How to Choose the Right Automatic Fish Food Feeder
An automatic feeder is exactly what it sounds like: a little device that feeds your fish for you on a schedule. The goal is simple: making sure your fish never miss a meal.
Contrary to what most people might think when they hear about an auto feeder, they're not just for when you head out of town. They are also great if you have fish that need multiple small meals throughout the day, like anthias, or other active swimmers that rely on a constant supply of energy. Instead of cramming everything into one or two big feedings, an auto feeder spreads meals out and keeps things consistent. That steady routine helps keep fish healthier and less stressed.
There are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Relying Only on an Auto Feeder: Manual feeding is still important since it lets you observe your fish and spot unusual behavior.
- Overfeeding Pellets: Pellet foods are very nutrient dense, so it is easy to give too much if you don't adjust portions carefully.
- Forgetting Herbivores: Auto feeders can also supply algae grazers like tangs. Hikari Seaweed Extreme pellets are a great option for this.
- Mixing Pellet Sizes: Different sizes separate over time, so you lose the balanced mix you intended. On larger systems, multiple auto feeders can be a good option.
- Not Using a Feeding Ring: A feeding ring is simply a ring that gets positioned under the auto feeder to corral floating food so that it can sink and be eaten by the fish instead of going into your overflow and filtration.
The key to success with an auto feeder is treating it as a tool rather than a device that's going to completely automate your feeding routine.
Five Automatic Fish Food Feeders to Consider
Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder
The Eheim Everyday Fish Feeder is one of the most popular entry-level auto feeders, and for good reason. It is simple, affordable, and built to handle the basics without much complication.
What we like about the Everyday Fish Feeder:
- Battery Powered: While this does add an item to your occasional maintenance list, being battery powered means the auto feeder unaffected by power outages and maybe more importantly, doesn't take up another plug on your power bar. In our experience, the two AA batteries can last for more than a year. We usually proactively change them every 6-12 months just in case.
- Adjustable Feeding Port: Easily adjusted via a simple sliding door mechanism and lets you control how much food is dispensed with each turn.
- Up to 4 Feedings Per Day: Can be set for 1, 2, 3, or 4 feedings per day at your specified times. It can also be set to rotate the drum once or twice per feeding.
- Single Feeding Button: Let's you manually trigger one roatation of the feeding drum.
- Built-in Fan: Helps reduce humidity in the feeding drum to lessen the chance for food clumping together.
Tip: The feeding port can be tricky to dial in for nano setups where you only want a few pellets at a time. A small piece of tape over part of the opening can help reduce its size.
Lifegard Aquatics Intelli-Feed
The Lifegard Intelli-Feed is similar to the Eheim model we just discussed, but with a rechargeable battery.
What we like about the Intelli-Feed:
- Multiple Feedings Per Day: Programmable to match the specific needs of your fish.
- 360° Swivel Mount: Easy and flexible positioning on your tank.
- USB Rechargeable Battery: Long-lasting charge that eliminates the need for battery swaps.
- Power Button: Simple, but helpful feature if you want to turn the feeder off, but not lose your settings.
- Up to 4 Feedings Per Day: Can be set for 1, 2, 3, or 4 feedings per day at your specified times. It can also be set to rotate the drum between 1 and 3 times per feeding.
Tip: Charge the feeder when you first set it up and recharge before leaving for vacation to ensure it keeps running the whole time.
Neptune Systems AFS (Automatic Feeding System)
The Neptune Systems AFS is designed to integrate directly with the Apex aquarium controller, giving you full control over how and when your fish are fed.
What we like about the AFS:
- Apex Compatibility: Sync your feeder with your pumps and filtration for a coordinated feed mode.
- Stay-Dry System: feeding drum extends and retracts for each feeding, keeping food dry.
- Ultra-Flexible Feeding: Feed however many times you want to feed. You're not limited to 4 feedings per day like more basic feeders.
- Audible Operation: While some may count this as a downside, the audible operation is a good reminder the feeder is doing its job.
Tips:
- The AFS requires an Apex for use. It connects via an AquaBus cable and is compatible with Apex controllers dating back to the A1 series.
- Pairs well with Crossover Diet Fish & Coral Food.
Avast Marine The Plank (v3.6)
The Avast Marine Plank stands out as one of the most advanced automatic feeders available. While most feeders rely on a rotating drum, the Plank uses an auger system that delivers incredibly precise amounts of food. This unique design makes it one of the best options for reefers who want accuracy and flexibility in their feeding routine.
What we like about The Plank:
- Auger-Driven Design: Provides unmatched precision, allowing for exact additions of food.
- Mixing chamber with Integrated Pump: Mixes food directly into tank water before release so it sinks and spreads instead of floating away or heading straight to the overflow.
- Versatile Food Options: Handles a variety of food types from powdered coral foods to pellets to freeze dried.
- Controller-Ready: Controlled by any digital timer, meaning it can be plugged into a controller outlet and integrated into your system's automation.
Tips:
- The Plank doesn't have internal controls and requires an aquarium controller or digital timer that can turn outlets on/off down to the seconds.
- Pairs well with Reef Jerky.
inD aquatics aF4 Frozen Fish Food Feeder
The inD aquatics aF4 fills a gap that most auto feeders cannot cover: frozen and refrigerated foods. For hobbyists whose fish refuse pellets or flakes, this feeder is a game changer. It stores frozen food, keeping it chilled, and dispenses a slurry mixture on a set schedule.
What we like about the aF4 Frozen Fish Food Feeder:
- Long Storage Duration: Keeps frozen food fresh for up to 21 days.
- Large Capacity: Holds up to 200 mL of food, which is approximately 50 cubes.
- Flexible Control: Has built-in control, but also has options for Apex or EWeLink app control.
- Consistant Feeding: Can add between 5 and 50 mL of food per feeding.
- Self-Flushing Feature: Flushes the lines after each feeding to ensure food doesn't sit there and rot.
Tip: Clean the aF4 regularly using the aF4 Cleaning Kit.
The Right Fit for Your Tank
Automatic feeders are not one-size-fits-all. The right choice depends on what you feed, how often you feed, and how much control you want over the process. For some hobbyists, a simple drum-style feeder is all that is needed to provide peace of mind. For others, the precision of an auger system or the ability to dispense frozen foods makes the upgrade worthwhile.
Think about the type of fish and corals you keep, the foods they rely on, and how much you want feeding to tie into your tank’s automation. No matter which model you choose, remember that an auto feeder is a tool to make life easier, not a replacement for regular hands-on care.
Adam has been reef keeping since 2010 and got his start on the Bulk Reef Supply Customer Service team. He believes the best tanks are built around what you enjoy, not what’s trending. Adam is especially interested in simplifying the hobby, exploring the latest gear, and helping others focus on long-term success over chasing perfection.
Login and Registration Form