If you are an aquarium enthusiast or pond owner, whether a novice or an expert, an automatic fish feeder is a necessity. A small financial investment will have long-term benefits for your busy lifestyle and the health of your fish.
Automatic fish feeders make it easy to balance a hectic schedule, travel, or extensive aquarium collection with the need to remember to feed your fish. You can take a vacation without worry.
When shopping for an automatic fish feeder, you should be looking for something with customizable settings to fit your and your fish’s needs as well as something that is proven to be long-lasting and low maintenance.
Automatic Fish Feeders Reviews
Eheim Automatic Feeding Unit
This automatic fish feeder from Eheim is Amazon’s number one recommended choice. It is easy to customize portion size and number of feedings and is perfect for long-term or consistent home use.
The Eheim automatic feeding unit fits on most aquariums thanks to a universal installation clamp, meaning it will most likely meet your needs plus give you the ability to use it on different aquariums.
This feeder can be purchased as a single unit, or in quantities of two, five or ten. This makes it great for a pet shop or the owner of a large fish collection.
When you first purchase the feeder, it comes with an Easy Start Guide and has a digital display, making it perfect for someone who may not be as technologically savvy.
Pros:
- The feeder can be purchased in larger quantities.
- It allows for a customizable feeding schedule and portion sizes.
- It works with most types of fish food.
- It is battery-operated and comes with a low-level indicator.
Cons:
- Because it is battery-operated, there is potential for the device to die while you are away.
- Because the feeder is highly customizable, it can be difficult to predict how many days it will last without testing it.
Torlam Auto Fish Feeder
Torlam’s automatic fish feeder is another top pick on Amazon. It has highly customizable feeding settings and a large hopper, making it perfect for very particular fish or long-term use.
This feeder can store up to 200 ML of food and offers adjustable feeding settings, giving you peace of mind if you are going to be away for a longer period of time.
The Torlam automatic fish feeder can be affixed to the tank wall or attached to the tank cover using double-sided tape, making it a good fit for many different kinds of aquariums.
This feeder makes it easy to add more food to the moisture-resistant hopper, so you know that food isn’t being wasted by either the device or the person filling it.
Pros:
- The feeder has a very large food hopper – 200 ML.
- It can feed automatically up to four times a day.
- The food hopper is moisture resistant.
- It gives you two options to adhere it to the tank.
Cons:
- The instruction manual can be confusing for first-time users.
- The feeder is highly customizable, which means it will require some trial and error to get it set up to your liking.
Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder
This automatic fish feeder by Zacro is highly rated by both Amazon and user reviews. It has a user-friendly interface and a large hopper with customizable settings.
This feeder comes with rechargeable batteries and a USB cable, so you can save some money and save the environment by not purchasing and then throwing away as many batteries.
Unlike other similar devices, you do not need to reset the device after you have removed and refilled it. It will save its settings so that it is instantly back up and running after being refilled.
This feeder has a 200 ML capacity hopper and is recommended for many different kinds of food. This makes it much more likely that this device will fit the needs of your aquarium.
Pros:
- The feeder runs on rechargeable batteries and comes with a USB cable.
- The digital display is large and easy to program and read.
- The food hopper holds up to 200 ML of food.
- It can be securely attached to your tank without damaging it thanks to its grip.
Cons:
- This feeder is recommended only for square/rectangular tanks; the grip it uses for attachment is not compatible with curved or rounded tanks.
- This feeder is not recommended for very small amounts of food due to the generous size of the hopper opening.
Petacc Automatic Fish Feeder
User reviews and Amazon alike recommend this automatic fish feeder from Petacc. It has a large, transparent hopper and an easy-to-use digital interface.
This feeder is described as being very quiet when distributing food, so neither you nor your fish will be disturbed by any sudden loud noises.
This feeder has a transparent, 200 ML capacity hopper, which means that you won’t ever accidentally run out of food because you weren’t sure what was left.
This feeder runs on batteries which are unfortunately not included, but thanks to the low-level battery indicator you’ll never be surprised by a unit that has stopped running.
Pros:
- The feeder is very quiet when it is releasing food so as not to disturb you or your fish.
- The digital display is large and easy to set to your aquarium’s preferences.
- The food hopper is transparent so you will always know how full it is.
- It can be attached to your tank wall or the tank cover using the included adhesive.
Cons:
- This feeder does not include batteries with purchase, so you may have to make an additional purchase.
- This feeder has customizable settings but tends to overfeed, so users recommend testing it before installing it in the tank.
Uniwood Automatic Fish Feeder
User reviews and Amazon alike recommend this automatic fish feeder from Petacc. It has a large, transparent hopper and an easy-to-use digital interface.
This feeder runs on rechargeable batteries and comes with a USB cable, so you won’t need to purchase and consequently throw away as many batteries.
This feeder is described as being very quiet when distributing food, so neither you nor your fish will be disturbed by any sudden loud noises.
This feeder has a transparent, 200 ML capacity hopper, which means that you won’t ever accidentally run out of food because you weren’t sure what was left.
Pros:
- The feeder is very quiet when it is releasing food so as not to disturb you or your fish.
- The digital display is large and easy to set to your aquarium’s preferences.
- The food hopper is transparent so you will always know how full it is.
- It can be attached to your tank wall or the tank cover using the included adhesive.
Cons:
- This feeder makes a loud grinding sound when dropping food, which may disturb your fish.
- The instructions included with the feeder are unclear and may require some trial and error to set it up
Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder
This Zacro Automatic Fish Feeder is a good fit for larger aquariums, larger fish, and long-term usage. It has a 500 ML hopper that is suited for larger food pellets.
Only three steps are required to set up this feeder, which is perfect for someone who is not as technologically savvy or limited on time.
This feeder will save its settings even if it is turned off or the batteries die, so you only have to go through the hassle of setting it one time.
This feeder has a moisture-proof food compartment that rests above the water level, so you won’t waste food that has gotten wet and gone bad.
Pros:
- The feeder has a large hopper perfect for long-term use.
- The digital display is easy to use and can be set up in three steps.
- This feeder is designed for larger aquariums that need more food per feeding.
- The moisture-proof hopper prevents food from being wasted.
Cons:
- If you have very small fish or a small aquarium, this feeder may distribute too much food per feeding for your needs and will dirty the water faster.
- If your fish prefer flake or small pellet food, this feeder is not recommended
Bnzaq Automatic Fish Tank Feeder
This automatic fish feeder by Bnzaq is perfect for aquarium owners who do not have a need for very particular settings or more frequent feedings, but also may prefer to feed manually on occasion.
This feeder offers 24 hour and 12 hour feedings, plus an option to override manually so you can put your fish on a consistent schedule that meets your and their needs.
This unit’s food hopper is moisture proof, so food won’t go bad or be wasted and the unit won’t get clogged when it is trying to dispense a feeding.
You can customize the feeder settings based on the type of food being used (flake, pellet, granule), so it will dispense perfectly at every feeding.
Pros:
- The feeder comes with two artificial aquarium plants for your use.
- The feeder has very simple settings and options.
- If you have multiple fish or a larger aquarium, this feeder can handle dropping more food per meal.
- The moisture-proof hopper prevents food from being wasted.
Cons:
- If your fish require more than two feedings a day, this device is not a good fit for you unless you are willing to supplement with manual feedings.
- If your fish require a very small amount of food per serving, this device may overfeed them.
Lychee Aquarium Fish Feeder
This automatic fish feeder by Lychee is great for the aquarium owner whose fish do not have very complicated feeding needs or that do not plan on using it long-term.
This feeder can drop food either once or twice a day; thanks to its continuously spinning dispenser wheel you won’t miss a feed and you will always know when it’s working.
This feeder is compatible with a wide variety of dry foods, meaning it can be used for any aquatic or amphibious animal in addition to fish.
The food hopper is easy to clean since it can be removed entirely from the unit, keeping your fish healthy and their water clear.
Pros:
- The feeder has two different options for attaching to the tank, so it is sure to fit your setup.
- The feeder runs continuously even when it isn’t actively feeding.
- The feeder is recommended for any aquatic animal, not limited to fish.
- The food hopper is easy to remove completely and clean.
Cons:
- Because the feeder runs continuously, the batteries may die faster or more unexpectedly.
- The food hopper isn’t very large, so this unit would not be good for long-term automatic feeding or automating daily feeding.
HDE Automatic Fish Feeder
This HDE automatic fish feeder is great for the tech-savvy fish owner who wants to ensure that their fish are being fed while they are away.
This feeder is compatible with its own app, so you can feed manually from a distance or set up an automated feeding schedule while you’re away. You don’t need to be around to make changes to your feeding schedule.
This feeder has an option for batteries as well as an included power cord, so you can ensure that your feeder will always be up and running and your setup won’t be limited by proximity to an outlet.
The settings you determine will be saved by the device even if it gets turned off or the Wi-Fi goes out, so you only have to set it up once.
Pros:
- The feeder can be attached to open or enclosed tank environments.
- The feeder is compatible with smart home devices for voice-activated feeding.
- The food hopper is large to suffice for long-term automatic feeding.
- The feeder can run on batteries or be plugged into an outlet.
Cons:
- If you don’t feel comfortable using an app, this setup may be overwhelming.
- This feeder does not work well with flake food; it may clog or distribute oversized portions.
Proche Automatic Fish Feeder
This Proche automatic fish feeder boasts two different versions depending on how much food you need distributed per meal, and both come with a 30-day money back guarantee and lifetime customer service.
This feeder is recommended for any kind of aquarium including frogs and turtles, making it likely to fit in with your existing setup.
The settings of the feeder can be customized to feed up to four times per day but can also be manually overrode, so you can keep your routine and that of your fish consistent.
This feeder’s food hopper is easily accessed via a door, so you know that the food won’t be wasted or go bad before it can be used and that the unit will stay clean.
Pros:
- The feeder comes with a 30-day money back guarantee and customer service for the life of the product.
- The feeder will meet the needs of any pet that lives in an aquarium and eats dry food.
- Multiple options exist for attaching the feeder to your tank.
- You have a lot of customization in regard to the amount of food the feeder distributes at each meal.
Cons:
- This feeder is only compatible with dry foods.
- If your tank lid does not have an opening, you may need to modify your setup in order to attach the feeder.
How to Select an Automatic Fish Feeder
When selecting an automatic fish feeder, you need to be sure that it fits your needs as an operator as well as the needs of your aquarium. It may be difficult to know if it is a good fit for you until you use it. Before purchasing, some items to consider may be:
- How easy is the feeder to clean or refill once empty?
- What kinds of fish food work best with the feeder?
- How many days or meals can the feeder be used for?
- How does the feeder adhere to your tank or tank lid?
- How customizable is the feeding schedule?
- How is the feeder powered? If it uses batteries, how long are they estimated to last?
- Is the feeder the appropriate size for your aquarium?
- Does the feeder make noise, light up, or have moving parts that may disturb your fish?
- Is the feeder inaccessible to small children or pets?
- How often do you estimate you will use this product?
- Is this product frequently purchased or well-rated by owners of similar aquarium set ups?
- Is this product within your price range?
- Are replacement parts available for the feeder, or does it come with a warranty?
- If you have questions or need help about the feeder, who do you contact?
How to Maintain Your Automatic Fish Feeder
Although many aquarium owners use their automatic feeders for daily feeding whether or not they are home, it’s important to keep the unit well-maintained so you can ensure it is working properly when you are away.
Periodically remove the unit from the tank and make sure it does not have any mold or slime on it since this will dirty your aquarium water faster. Use a fish-safe cleaning product or simply use hot water to clean the unit’s interior and exterior.
Make sure the feeder has no loose parts, sharp edges, or peeling paint as these may all harm your fish. Ensure that the batteries – if the device requires them – have not leaked. Check the hopper periodically to make sure there is no jammed or old food stuck in it. This will ensure that the unit is dispensing properly and that your fish are always receiving fresh food.
Before you leave on a trip, make sure the unit’s batteries are fully charged or that it is plugged into a surge protector. Double-check that its feeding settings have been personalized and will fit your needs, and that the hopper is full of fresh food. If you are having a neighbor come in to check on it, make sure they have clear instructions about how to refill the feeder if need be.
How an Automatic Fish Feeder Works
An automatic fish feeder provides fish owners with peace of mind. Some fish owners may use an automatic feeder every day, in case their schedules are unpredictable or if they are likely to forget to feed their fish. Some fish owners may only purchase and install an automatic feeder if they plan on being away from home for an extended period of time and don’t want to ask someone to come in and feed the fish.
Regardless of what your needs are, an automatic feeder is out there that fits the bill. Oftentimes, you can manually override the system if you would prefer to feed the fish yourself at the time.
The first step is going to be adhering the unit to your tank according to its instructions. Many user manuals also recommend testing the unit over a bowl to make sure that the portions being dispensed meet your needs, without wasting food or dirtying the aquarium water.
Once you have personalized the feeding settings to fit the portion size and number of feedings per day, these feeders work automatically. At the scheduled time or after a certain number of hours, the hatch will open and dispense a predetermined amount of food from the hopper. The number of days or meals that the feeder provides depends on the unit and its settings.
Advantages of Purchasing an Automatic Fish Feeder
Whether you are an aquarium novice or an expert, an automatic fish feeder is an excellent investment for your home aquarium. Because you can pre-schedule your fish’s meals, you will have peace of mind knowing you won’t miss a feeding if you stay late at work or take a weekend away.
An automatic fish feeder may also save you money in the long run. While it requires a small investment up front, you can confirm that your fish aren’t being overfed and food isn’t being wasted when using an automatic feeder. In turn, your tank water will stay cleaner and require less maintenance by you.
You may also save money thanks to your automatic feeder since the alternative is asking a friend or a neighbor to come into your home to feed your fish when you are away. Instead of financially compensating that person while trusting that they are doing the task correctly, you can do it yourself on your own schedule.
If you are a more advanced aquarium owner with multiple tanks or varieties of fish with different needs, an automatic feeder may keep them healthier. There is no more forgetting to feed the fish, overfeeding accidentally, or feeding the wrong kind of food. You can be sure that your fish are getting exactly what they need, even if you aren’t around.
Conclusion
Now that you have an understanding of some products on the market that fit your needs for an automatic fish feeder, you can purchase as an informed consumer. You’ll be looking for something that meets your needs as well as the needs of your pond or aquarium.
An automatic fish feeder can make your life as an aquarium owner much easier and provide some flexibility to your schedule. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your fish are going to be taken care of even if you aren’t home.
If you have purchased one of these automatic fish feeders, or one that isn’t listed, add a comment to tell us how you feel about it and if you would recommend it to a fellow aquarium owner.
