Fish Feeders

[M Cosmo]

What fish feeders have you used and what you recommend or don't recommend?

[Ron Thompson]

Also, I finally got a working Koi Chef.. it is fine for fingerlings but does not drop enough for a tank of adults.

[Ron Thompson]

Quick update on my DIY Feeder -- I have it up and running. I will be building a second unit in the next few weeks for Michael and will thoroughly document the process with directions and photos and a parts list.

I will be building a second unit in the next few weeks for Michael and will then retire from manufacturing. However I thoroughly document the process with directions and photos and a parts list to post to the list.

The unit I have will hold around 10-lbs of dry pellets but can easily be made larger or smaller depending on your need. It isn't really any cheaper than the commercial units but is far sturdier (especially over the Koi Chef feeder, pure garbage) and can feed anywhere from 2 ounces to 10-lbs at a time. Except for the gearmotor and auger, everything needed can be bought at a Lowes (or Home Depot, etc). It isn't difficult to make and the heaviest piece of equipment needed is a hacksaw.

For those planning to participate in the Central Florida Aquaponics Tour later this month, I'll have it with me at Michaels place.

The rest of you stay tuned for the plans.

[TCLynx]

And for those of you decidedly not interested in building your own I can sell the Ergo Automatic Pet feeders. (Of course, Ron might be willing to build and sell the feeders too.)

[Sahib Punjabi]

I am a new comer to Aquaponics and have been researching automatic fish feeders. So far, this "home made" feeder looks the best choice. Is there any way you could let me know what it would cost, rather what you would be willing to sell one made by you (I will actually need 4).
Unfortunately I will not be able to participate in the Central Florida Aquaponics Tour this month but do promise to be a part of future tours {hopefully by then I will have my systems up and running :-) }.


Ron Thompson said:

Quick update on my DIY Feeder -- I have it up and running. I will be building a second unit in the next few weeks for Michael and will thoroughly document the process with directions and photos and a parts list.

I will be building a second unit in the next few weeks for Michael and will then retire from manufacturing. However I thoroughly document the process with directions and photos and a parts list to post to the list.

The unit I have will hold around 10-lbs of dry pellets but can easily be made larger or smaller depending on your need. It isn't really any cheaper than the commercial units but is far sturdier (especially over the Koi Chef feeder, pure garbage) and can feed anywhere from 2 ounces to 10-lbs at a time. Except for the gearmotor and auger, everything needed can be bought at a Lowes (or Home Depot, etc). It isn't difficult to make and the heaviest piece of equipment needed is a hacksaw.

For those planning to participate in the Central Florida Aquaponics Tour later this month, I'll have it with me at Michaels place.

The rest of you stay tuned for the plans.

[Ron Thompson]

Sahib,

I'll be posting a full price list, photos and directions in a few weeks as I get the second one built. It is not difficult to put together and primarily uses PVC fitted (not glued) together. Costs for the parts are in the $60-$70 range plus a timer (~$25), so you are not saving a great deal. For me to build them and make anything for my time would run the price over the $100 point. I felt that was too costly for most.

It seems to be a good unit though. What you gain is durability and a way to feed small amounts (my fish currently only need 2-3 oz, 2x a day) yet you can easily increase the amount by increasing the feeding time.

I'm relying on mine working now as I'm away from home for a week or so. This is my full test run and if all go wells I'll get the second on ready.

[Sahib Punjabi]

Thank you.

You know for anything half-way decent you are likely to spend that and more. For such a product, I would rather support a fellow "aquaponic" buddy, especially one who is local, than buy form some on-line store :-)

Let me know when you can build them. I will start with one and eventually budget to buy up to four.



Ron Thompson said:

Sahib,

I'll be posting a full price list, photos and directions in a few weeks as I get the second one built. It is not difficult to put together and primarily uses PVC fitted (not glued) together. Costs for the parts are in the $60-$70 range plus a timer (~$25), so you are not saving a great deal. For me to build them and make anything for my time would run the price over the $100 point. I felt that was too costly for most.

It seems to be a good unit though. What you gain is durability and a way to feed small amounts (my fish currently only need 2-3 oz, 2x a day) yet you can easily increase the amount by increasing the feeding time.

I'm relying on mine working now as I'm away from home for a week or so. This is my full test run and if all go wells I'll get the second on ready.

[Ron Thompson]

okay, I have to build Michael's first and will base the final cost quote on his. I'll have to do this around other responsibilities, but will get it done as quickly as I can.

These units are rather bulky because of the food hopper. Mine is nearly four feet tall (x 6 inches wide).

Do me a favor and measure how much food you are giving at each feeding and how often you feed per-day. This will let me select the best gearmotor for your needs. The feeder works best with pellet food.

[Sahib Punjabi]

I will be using pellet food for the Tilapia and Channel Catfish I intend to raise in my aquaponics system. I have one 1,000 gallon tank and one 250 or so gallon tank that are currently being set up (just under 4ft high so the feeders would be in line). I guess that initially my feed would be rather small but increase as the fish grow (naturally will take into account weather). This system is being set up at a different location than my home where I already have one mature hobby fish pond (mostly Koi), and one recent pond. Here the 4ft height may pose a problem and I will decide for these two after I install for the Tilapia & Catfish ponds. I will post pictures when these systems are set up.

Thank you Ron :-)

Ron Thompson said:

okay, I have to build Michael's first and will base the final cost quote on his. I'll have to do this around other responsibilities, but will get it done as quickly as I can.

These units are rather bulky because of the food hopper. Mine is nearly four feet tall (x 6 inches wide).

Do me a favor and measure how much food you are giving at each feeding and how often you feed per-day. This will let me select the best gearmotor for your needs. The feeder works best with pellet food.

[TCLynx]

If Ron is happy to build and sell feeders, I'm supportive of the idea. Especially if they are weather ad rodent resistant as they are.

However, I can sell the feeders I have been using to anyone who needs one quick.

I've been using the regular automatic feeders and just protecting them from weather. The "koi feeders" cost more but come with a cover and I think they use a low voltage motor.

[M Cosmo]

How sharing with us how much they cost for each model and how much they hold. Thanks.

TCLynx said:

If Ron is happy to build and sell feeders, I'm supportive of the idea. Especially if they are weather ad rodent resistant as they are.

However, I can sell the feeders I have been using to anyone who needs one quick.

I've been using the regular automatic feeders and just protecting them from weather. The "koi feeders" cost more but come with a cover and I think they use a low voltage motor.

[TCLynx]

I already have the prices for the medium size feeders listed on my web site
Aquaponic Lynx LLC

They say the small feeder holds about 5 lb but that is judged on things like dog and cat food. The Medium is 10 lb. The Large 20 lb. The medium and large feeders have an additional agitator up in the feed hopper. For most people I expect that the medium size feeder is probably most appropriate. (if you find you need the bigger hopper, it can be purchased later since the feed hoppers are interchangeable.)

The feeders do need to be protected from weather (the pond feeders Have a cover I believe though) and they will not keep ants out of the feed and rodents might also be an issue in some situations.

These feeders are not perfect but they are the best thing I've found for the purpose.

[M Cosmo]

I know many of you have a lot more experience with fish feeders but I thought I would share my experience so far. I was going away and Ron hadn't built one for me yet so I took a chance and bought this one from Amazon. $59.95 Petmate Le Bistro Portion-Control Automatic Pet Feeder
Description "The Petmate LeBistro 10-pound programmable feeder faithfully delivers portion-controlled meals to your dog or cat while you are away and relieves you of the daily chore of scooping and measuring. The stylishly-designed unit dispenses portions that you select ranging from 1/4 to 3 cups and dispenses them up to three times per day. It's perfect for pets who need a little weight management.

Easy Programming for Portion Control
Programming is as easy as setting the alarm clock using the large LCD screen. Just 3 buttons take you through the process. There’s even a meal counter. The Petmate LeBistro programmable feeder holds 10 pounds of food and accommodates a full range of dry food sizes, shapes, and types. The food hopper is conveniently transparent for monitoring food levels at a glance and has a handy twist-lock lid to keep the food secure.
Removable Bowl Makes Cleaning a Snap
The bowl is easily removable for cleaning and is top-shelf dishwasher safe. The Petmate LeBistro 10-pound programmable feeder is very energy efficient, allowing 3 D-cell alkaline batteries (not included) to power the unit for up to six months. A low-battery indicator lets you know when the batteries need to be changed. Assembles easily in minutes with no tools. It measures 16”x10”x19” and includes a one-year limited warranty."

Here are some pics of my installation.

As you can see I have it over the fish tank covered with a plastic bag and 5 gall on bucket. I has been working fine for 2 months. It holds a lot of feed. 10 lbs. It can be shaken to spill a little or if you can access the control panel it can dispense a serving. It tells you how many servings it has dispensed. So far so good. There are 477 reviews on Amazon. Here is the pdf of the manual. It can also have an AC adapter.