Say that you’re a fish owner and you want to take a vacation, or perhaps you know that you have to be out of town for work for a few days. How do you keep your fish fed on time and with the right amounts? Do you leave the most detailed set of instructions ever, potentially to be misread by a well-meaning neighbor, or do you rely on the latest in tank technology to save the day?
In this article...
Article Summary
- Automatic fish feeders are devices that dispense fish food at scheduled intervals, providing a convenient and consistent feeding solution for aquariums.
- Several automatic fish feeder options are available on the market, offering different features and price points.
- Automatic fish feeders can help fish owners maintain a regular feeding schedule and avoid overfeeding or underfeeding their fish.
- Provides up to 14 meals in one filling, providing 1-4 meals per day
- Reliable quartz timer
- Works with a variety of foods, from pellets to flakes
- Simple operation and set up
- Can hold enough food for a week at a time
- Two timer feeding mode to dispense fish food every 12 or 24 hours
- Set up to 8 feedings per day
- Easy programming on an LCD digital display
- Up to six weeks of feedings
For those interested in choosing an automatic fish feeder, the market is full of different options. In this article, I’ve compiled a guide of some of the best choices available, so read on for my recommendations!
The Best From The Reviews
Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder
One of the most popular options on the market, and for a good reason! Feeds a variety of foods for up to 14 feedings.
Top Pick: Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder
The Fish Mate F14 is a well-designed automatic fish feeder that can provide up to 14 feedings at a time for your fish tank, with 1-4 feedings per day. This feeder works with flakes, pellets, or dried proteins such as mealworms or shrimp.
Lefunpets Automatic Fish Feeder
Simple to set up and easy to use, this feeder option takes my best value pick by mixing just the right level of affordability and features.
Best Value: Lefunpets Automatic Fish Feeder
With 12 or 24 hour feeding settings, feeding amount adjustability, and a simple installation method, the Lefunpets fish feeder makes an excellent choice for those looking for more bang for their buck. This feeder option strikes a happy medium between value and design.
My Editor’s Choice feeder provides premium features like food drying fans and an LCD display with the largest amount of food storage of any option on this list.
Editor’s Choice: Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder
The Eheim Everyday Feeder may be slightly more expensive than other options, but comes with the most diverse set of features found on any of these automatic fish feeders. From an integrated food drying system to being able to feed 8 times per day, this option is my Editor’s Choice fish feeder for a reason.
On To The Reviews…
Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder
One of the most popular options on the market! With its layers of calcite intermixed with the natural stone, this piece creates a beautiful contrast to any tank.
Top Pick: Fish Mate F14 Aquarium Fish Feeder
The Fish Mate F14 is a well-designed automatic fish feeder that can provide up to 14 feedings at a time, at 1-4 feedings per day. This feeder works with flakes, pellets, or dried proteins such as mealworms or shrimp.
This is my top pick overall because it provides a wide variety of features critical to an automatic fish feeder without costing an arm and a leg.
Adaptability for Aquatic Friends
Its food container is able to store enough food for up to 14 feedings, with 1-4 feedings per day, the Fish Mate feeder can keep your tank fed for the duration of a good sized vacation depending on the needs of your tank.
Feature Set
Unlike many automatic fish feeders, the slot-like design of the Fish Mate F14 allows you to not only decide how much food to feed at a time but what you’d like to feed each day.
For those not only concerned about feeding too much food but providing a varied diet, this option will keep your fish friends healthy while you’re away.
Downsides
Unlike some options, the only real problem with the Fish Mate F14 feeder is that its display could use some work.
In the modern age of digital displays and programming, using an analog system may leave some wishing they had even more customizability when it comes to a reliable way to program times for everyday use.
Specs
- Provides food for 14 feedings
- Allows for 1-4 feelings per day
Pros
- Provides up to 14 meals in one filling, providing 1-4 meals per day
- Reliable quartz glass timer
- Works with a variety of foods, from pellets to flakes
Cons
- Analog food programming for portion sizes may not be your favorite
- No mounting bracket
Lefunpets Automatic Fish Feeder
Simple to set up and easy to use, this option takes my best value pick by mixing just the right level of affordability and features.
Best Value: Lefunpets Automatic Fish Feeder
With 12 or 24 hour feeding settings, feeding amount adjustability, and a simple installation method, the Lefunpets auto fish feeder makes an excellent choice for those looking for more bang for their buck. This option strikes a happy medium between value and design.
Adaptability for Aquatic Friends
This option can store a variety of food options, from flakes to pellets to dried prey such as worms or shrimp. This means that you can fill it with whatever food works best for the denizens of your small tank regardless of what they prefer.
Time Frame
If you’re able to feed your established tanks just once a day, this feeder option can be a reliable solution for up to two weeks at a time. With a smaller tank, you can potentially stretch this even farther given the adjustability of the dispensation method of this automatic fish feeder.
Downsides
Given the nature of its design, it can be somewhat tricky to determine the amount of food that this auto fish feeder will dispense at one time. With trial and error it can become second nature, but it can take some dialing in to ensure that this option provides how much food you want to have your fish eat during feeding time.
Specs
- Provides a 50g or 100g feeder box
- Feeds upwards of 8 weeks depending on feeding schedules
Pros
- Simple operation and set up
- Can hold enough food for a week at a time
- Two timer feeding mode to dispense fish food every 12 or 24 hours
Cons
- Can be tricky to dial in the amount dispensed to your fish tanks
- No dryer, digital display, complex feeding schedules or any of the more premium features available on other models
My Editor’s Choice provides premium features like food drying fans and an LCD display with the largest amount of food storage of any option on this list.
Editor’s Choice: Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder
This Eheim feeder may be slightly more expensive than other options, but comes with the most diverse set of features found on any of these automatic fish feeders.
From an integrated food drying system to being able to feed 8 times per day, this option provides a premium set of features for only slightly more cost than the competition.
Feeding Amount
With the largest amount of food storage of any automatic feeder on this list, it can feed your fish for an extended period of time. The Eheim Everyday can provide up to 6 weeks of larger feedings.
While I wouldn’t recommend being away from your fish tank for this long, it can still provide some good peace of mind to know that you have the capacity to feed up to 8 times per day.
Built-In Dryer
The Eheim automatic feeder is unique compared to other auto feeders because it provides a way to keep your food dry while you’re away.
The splash proof design and integrated fan allow you to add in some extra air flow and keep food dry. The splash proofing and ventilation system is important especially when you’re not around because it ensures that things won’t get moldy in your feeder.
Downsides
To make your food last longer I recommend that you stick with flakes for this automatic feeder. Different foods such as pellets or dried foods may get stuck in the food dispenser, meaning that this option may not have the variability of others on this list.
Specs
- Up to 8 feedings per day
Pros
- Set up to 8 feedings per day
- Easy programming on an LCD digital display
- Up to six weeks of feedings
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Dispensing slot means that it may not be as effective for larger foods
Penn Plax Double II Battery Operated Automatic Feeder
The Penn Plax automatic fish feeder provides an excellent option for keeping your fish fed for up to 2 weeks at a time.
Penn Plax Double II Battery Operated Automatic Feeder
The Penn Plax automatic fish feeder provides an excellent option for keeping your fish fed for up to 2 weeks at a time. With its different mounting options of either clamp or flat-mounting and ability to feed twice a day, this option works well for aquarists whose tank occupants don’t require excessive feedings.
Mounting Options
Compared to other automatic fish feeders, this option allows you to choose the best way that works for you when it comes to positioning on your tank. The flat surface of the base means that it can sit on its own, or you can use the provided clamp to mount it directly to your tank.
Storage Capacity
Depending on the amount of food you need to provide, the Penn Plax can feed your fish quality food of different types for upwards of four weeks with a single charge.
When it comes to automatic feeders, being able to stretch things out means that if you need to take some extra time between refills you have the leeway.
Downsides
This option only allows for two feedings in your tanks per day, which can be somewhat limited, especially compared to the 8 times per day of the Eheim Everyday previously described.
Additionally, every 12 hours for an auto feeder is great in theory but may not be as accurate as the best automatic fish feeders on our list.
Specs
- Provides fish food for up to 4 weeks of feedings
Pros
- Versatility with the mounting bracket
- Capacity for food
- Non-toxic construction safe for aquariums
Cons
- May not be as reliable or accurate as other options
- Limited amount of daily feedings
This option provides phone-syncing capabilities for a unique way to monitor your food dispensation while on vacation.
Decdeal Automatic Fish Feeder
The Decdeal is probably one of the best automatic fish feeders for the technologically inclined. This option comes with the ability to sync with your phone via bluetooth connection, allowing you to both monitor and control fish feeding remotely. This feeder is also a good option if you’re looking for automatic turtle feeders.
Remote Connection
Change your feeding times and monitor functions remotely, thanks to on-booard Alexa connection. Also able to respond to voice commands and change the timing of when during the day and how often you decide to provide food for your fish.
Memory Function
For the technologically fearful worry not! Even in the case of a network outage it will still work properly, this model comes equipped with a built-in memory feature that will recall the last known schedule times and apply them for the foreseeable future, ensuring reliable feedings even if connection capabilities change over time.
Downsides
Even with all of the technology on board, this option is by no means perfect. You still need to manually adjust how much food is provided at one time, and this can take some trial and error to dial in precisely. Additionally, there is no included method for keeping your fish food dry.
Specs
- Stores between 160 and 175g of food at a time
Pros
- Compatible when your fish eatwith voice control via Alexa
- Adjustable food exit and larger capacity for larger tanks
- Intelligent memory function, feeds the same as last input if the power goes out around your tank
Cons
- Adjusting food amount can be troublesome
- No onboard food dryer
With its large capacity, USB rechargeable batteries and feeding capabilities this option can be used to feed your fish for weeks, or even months at a time.
Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder
The Zacro Automatic Feeder provides a great option for those looking to maximize the amount of times they can feed throughout the day. With a rechargeable battery inside, this option can be continuously powered for weeks at a time and can hold enough food to last quite a while.
Capacity for Feeding
Holding up to 200mL of food at a time, this option can last you several weeks of feedings.
Additionally with the versatility to provide 1-4 feedings of 1-3 rotations at a time, you can feed up to 12 times per day! This can be especially helpful for breeding tanks where you may need to feed small amounts many times throughout the day.
Rechargeable Battery
For those looking for lasting power, this option provides a great choice. The included rechargeable lithium battery can last between 3-6 months at a time depending on the number of scheduled feedings, and has a lifetime rating of up to 800 full charges.
Downsides
For all of its customizable feeding options, this is still missing the feature of an onboard food dryer. Leave your food inside for weeks at a time at your own risk, as moisture is still able to seep into food and create problems with mold if left unattended.
Specs
- 200mL feed capacity
- Set up to 4 feedings per day, with 1-3 rotations per time
Pros
- USB rechargeable or operated via batteries
- Large storage capacity feeder
- High quality LCD display
Cons
- No onboard food drying unit
- Can be difficult to create consistency with different types of food
What is an automatic fish feeder?
Automatic fish feeders are just what the name suggests: an automated machine that dispenses fish food at set intervals for your aquarium, pond, or terrarium.
These handy devices are a great way to avoid providing too much food for your fish or other pets, while ensuring a consistent, regular feeding schedule.
NOTE
When it comes to how often your feeder dispenses food for the fish in your tanks, it can be helpful to seek proper veterinary guidance. They will be able to provide veterinary advice about your specific fish and tank set up, allowing you to make the best decisions for your fish regarding a feeder.
All designs sit outside of the fish tank water itself, and may be attached via a clamp or simply sit on the tank itself. Which design of auto feeder that you choose is largely up to how your tanks are set up.
Tanks with overhanging rods or brackets nearby can definitely use a clamp, while those tanks with space for it may want a more stable option that sits on top.
And for ponds, the auto fish feeder does have platforms and can be mounted on the ground or on top of something. Also, the automatic pond fish feeders are able to withstand extreme weather elements such as rain, snow, and heat.
Do you need an automatic fish feeder?
While you don’t necessarily need any form of fish feeders, they can help take a bit of the micromanaging out of your tanks and provide a convenient way to care for fish consistently.
I highly recommend considering automatic fish feeders for those who struggle with providing a regular feeding schedule for fish and are looking for an alternative.
NOTE
Additionally, for people who have a tendency to provide way too much food or too little per feeding, an automated feeder option can allow you to be more precise in how you feed your fish tank.
For those who want to vacation knowing that their fish are still safe, feeders can prove invaluable. Being able to set multiple feedings per day, along with varying your fish foods throughout the week can allow the fish owner to really hone in on exactly how they want to care for their pets.
If you need more advice about fish feeders, watch this video below.
Are automatic fish feeders good?
While quality can certainly vary between feeder options, the options presented in this list are indeed quite effective at keeping your tank well fed.
Modern fish feeder choices come with great conveniences for your tank, such as timers, multiple feeding options throughout the day, and even the ability to integrate with your phone via bluetooth!
How does an automatic fish feeder work?
An automated fish feeder works by providing a set amount of food at a time into your aquariums that you determine via the digital (or sometimes analog) settings option on the feeder itself.
A typical feeder will have either slots to place the food you wish to dispense into your tank, or has an adjustable opening or screw that limits the amount of food provided at one time.
NOTE
There are even options when it comes to how you charge your aquariums feeder! Some feeders are powered by batteries, while others may be rechargeable or plug directly into the 110V outlet in your home.
Some options provide a digital clock, with multiple choices for how often the feeder should dispense at each feeding interval, while others are more simple and are essentially timers that open a slot to dispense food into your aquarium and feed your fish.
Conclusion
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this review and found the best auto fish feeder for your aquarium setup. There are quite a few different feeder options out on the market today, but when it comes to features, price, and overall value there are a few standout choices.
If you still haven’t decided, here are a few of the best automatic fish feeders from today’s list.
- Provides up to 14 meals in one filling, providing 1-4 meals per day
- Reliable quartz timer
- Works with a variety of foods, from pellets to flakes
- Simple operation and set up
- Can hold enough food for a week at a time
- Two timer feeding mode to dispense fish food every 12 or 24 hours
- Set up to 8 feedings per day
- Easy programming on an LCD digital display
- Up to six weeks of feedings
Top Pick
The Fish Mate F14 is a well-designed automatic fish feeder that can provide up to 14 feedings at a time, with 1-4 feedings per day. Works with flakes, pellets, or dried proteins such as mealworms or shrimp.
This is my top pick overall because it provides a wide variety of features critical to an automatic fish feeder without costing an arm and a leg.
Best Value
With 12 or 24 hour feeding settings, feeding amount adjustability, and a simple installation method, the Lefunpets automatic feeder makes an excellent choice for those looking for more bang for their buck. This option strikes a happy medium between value and design.
Editor’s Choice
The Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder may be slightly more expensive than other feeder options, but comes with the most diverse set of features found on any of these automatic fish feeders. From an integrated food drying system to being able to feed your fish 8 times per day, this option is my Editor’s Choice for a reason.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you’ve found this article helpful in choosing the best automatic fish feeder for your aquarium setup.
As always feel free to share this article with any other fish fanatics you know, and I wish you the best of luck on your continued fish tank adventures.
