Eheim Automatic Feeder

JoeMomma · 05/26/2008, 01:55 PM

I'm going to be headed off on vacation for 10 days shortly and don't have anyone that can feed my fish therefore I'm look for an automatic feeder.

Based on reviews the two that I've narrowed it down to are both Eheim models.

Double Feeder

Single Feeder

Does anyone have experience with these units or can recommend a better one thats out there?

My fish will thank you for not going hungry and eating each other in my absence.

Esquare · 05/26/2008, 06:14 PM

Tagging along.
What made you narrow it to those two?
I'm in the same boat and looking for an auto feeder.

Rouselb · 05/26/2008, 07:23 PM

I use the single feeder. I have it set to feed 3 times a day, two rotations per feeding. I have been using it for 6 months, works great. I use Formula 1 and 2.

tonga_man · 05/26/2008, 07:27 PM

If you don't mind the price the Super Feeder is the best one I have ever owned (had it for a few years now), and it can interface with an aquarium controller if you have one.

http://www.super-feed.com/product.html

tuckrule · 05/26/2008, 07:29 PM

are there any feeders out there for non flake foods?

Esquare · 05/26/2008, 08:02 PM

Tonga, what controllers does it work with? I have a Neptune AC3 and also an x10 network but not the insteon.

tonga_man · 05/26/2008, 08:27 PM

Works fine with the AC3, you just plug it into a module and when you switch on the timer it feeds for the duration you set the feeder for.

Esquare · 05/27/2008, 05:20 AM

Now by module, do you mean an x10 module or the AC3 dc8?

JoeMomma · 05/27/2008, 06:53 AM

I'm thinking the two Eheim models as people haven't had as many nightmares with them. The double hopper is also great so that fish aren't eating the same food for a prolonged period of time.

Rouselb: How many days worth of food can the single feeder deliver?

I don't have a controller so I'm not sure if the super feeder will be necessary for me. For the additional cost I could get the double feeder...

IslandCrow · 05/27/2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Now by module, do you mean an x10 module or the AC3 dc8?

I'm pretty sure the DC8 is an X-10 module. If you look at how the feeder works, it feeds automatically whenever power is applied. That's exactly how an AC3 uses it's power module, and that's why this feeder can even work with something as simple as a lamp timer.

Esquare · 05/27/2008, 07:34 AM

Makes sense Island.

BTW, Thank you for your service.

tonga_man · 05/27/2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by IslandCrow
I'm pretty sure the DC8 is an X-10 module. If you look at how the feeder works, it feeds automatically whenever power is applied. That's exactly how an AC3 uses it's power module, and that's why this feeder can even work with something as simple as a lamp timer.

Exactly...

Rouselb · 05/27/2008, 04:07 PM

I go 30+ days with 3 feedings per day (double rotations). I have 20+fish, most if not all eat the pellets. I bought mine new off ebay for $35 shipped. Great product, also had good reviews:
http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aut...3581feeder.htm

I have a ACJr, but never ran lower power devices off of it. I thought i read something on RC about ACJr not being capable of lower power devices such as dose pumps, etc..

tonga_man · 05/27/2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rouselb
I have a ACJr, but never ran lower power devices off of it. I thought i read something on RC about ACJr not being capable of lower power devices such as dose pumps, etc..

That is only when using an older DC8 with soft start. If you have a newer DC8, outlets 1 and 4 are switched and do not have that problem.

Rouselb · 05/27/2008, 04:24 PM

Man, just when i thought i had the latest and greatest gadget! Fooled again!

JoeMomma · 05/30/2008, 07:56 AM

I ended up purchasing the Eheim single feeder. LFS guys also complained about the double feeder saying the augers in it can get clogged up.

It took 60 seconds to sent up and seems to do a pretty good job. I have it sitting on the eggcrate thats covering my tank and the food pours nicely through the spaces. I set it up for two double feedings a day.

Its only day 1 but I have another week to try it out before I head off on vacation.

Esquare · 05/30/2008, 07:58 AM

Are you using flake or pellet?

JoeMomma · 05/30/2008, 08:00 AM

I've mixing 2 types of flake food.

Esquare · 05/30/2008, 08:06 AM

Do you think pellet would work as well as the flake in the feeder?

JoeMomma · 05/30/2008, 08:10 AM

I guess I could try some when I get home but I worry that a lot will fall out of the opening. You'd have to reduce the opening size. I will try tonight and get report back.

Esquare · 05/30/2008, 08:11 AM

Thanks

tonyespinoza · 06/01/2008, 05:39 PM

tagging along... curious to hear if pellets work well. :-)

Esquare · 06/01/2008, 05:49 PM

I'm going to pick one up tomorrow as I'm going on vac in a week. If the pellets don't work I'll have to switch to flake.

Steve 926 · 06/01/2008, 07:20 PM

I mix Prime Reef flake, Omega One flake, & formula TWO Marine Pellet in my single Eheim unit. 2 feedings @ 1 rotation per feeding per day. No problems. When I'm gone for several day's, I replace the batteries ( Murphy's Law!) Dr. F&S had the best $ at the time.

I'm happy with it, there happy with it, Life is good

Steve

Mike31154 · 06/01/2008, 08:38 PM

I have an Eheim double feeder and it works well...except if you feed flakes that are very large. I fill one hopper with granular (Cyclop-Eeze MicroCrabs) and the other with a mixture of flakes and freeze-dried goodies. One rotation with the granular dispenses a fair amount of the MicroCrabs, so what I do now is mix a few flakes in with the granular food and also put some granules in the flake hopper.

05/26/2008, 01:55 PM	#1
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	Eheim Automatic Feeder I'm going to be headed off on vacation for 10 days shortly and don't have anyone that can feed my fish therefore I'm look for an automatic feeder. Based on reviews the two that I've narrowed it down to are both Eheim models. Double Feeder Single Feeder Does anyone have experience with these units or can recommend a better one thats out there? My fish will thank you for not going hungry and eating each other in my absence.

05/26/2008, 06:14 PM	#2
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Tagging along. What made you narrow it to those two? I'm in the same boat and looking for an auto feeder. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/26/2008, 07:23 PM	#3
Rouselb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Detroit Michigan Posts: 1,238	I use the single feeder. I have it set to feed 3 times a day, two rotations per feeding. I have been using it for 6 months, works great. I use Formula 1 and 2. __________________ Larry Current Tank Info: 425g Mixed Reef, (6) Orphek LED mods, (4) MP60s, (2) Bubble King SM250 Skimmer, LMIII for Dose & ATO

05/26/2008, 07:29 PM	#5
tuckrule Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Greece, NY Posts: 887	are there any feeders out there for non flake foods? __________________ Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't. Current Tank Info: 90G reef 20g sump 2/250mh 4vhos

05/26/2008, 08:02 PM	#6
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Tonga, what controllers does it work with? I have a Neptune AC3 and also an x10 network but not the insteon. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/26/2008, 07:27 PM	#4
tonga_man Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: SW GA Posts: 217	If you don't mind the price the Super Feeder is the best one I have ever owned (had it for a few years now), and it can interface with an aquarium controller if you have one. http://www.super-feed.com/product.html

05/26/2008, 08:27 PM	#7
tonga_man Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: SW GA Posts: 217	Works fine with the AC3, you just plug it into a module and when you switch on the timer it feeds for the duration you set the feeder for.

05/27/2008, 05:20 AM	#8
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Now by module, do you mean an x10 module or the AC3 dc8? __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/27/2008, 06:53 AM	#9
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	I'm thinking the two Eheim models as people haven't had as many nightmares with them. The double hopper is also great so that fish aren't eating the same food for a prolonged period of time. Rouselb: How many days worth of food can the single feeder deliver? I don't have a controller so I'm not sure if the super feeder will be necessary for me. For the additional cost I could get the double feeder...

05/27/2008, 07:34 AM	#11
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Makes sense Island. BTW, Thank you for your service. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/27/2008, 04:07 PM	#13
Rouselb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Detroit Michigan Posts: 1,238	I go 30+ days with 3 feedings per day (double rotations). I have 20+fish, most if not all eat the pellets. I bought mine new off ebay for $35 shipped. Great product, also had good reviews: http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aut...3581feeder.htm I have a ACJr, but never ran lower power devices off of it. I thought i read something on RC about ACJr not being capable of lower power devices such as dose pumps, etc.. __________________ Larry Current Tank Info: 425g Mixed Reef, (6) Orphek LED mods, (4) MP60s, (2) Bubble King SM250 Skimmer, LMIII for Dose & ATO

05/27/2008, 04:24 PM	#15
Rouselb Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Detroit Michigan Posts: 1,238	Man, just when i thought i had the latest and greatest gadget! Fooled again! __________________ Larry Current Tank Info: 425g Mixed Reef, (6) Orphek LED mods, (4) MP60s, (2) Bubble King SM250 Skimmer, LMIII for Dose & ATO

05/30/2008, 07:56 AM	#16
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	I ended up purchasing the Eheim single feeder. LFS guys also complained about the double feeder saying the augers in it can get clogged up. It took 60 seconds to sent up and seems to do a pretty good job. I have it sitting on the eggcrate thats covering my tank and the food pours nicely through the spaces. I set it up for two double feedings a day. Its only day 1 but I have another week to try it out before I head off on vacation.

05/30/2008, 07:58 AM	#17
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Are you using flake or pellet? __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/30/2008, 08:00 AM	#18
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	I've mixing 2 types of flake food.

05/30/2008, 08:06 AM	#19
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Do you think pellet would work as well as the flake in the feeder? __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

05/30/2008, 08:10 AM	#20
JoeMomma Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 619	I guess I could try some when I get home but I worry that a lot will fall out of the opening. You'd have to reduce the opening size. I will try tonight and get report back.

05/30/2008, 08:11 AM	#21
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	Thanks __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

06/01/2008, 05:39 PM	#22
tonyespinoza Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: santa cruz mountains Posts: 1,268	tagging along... curious to hear if pellets work well. :-)

06/01/2008, 05:49 PM	#23
Esquare Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lorain, Ohio Posts: 1,954	I'm going to pick one up tomorrow as I'm going on vac in a week. If the pellets don't work I'll have to switch to flake. __________________ Eddie Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder with Dwarf Lionfish

06/01/2008, 07:20 PM	#24
Steve 926 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: NJ. Posts: 555	I mix Prime Reef flake, Omega One flake, & formula TWO Marine Pellet in my single Eheim unit. 2 feedings @ 1 rotation per feeding per day. No problems. When I'm gone for several day's, I replace the batteries ( Murphy's Law!) Dr. F&S had the best $ at the time. I'm happy with it, there happy with it, Life is good Steve __________________ Experience is something you don't get, until just after you need it . Current Tank Info: Small in nature (50gal. Reef) Large in Heart. Re-occurring dream of a 300 gal.

06/01/2008, 08:38 PM	#25
Mike31154 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: B.C. Canada Posts: 1,555	I have an Eheim double feeder and it works well...except if you feed flakes that are very large. I fill one hopper with granular (Cyclop-Eeze MicroCrabs) and the other with a mixture of flakes and freeze-dried goodies. One rotation with the granular dispenses a fair amount of the MicroCrabs, so what I do now is mix a few flakes in with the granular food and also put some granules in the flake hopper. __________________ Mike Current Tank Info: 77g sumpless sw with rock, sand, a few critters, fishes & polyps. Lights, pumps.....