Auto Feeder and Controller

[bfessler]

Does anyone know of a good automatic fish feeder that will work with a JBJ Nano 28G Reef Tank? :?

I am setting up one of these tanks but have to go on occasional business trips and want to automate it as much as I can. Already have a ATO system and someone to look in on the tank a couple times a week but I want to make sure the fish get fed while I am away.

I am also looking at the Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Light Controller and would like to know anyones experiances with this unit as well.

Thanks,
Burt

 

[kgross]

Are you running the unit without the stock top on it? I don't know of any feeders that would fit under the stock light hood.

Kim

 

[bfessler]

Yes I am using the stock top. :x Thats the problem. I may have to rig something up that I can connect to the feeder door so I can feed the fish while I am away.

 

[Anonymous]

autofeeders are a bad idea

 

[brandon4291]

also, would you have any fish in your system that couldn't go a few days without food such as pipes or seahorses? I was thinking if your trips were short how about just letting them go hungry and pick about the system for a few days...force a good systemic cleanup you know. I really feel okay about leaving average fish not fed for a few days and it would really help if you could feed them well before leaving, change water just after, then have your caretaker drop in some stuff every few days, just a guess to save you money from an automatic feeder! I know the comparisons aren't exact but in my terrarium system that houses about 30 wild-type guppies I often go a month without feeding it when I forget and they have always done just fine on the systemic vegetation in between feedings. No way would I go a month in your much cleaner reef but barring straight-through gut fishes like sygnathids I'd say you are okay for the average 5 day tripper,

B

 

[bfessler]

Thanks for he advice. I will consider not feeding the tank for the shorter trips.

I have solved the problem with locating the auto feeder however. The feeding lid on the stock canopy for my JBJ Nano 28 G. The hinge is secured by a plastic fitting and 2 screws. By removing the screws and fitting from the underside of the lid I am able to remove the lid easily. The lid still fits snugly when in place and does not fall off when opening the top. The auto feeder can be placed right on top of the canopy and drop food directly into the tank. I am away on business but will include some pics when I return.

 

[Sea Turtle]

I have an Eheim digital feeder that I love. I have used it for almost a year now and have gone on 14 day vacations using it without a problem. Very reliable. I have recently stopped using it though as I have switched to feeding frozen mysis and brine. Here is one. I'm sure you can find it much cheaper if you look around.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/feedair.html

 

[bfessler]

I have an Eheim digital feeder that I love. I have used it for almost a year now and have gone on 14 day vacations using it without a problem. Very reliable. I have recently stopped using it though as I have switched to feeding frozen mysis and brine. Here is one. I'm sure you can find it much cheaper if you look around.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/feedair.html

Thanks for the post. As a matter of fact while looking at the available feeders this is the one that I chose. I got it Saturday.

 

[Sea Turtle]

I have an Eheim digital feeder that I love. I have used it for almost a year now and have gone on 14 day vacations using it without a problem. Very reliable. I have recently stopped using it though as I have switched to feeding frozen mysis and brine. Here is one. I'm sure you can find it much cheaper if you look around.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/feedair.html

Thanks for the post. As a matter of fact while looking at the available feeders this is the one that I chose. I got it Saturday.

Good to hear that. You will be happy with it. I found that it took a little time to cordinate it with the main sump pump shut off but once I got it, it was golden.

Is that the Na Pali cost line behind you? I was just there for my Honeymoon last year. Took the boat trip along the coast and out to the forbidden Island.

 

[bfessler]

Yes it's the Na Pali coast. We were there about 2 years ago with some friends. How did you like all the wild chickens running around Kawai. Everyone must get up early there as the roosters start crowing just before sun up. Other than that its a very beautiful place.