How to choose a feeder for aquarium fish and make it yourself?

A vital first step in keeping your aquarium fish healthy and happy is selecting the appropriate feeder. A carefully chosen feeder guarantees that your fish eat the proper amount of food without producing too much waste, keeping the water clear and the fish content.

There are many different kinds of feeders available, ranging from basic manual models to sophisticated automatic ones. It’s important to know which kind will work best for your particular aquarium setup and the fish species you have because each type has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

Building your own feeder can be an enjoyable and fulfilling project if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects. It not only saves you money, but it also lets you modify the feeder to fit the particular requirements of your tank. We’ll look at the various kinds of feeders in this post and offer some advice on how to make your own.

Why put a fish feeder in an aquarium?

A feeding device is a small, useful object that holds food and is used to feed aquarium fish. Typically composed of plastic. Aquarists who attempt to train their pets to eat at a strictly defined time are the ones who purchase the product. The condition is most improved by a dosed mode of food intake.

• food does not scatter throughout the tank, does not cloud the water, which means it can be changed less often;
• fish absorb food evenly;
• helps to establish a feeding regime;
• pets get used to eating only in one place;
• with a feeder, it is easier for an aquarist to give live food;
• food does not settle on the ground and in hard-to-reach places, it does not rot, does not poison the water.

Although it’s not necessary, you can live without a feeder, but having one makes owning pets much easier.

Types of fish feeders in a home aquarium

Businesses that produce aquarium equipment allow aquarium owners to purchase different feeder models. They are traditionally classified into three types based on the principle of operation, but there is no precise division.

Floating

Feeders with square or tiny ring frames. It is filled with fish meal. Devices are free to float on the water’s surface.

Cone-shaped feeders have started to be manufactured recently.

There are various characteristics:

• for floating food – food always remains on the surface;
• for drowning – the feeder is partially immersed in the water column, due to the installed mesh.

• granules do not spread throughout the aquarium;
• food does not settle to the bottom even in a sinking feeder, because. . a perforated partition does not allow the device to completely sink;
• can be used for both live and dry food;
• ease of use;
• availability – available in any pet store, inexpensive.

The feeder’s primary drawback is its high attachment point, which renders it ineffective in the event of a drop in water level. However, a mesh that is totally submerged in water is offered for worms.

Automatic

These are products that the aquarist needs to use with little effort. Electronically operated automatic feeder with multiple feeding modes. A sealed compartment, a control unit, a small motor, and a timer make up the design. With the latter, you can schedule the food supply for a specific period of time.

Food is poured into a perforated plastic drum. Fish in the appropriate proportion is served with it at the designated time. A unique plate lessens the drum’s capacity while assisting in controlling the amount of the sprinkled mixture.

• The owner of the aquarium may not worry about the pets at the time of his absence;
• food enters a strict dosage;
• full automation of the feeding process;
• Suitable for any feed.

The primary drawback is the price.

When raising young animals, such a device is essential because food in the aquarium needs to be added frequently.

The health and wellbeing of your aquarium fish depend on the feeder you choose, and building one yourself can be a fun and easy project. This article will walk you through the important things to think about when making or choosing a fish feeder so that it meets the requirements of your aquarium and feeds your fish in a way that works for you.

How to make a aquarium feeder with your own hands?

One can construct an aquarium fish feeder on their own. There are numerous choices. It will be evident from homemade whether purchasing an expensive model is wise.

From foam

This is the cheapest and most straightforward way to make a feeder. How to produce:

1. Take a foam plate or just a piece of material
2. Cut a small square. There should be space inside, it is into this hole that the food will be poured.
3. Make holes in the bottom. You can remove it completely and glue a mesh. This will make the feeder look more aesthetic.
4. Lower the device on the surface of the water.

Make an effort to cut the shape’s edges as smoothly as you can. If not, the fish will sample the foam particles, which will be detrimental to their digestive system. The square’s dimensions are determined by both the population and the tank’s capacity.

Even when loaded with food, this type of feeder floats on the water rather than sinking. In a few minutes, you can create a new one if it was damaged.

The fact that foam can absorb dirt is the only reason it shouldn’t be taken.

From a rubber tube

Compared to foam, the design will be more dependable. It is simple to make:

1. Take a rubber tube, the circumference is about 1 cm.
2. Bend it into a ring.
3. Fix the ends firmly.
4. Glue the mesh.

This kind of feeder is long-lasting, but if the ends are not securely fastened, a lot of water will seep into it and cause it to sink.

From a plastic bottle

Typically, a live food feeder is constructed of plastic. How to produce:

1. Cut 4 strips from a bottle. Their size depends on the volume of the aquarium.
2. Glue the components together. You should get a square.
3. Make the bottom out of foam with holes. Attach to the frame.

You must only use moisture-resistant glue without any chemical components while working on the project.

The building doesn’t have a satisfactory appearance. Plexiglass can be used in place of plastic.

Automatic from an alarm clock

A feeder like this is a good substitute for more costly machinery. Although it is fairly challenging to assemble, you can obtain a dependable and properly functioning device by carefully reading the instructions.

What you must take:

• a small, and most importantly lightweight alarm clock;
• a plastic tube;
• a thick polymer glass with a lid.

1. Make a hole in the bottom of the glass. The diameter is slightly less than the circumference of the plastic tube.
2. Place the tube in the hole so that the end does not touch the walls of the glass.
3. Fill the container with food and close it tightly.
4. Remove the protective glass and dial from the watch. Attach the drum (plastic cup with a tube) to the hour hand. Use tape and mount it so that the tube turns to the water with its outer end 2 times per day.
5. Test your homemade device.

In this instance, the tube’s size determines how much food will enter the aquarium.

Installation and operation rules

There are always instructions for using the feeder, even though some manufacturers choose not to provide them in an effort to save money. How to use the device correctly:

• It is easy to program the design. The overwhelming majority of models assume 60 feedings. This number helps to accurately calculate the volume of required food.
• Do not use the feeder on a regular basis for the first few days. Test for several days, if the attribute functions well, you can leave your pets and not worry.
• Periodically remove the device from the water to rinse off microalgae and food debris. This will extend the service life and prevent mold.
• To prevent the food from clumping into balls, it is recommended to connect the feeder to an aerator, which will blow on food particles and prevent them from sticking together.

Any kind of feeder can be trusted, but it’s not a good idea to leave pets alone for longer than a day. Any gadget could malfunction. When you return after a week away, you might discover that the fish have perished from starvation.

Review of the best automatic feeders for 2025

Pet stores offer an enormous assortment of feeder models. A few of them are pricey. As a result, you should become familiar with the most dependable and expensive devices before making a purchase.

The best automatic feeders with wall mounting

Clamp-installed feeders are particularly well-liked. Since these models are securely fastened to the wall, there is no chance that the gadget will fall off the glass.

What choices are possible to think about:

• Trixie Aqua Pro. Under this name, you can buy an automatic feeder with 2 modes – for 12 and 24 hours. The amount of food is limited to 200 g, which is enough for fish for about 3 weeks. It all depends on the number of pets.
  The devices are easy to use, there is an instruction manual, any novice aquarist can build a program. A minus is that the feeder is massive and made of medium-quality plastic.
• Prime PR-H-9000. One of the simplest devices. Designed for one- or two-time feeding with an interval of 12 or 24 hours.
  Main advantages: good ventilation of the food compartment, you can set a program for a month, there are LED indicators that make it easier for owners to feed, it is very easy to set the settings.
  Experienced aquarists refuse this model because of its noise, inadequate dosing of food and unreliable fastening, it has to be modified.
• AF-01 +. The feeder has 2 automatic modes and 1 manual. The device is great for small-sized food, but can be used to dose large granules. If you buy this model, you don’t have to worry that it might fall, the fastening is as strong as possible.
  But you should be prepared for the fact that in the first 2 positions, the food does not get into the aquarium, it just remains in the bunker. The installation has its own peculiarities – the feeder must be located high from the water surface, because. . the curtain opens outward when the device is activated.
• AF-2019B. A model equipped with a liquid crystal monitor, which displays the installation time and the battery charge. Variability There are a lot of settings – you can choose from 1 to 4 food injections at any time. You can turn off the machine and set the mode manually.
  You can add food without removing the compartment for it. The feeder will especially appeal to those who value silence, because. . it works silently. The only thing that can disappoint is that standard food flakes are poorly dosed, they have to be pre-crushed.
• HAILEA WT-180. This is a mechanical feeder. Programming is carried out using plastic clamps on the dial. When scrolling, they pass through the control button, which activates the drum with food. There is a variation of forced introduction of food.
  The device can be set in the range from 1 to 48 days. It shows itself well only when working with granulated food.
• Feed-Ex FF03. Contains an LCD monitor and an electronic programmer. The time of food supply is set depending on the needs of the owner and pets – up to 4 times in 24 hours. The model"s special feature is that the standard package includes a nozzle that limits the amount of food for fry.
  You can set the setting for a period of 1 to 99 days. This feeder looks unattractive. When using it, it is worth considering that there is a difference between portions in forced and automatic feeding.
• IntelliFeed. A presentable feeder with a display. You can set it to feed at any time of the day – from 1 to 4 times, the hopper rotation modes are different (1-3 turns). The device can function not only on batteries, but also from the electrical network, if you purchase an adapter separately.
  You can set the feeding program for a period of 1 to 99 days. The model is a good solution for granulated feed, with flakes there is incorrect operation.
• Sera Feed A Plus S-8840. One of the most practical mechanical feeders. It is possible to connect an aerator for forced ventilation. The device is designed for 1 month of feeding up to 6 times a day. Programming is carried out using the lock on the dial.
  The advantages include the ability to gradually supply food to the aquarium and the absence of lumps, although the food gets wet. You need to work with the attribute carefully, since. . some parts are fragile, only pour granulated food into the drum.

The best automatic feeders with installation on the aquarium lid

It is possible to mount certain automatic feeder models on the aquarium lid. Because it is easier to maintain and less prone to moisture, this method is thought to be the most mobile and produces a longer-lasting device.

The top feeder lines:

• Ferplast Chef Pro+. A small device that is valued for 3 automatic programs and a number of additional options – mechanical feeding and standby mode. The standard kit includes 4 nozzles designed for food of different fractions.
  The device independently doses the food. The feeder uses the battery economically, and when the charge is low, it informs the owner. Looks attractive. Feeding frequency from 1 to 3 times a day. Easy to use.
  Among the disadvantages – the portions of food that come out are not suitable for all individuals and the food gets wet.
• SITITEK Pets Fish. The feeder has gained popularity due to its flexible settings and large display. Food can be fed to fish in automatic or forced mode 1-4 times a day. There are 9 dosing options, in any of the selected ones the food does not stick together.
  If the food runs out, and the norm has not been poured out, the device will notify the aquarist with a sound signal. But such a device does not look nice.
• Juwel EasyFeed Juw-89000. One of the simplest devices in the line. Has 2 programming cycles, needed for fish that feed at intervals of 6 hours. You can resort to forced feeding. The setting can be even a child can do it.
  One load of food lasts for 2 months. When using it, it is worth knowing that the device cannot feed flakes into the aquarium, so you have to crush them first.

The best universal models

It is advised to select a universal feeder if it is unclear which equipment will work best in the aquarium, how to mount it, etc. D. The models come with suction cups, and the kit includes Velcro and adhesive tape for mounting it on the lid.

The most well-liked models are:

• EHEIM AUTOFEEDER. A small device that can be a decoration of the aquarium, t. To. It looks attractive. Equipped with a liquid crystal screen. You can feed the fish automatically or forcibly up to 4 times a day.
  The main feature is a double food supply with an interval of 1 minute for one feeding. The feeder economically consumes energy. Can only be bought for granules. So that there is no more food in the aquarium by accident, the dispenser should be fixed with a sticky tape.
• TETRA MyFEDER. In addition to the display, the feeder has several individual settings. Feed can be supplied from 1 to 3 times a day. The model is equipped with a double body, which helps protect food from moisture, light and air. Portions fall out evenly. Not suitable for large food.
  A batch of feeders was recorded, the drum of which constantly rotated and emptied the hopper if the previously set program was knocked down.
• Fish Feeder FD 55 Jebao. Convenient device. It is popular for the ability to see and set parameters: time, weight and number of portions. Information is displayed on the control panel. Number of feedings from 1 to 6 times a day. Can be used in open waters, because. . it is protected from moisture and UV rays.
  The feeder hopper holds up to 5.5 kg of food, it is supplied to the aquarium evenly. Many people appreciate the ability to save settings after the device has been disconnected from the network. There are no disadvantages to the Fish Feeder FD 55 Jebao, if we do not talk about the high cost.

The best budget models

Because automatic feeders are costly and purchasing standard floating ones is unnecessary, you can create your own. However, budget models are an option if an automated device is required:

• Homefish AF-101. Attached to glass and can feed pets automatically or forcibly. In the first case, the interval is 12 or 24 hours. Feature – the kit includes 2 hoppers for 50 or 100 ml.
  The device is easy to operate and use, while it feeds the fish strictly on time. Can function with any feed, but shows itself best with granules. The main minus is to fall asleep the food, you need to remove the bunker, and it is difficult to do it.
• Reson AF-01. A compact model that belongs to a universal line. e. can be attached to the wall of the aquarium or cover. Food is supplied to pets every 12 or 24 hours automatically. Force feeding can be used.
  All processes are controlled by one button. The feeder may not suit everyone – the hopper is small and only works with medium-sized granules.

Considerations for Choosing a Feeder	Tips for Making a DIY Feeder
Size: Ensure the feeder suits the size of your tank and fish.	Use a plastic bottle: Cut it to create a simple dispenser.
Material: Opt for durable, non-toxic materials.	Mesh feeder: Create one using a fine mesh to control feeding amounts.
Ease of Use: Pick a feeder that"s easy to fill and clean.	Suction cup attachment: Add a suction cup to your DIY feeder for easy placement.
Automatic Options: Consider an automatic feeder for convenience.	Floating feeder: Use a piece of foam to make a feeder that stays on the water surface.

Making the correct feeder selection is crucial to maintaining the wellbeing and health of your aquarium fish. It’s important to think about the size of your tank, the kind of fish you have, and how much food they require, whether you choose to build your own feeder or buy one from the store.

Building a feeder at home can be a satisfying endeavor. It can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of your tank and is frequently less expensive. You can make an aquarium-appropriate feeder with a few basic supplies and a little ingenuity.

The ultimate objective is to minimize stress and maximize efficiency during feeding time for both you and your fish. Keeping your aquarium tidy and your fish well-fed with the correct feeder will help create a vibrant and healthy aquatic ecosystem.

Video on the topic

To order, go to INST 👉🏻 @electronics_latvia and order a feeder#fish #automatic feeder #convenient

Automatic feeder for an aquarium

Review of the Tetra myFeeder automatic fish feeder