of food dispensed by adjusting the slider. There’s also a manual button that allows you to feed fish between meals.

• 2 rotations per feeding: you can set the food container to rotate twice per feeding. The second spin is at a 1-minute interval. In this way, if you have more fish you can dispense a larger amount of food.
• Works with 2AAA batteries: the batteries are included and the estimated lifetime is approximately 3 months .

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3. Zacro CY-009

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This feeder is appropriate for different types of fish species and it is extremely convenient to install. The user-friendly operation of this device and the large reservoir makes it perfect if you have many fish. You can use it with granules, flakes, large grain, or strip fish and the food will be dispensed at the specific feeding time.

Design&Installation

The capacity of the container is 200 ml, so the device is not compact. Therefore, it is recommended to install it on large fish tanks – 131 gal. The installation is easy and you will be able to perform it without hassle. For more convenience, the feeder rotates on the base.

• Wide display with push buttons: you can always check the clock and feeding settings on the LCD screen. Also, you can monitor the battery life and recharge it if necessary.
• 2 installation methods: you can mount it by using the clip or by using 3M stickers. The clip can be fixed on glass with a maximum thickness of 24mm.

Functionality

Like most similar devices, it enables you to select the daily number of feedings – 1 to 4 – and the number of rotations- 1 to 3. The manual button allows you to feed them manually every time you want. In this case, it only rotates once.

• Adjustable discharge hole: you can adjust the feeding volume with the help of the feeder slot.
• USB charging: the feeder comes with a built-in lithium battery that can be charged by micro USB. A single charge can last from 3 to 6 months. The battery cycle life is estimated at 800 cycles. It also works with AA batteries.

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4. Fish Mate F14

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This fish feeder is also made by a popular brand. Fish Mate offers innovative fish-care solutions to all those who want to take advantage of technology. It is suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums and we recommend it if you have just a few fish. As you will see, the device is slightly different in comparison to the other ones, reason for which is one of the most well-liked feeders.

Design&Installation

Instead of having a rotation drum, this model incorporates a food container with multiple trays. It has no buttons, just a quartz timer and 4 little red pegs to set the desired meals. The food container is transparent as well as the hopper. In this way, you can tell how many feedings are left. You can use it on multiple aquariums and it has 2 mounting options: on the hood or on the edge of the aquarium.

• Included brackets: they are provided in case you want to install it on the aquarium.
• Innovative hopper: it is moisture-resistant to make sure the food it kept dry.

Functionality

The food container features 14 trays where you can add the food you want. It works with multiple fish food and the best thing is that you can combine two or more types of food in the same tray. At mealtime, the container rolls around and dispenses an entire tray, but gradually, over a period of 2 hours. The timer allows you to set up to 4 feedings at intervals selected by you. Unfortunately, it has no manual release button or slider to adjust the amount of food. But in this case, you don’t really need a slider as you can control the amount of food when adding it in the trays. Also, it lets you know when it’s time to replace the battery, so there are no chances for the device to stop working.

• Precise food amount: you can add the exact amount of food in each of the 14 trays. You can even measure out food proportions and give your fish the exact amount of food recommended for their species.
• Promotes a Well-Balanced Diet: due to the fact that it has individual trays for each meal, you can mix more types of food. Also, you can alternate the food by adding one type in a tray and a different one in the following tray. As a result, your fish will eat a different meal each day.
• Long life battery: the battery can last up to 1 year.

PROS

• Ingenious design with 14 individual food trays promotes a balanced diet
• Possibility to connect the feeder to the air pump to prevent moisture from building up
• Well-made quartz timer
• Takes up to 2 hours to dispense food, which is better for fish health.
• Includes brackets that allow you to install it on the glass edge

CONS

• No manual release button
• The battery is not included




Verdict

Although it has some minors drawbacks, the device works surprisingly well. The food trays are rather small, so it’s not the best option if you have more fish. It is the only model that allows you to diversify diet and to measure out each meal. Also, it comes at an affordable price.




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5. Nicrew AF-013

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Eheim 3581

Specifications

• Water Type : Fresh or Saltwater
• Food Type: All
• Max. Number of Feedings per Day: 5
• Capacity: Up to 3 Weeks of Feeding
• Power Source: 2 AA Batteries
• Adjustable Slider:
• Integrated Fan and Ventilation:
• Manual Release Button:
• Transparent Food Container:


This is another reliable fish feeder you can go with. It works with most types of food and the best thing is that it keeps it fresh and dry up until there’s no food left in the container. It can be a real saver while you’re on vacation but you can also use it as a permanent feeding option for your fish.

The device is 5.3 inches deep and 3 inches wide, so it is compact enough to install it on most tanks. It weighs around 11.4 ounces and it is made of plastic. As a result, it is very lightweight and it may feel cheap but it is surprisingly durable.

It works with 2AA batteries that are included. However, the changing the batteries is a real pain as you have to find a way to hold the battery spring back.

The installation is pretty easy because it comes with a bracket that allows you to mount it on the tank. It is ideal for tanks with a top width ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 inches. Anyway, the bracket is rather fragile, so make sure you handle it carefully.

• Built-in fan to prevent moisture buildup: has a built-in fan and a ventilation system that keep food dry. As a result, the food won’t clump and it will be dispensed in the proper amount.
• Minimalist control panel for easy operation: features an LCD display with several push buttons. You also have the possibility to opt for manual feeding – even if the feeder is set to automatic feeding.
• Adjustable amount of food to suit your fish needs: you can adjust the amount of food with the help of the portion control slider. This is a great feature but there’s a drawback. Even when set at the smallest opening, the device releases too many pellets and may overfeed your fish. Additionally, you have the option to choose between a single, double, or triple feeding at a time.
• You can pause off the program whenever you want: just press the off button to instantly pause the program.

PROS

• You can set it to dispense up to 5 feedings a day – with 1, 2, or 3 rotations per feeding
• Keeps food dry as it comes with a built-in ventilation system and a fan to prevent moisture buildup
• There’s a button that allows you to feed fish manually
• Large food container – it has a capacity of 150 ml
• Easy to mount and use

CONS

• There’s a flow in the design of the battery compartment, so changing the batteries is pretty hard
• Even if the portion control slider is set to the smallest portion, it still releases too much food




Verdict

This automatic feeder is one of the most affordable options you can currently go with. Besides the fact that it is cheap, it is also very versatile and easy to operate.




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6. Torlam Auto Fish Feeder

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Torlam Auto Fish Feeder

Specifications

• Water Type : Fresh or Saltwater
• Food Type: All
• Max. Number of Feedings per Day: 4
• Capacity: Up to 3 Weeks of Feeding
• Power Source: 2 AA Batteries
• Adjustable Slider:
• Moisture-Resistant Hopper :
• Manual Release Button:
• Transparent Food Container:


With multiple settings to customize its operation, this fish feeder is reliable and simple to use. You can program it to feed the fish up to 4 times a day, at the desired hour. Each feeding has 3 settings – single, double, and triple. You can also feed fish manually by pressing the manual button located on the left.

The device works with crisps, strip food, flake food, or pellets and it is suitable for a wide variety of fish. To prevent food from getting wet, the hopper features a moisture-resistant design. It has a capacity of 200 and you can adjust the feeding quantity with the adjusting cap.

The installation is straightforward and you have 2 possibilities – to fix the mounting bracket on the edge of the wall (for aquarium rims up to 1 inches wide) or to paste it on the tank cover using Velcro. Once installed, you can adjust its position by rotating it to up to 360 degrees.

The control panel is intuitive. The display shows you the feeding times, the time, and the battery life. It works with 2 AA batteries which are not included.


PROS

• Customizable operation – 1-4 feedings per day and 1-3 rotations per feeding
• Adjusting cap to set the desired feeding amount
• 2 installation methods – mounting bracket or Velcro
• Holds a good amount of food
• 360-degree rotation pedestal

CONS

• Poor instructions
• The amount of food dispensed may vary depending on how much food is in the hopper




Verdict

Featuring a simple operation with multiple settings to choose from, the feeder will keep your fish well fed when you’re on vacation and not only. It is well made and easy to install.




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7. Lifeguard Aquatics IntelliFeed

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Lifeguard Aquatics IntelliFeed

Specifications

• Water Type : Fresh or Saltwater
• Food Type: All
• Max. Number of Feedings per Day: 12
• Capacity: 7.5 cu. in.
• Power Source: 2 AA Batteries
• Sealed Food Compartment:
• Manual Release Button:
• Transparent Food Container:


This is another great auto feeder that accurately follows a fish’s feeding schedule. It has an interesting design that helps keep moisture out the container food. It is suitable to feed your underwater pet not only when you’re away but also when you’re at home. Since the container can store food for up to 4 weeks of feeding, it is ideal for more fish.

Design&Installation

With a compact design and great attention to details, the device is a really nice option for every fish owner. One of the best things about this model is that it features a sealed container that keeps moisture away. The transparent food container is not something new but is very useful as you will always know how much food is in there. The LCD display and the digital buttons allow you to program the device without any hassle. In terms of installation, it is very versatile as it easily fits most aquariums. Furthermore, it can be mounted both on the aquarium frame or hood.

• Rubber suction feet: to increase stability when placed on the hood of the aquarium.
• Mounting bracket included: no need to pay extra money if you to install it on the aquarium frame.

Functionality

The container can hold up to 7.5 cubic inches of fish food and you can add pellets, flakes, crisps, or whatever you want. When feeding time, the food container moves forward, spins to dispense food and then return into housing. This system is very ingenious as the container is sealed when not in use to keep food dry. With this model, you can opt for an impressive number of feeding per day – up to 12. Additionally, the slider allows you to control the amount of food released in the aquarium, so you can set it according to how many fish you have. Also, there a manual feeding option if you push the Set button.

• Optional power adapter: you can purchase the 6-Volt power adapter and simply forget about replacing the batteries.
• Comes pre-programmed: you can use it out of the box as it is programmed for 2 feedings per day – at 8AM and 6PM.

PROS

• Sealed container that protects food from getting wet
• Can be plugged in if you opt for the power adapter
• Comes ready to use with 2 feedings per day.
• The included mounting bracket and the attached rubber feet offer you more installing options
• Can be set to deliver up to 12 feedings per day

CONS

• Batteries are not included
• You have to pay extra money for the power adapter
• Some customers complained about the fact that it doesn’t dispense the same amount of food each feeding




Verdict

The device is a little bit more expensive and you have to pay even more money if you want the power adapter. Still, it is only one that can be plugged into a power outlet. We highly recommend it if your fish aquarium has moisture problems as it successfully manages to keep food completely sealed.




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8. AQQEF Automatic Fish Feeder AF012

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AQQEF Automatic Fish Feeder AF012

Specifications

• Water Type : Fresh or Saltwater
• Food Type: All
• Max. Number of Feedings per Day: 5
• Capacity: 150 mL
• Power Source: 2 AA Batteries
• Integrated Fan and Ventilation:
• Manual Release Button:
• Transparent Food Container:


With this device, you no longer have to worry about your fish while on vacation. They will be well fed without having to ask your neighbors or friends to feed them.

The device is versatile and well made, so you can use it as a permanent feeding solution. It is made of hard plastic and it works on 2 AA batteries. It measures 6.3 x 2.54 x 4.3 inches and it weighs around 8 pounds. The hopper has a capacity of 150 ml, so it is pretty large.

It features an automatic mode that allows you to customize the feeding as you want. In case you want to feed the fish manually, you just have to press the manual button and the device will release 1 feeding.

The setup is not very complicated but you will need the user manual to program it. For proper functioning, make sure you always replace the batteries on time. You will know when it’s time to replace them as the LCD display becomes unclear.

• Choose the feeding amount: with this model you have the possibility to opt between 1 and 5 feedings per day and between 1 and 3 rounds at a time. The food outlet can be adjusted from 0.55 to 0.7 inches. It works great with flakes but pellets aren’t the best option.
• Suitable for larger tanks: the device is ideal for large tanks as it can’t be set to provide small amounts of food. It can be installed on tanks up to 1-inch thick. The fixing method is very simple as it has adjustable screws.
• LCD display with timer: the display is large and it shows you the time and the number of feedings and cycles selected.

PROS

• Can be customized up to 5 feedings per day and 3 rounds at a time
• There’s a manual feeding option
• Features a dust proof design to keep food clean
• The food outlet can be adjusted
• The hopper can store a generous amount of food

CONS

• Not very constant in what concerns the provided feeding amount
• The batteries are not included
• Can’t be set to provide small amounts of food




Verdict

Solid and easy to use, this feeder is perfect for medium to large tanks. It can be customized according to your preferences and it has a compact design.




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9. Kedsum Fish Feeder

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Kedsum Fish Feeder

Specifications

• Water Type : Fresh or Saltwater
• Food Type: All
• Max. Number of Feedings per Day: 6
• Capacity: Up to 6 Weeks of Feeding
• Power Source: 1 LR6 AM3 AA 1.5V
• Adjustable Slider:
• Integrated Fan and Ventilation:
• Manual Release Button:
• Transparent Food Container:


With this automatic fish food dispenser you can go on holidays without worrying if your fish are properly fed. The device is pretty easy to use and is suitable for different species of fish. It looks very nice and the many built-in features make it a reliable option for many years.

Design&Installation

Maybe it is not the most compact feeder but this doesn’t make it too bulky. It comes in a beautiful black and green combination and has a nice time dial and time adjustment knob. It may lack an LCD screen but this makes it easier to use and is great if you’re looking for a more traditional feeder. The food container is transparent and it comes with minimum and maximum indications lines. Therefore, you can always keep your eye on the container and add more food if necessary. Installing the device is not complicated and you have multiple brackets options.

• 3 installation methods: you can fix it on the aquarium hood or you can use the included tank mounting bracket that allows you to fix it in 2 different ways.
• 2 pin slots: you can keep your pins within reach by putting them in the 2 slots under the timer.

Functionality

You can use it with multiple fish food, including pellets and flakes. In order to schedule it, you just have to insert the green little pins provided and it will dispense food automatically once the pins come to the top. You can program it to up to 6 feedings per day. One nice thing about this model is that it has an alarm that activates when the feeding schedule expires. Additionally, the built-in slider allows you to adjust the amount of food as you want. You can also feed fish by pressing the manual release button. It works with 1 AA battery which is not included and which can last for up to 3 months.

• Well-secured door: in order to prevent food to become wet, the door is secured and the food is kept dry.
• Anti-jamming design: this feature prevents clumps when the food container rotates to feed fish.

PROS

• Multiple mounting options without any hassle
• The door of the food container is well-secured for keeping food dry
• Comes with 2 slots where you can store the pins
• No clumps to worry about with the anti-jam feature
• Provides up to 6 feedings per day

CONS

• No low-battery indicator
• The battery is not included
• A little bit complicated to fill the food container




Verdict

All in all, the feeder is a nice option although you have to pay more money for it. It doesn’t notify you when to replace the battery but it works well and is very easy to set up. The food container has a tricky design so filling it with food is not very easy.




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Frequently Asked Questions





?Are These Devices Suitable for All Types of Tanks?
The automatic feeders selected in this article are suitable for small to medium-sized tanks. However, the size of the aquarium is not as important as the the number of fish you need to feed. If you have more fish, you need a device with a higher capacity.

?How Long Do the Batteries Last?
The battery life depends on many aspects – type and number of batteries, how often you use the device, etc. In general, the batteries should last somewhere between 6 and 12 months.

?Is the Device Safe for Fish?
The device is not harmful at all for fish. Therefore, you can use it on a regular basis and not only when you’re not at home. It is a better option if you want to make sure your fish are fed properly.




Conclusion

There’s absolutely no doubt that an automatic food dispenser makes fish keeping much easier. It provides the right amount of food on a regular schedule, thus preventing overfeeding or underfeeding. The models selected by us are the most popular options among fish owners for several reasons: they are practical, reliable, and easy to use. They may not be faultless, but they are dependable when you need them the most. So, here is our final verdict:

Best Overall Automatic Fish Feeder: Eheim 3581

This model is our top recommendation. The good user reviews place it on the top preferences of customers. And why not? It is sturdy and delivers feedings as programmed. It is neither bulky or heavy and offers a transparent food container, so you can easily monitor the level of food. The generous size of the food container makes it an excellent choice for large fish aquariums, while the ventilation system ensures the optimal conditions for the food to remain dry and preserve its nutritive properties. Plus, the price is very accessible.

Editor’s Choice: Proche AF-2009D

The runner-up in this top, this fish feeder can match both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. It is a perfect choice for busy fish lovers, as it is easy to install and can store food for up to 3 weeks. You can program it in a minute thanks to the user-friendly control panel and LCD screen that allows you to check if you got the right settings. Besides that, it works on 2 AAA batteries, which are included and are estimated to keep it running for no less than 3 months.

Best Automatic Fish Feeder for Diversification: Fish Mate F14

You won’t find any other feeder that can dispense different types of food every other feeding. This allows your fish to eat a varied diet. Also, you can put the exact amount of food for your fish species. The innovative hopper is moisture-resistant and transparent, just like the food container, allowing you to monitor the food level and add food only when it is getting low. Thus, the food is always fresh for your fish.

Best Automatic Fish Feeder for the Money: Zacro CY-009

If you are looking for the best in terms of both quality and price, then you should stop for a second and take a good look at this model. Not only that it is suitable for all fish species, as it can deliver all types of food, but it has a pretty generous food compartment that can pass 4 feedings a day for up to 4 weeks. Apart from that, it functions on a reliable Lithium-Ion battery that can be easily recharged through a USB port and will last for up to 6 months.