Using Automatic feeder in sump?

HidingReefer · 11/01/2016, 06:51 PM

So I want to get an Automatic feeder for my reef. Since I have I screen top on the tank it would be hard to put it over the display.

Can I keep it in my sump over the return pump so the pellets go through the RP and into the DT?

The only problem I can see it causing is clogging up the RP, has anyone tried this?

devimik · 11/01/2016, 07:34 PM

I've done that with flake food, but not pellets.

FirstContact · 11/01/2016, 07:41 PM

Not so sure feeding your DT through the return pump in your sump is a good idea. Just thinking of all the pellets that don't get eaten for any reason.

I have a screen top lid with the small BRS mesh and didn't have any problems with NLS pellets dropping through using the Apex auto feeder.

HidingReefer · 11/02/2016, 08:08 PM

You do make a point, however If I create a tube/bracket to ensure that all the pellets go directly through the RP then I think it should be fine. Thoughts?

I also just realized I accidentally just posted this same thread twice..oops

braappn · 09/12/2017, 09:56 AM

Hello. Anybody have long term experience with a setup like this? I have tested sending small pellets through my eheim 1260 and it shoots them through with no problem. I intend to design a funnel/pipe that directs the pellets right to the intake.

Any long term concerns with screwing up the pump? Thanks for your thoughts!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FullBoreReefer · 09/13/2017, 07:15 AM

I do, I use a small funnel attached to a pvc pipe that rests on my return pumps intake screen, it helps pinpoint the pellets to the pump. Been supplemental feeding like this for a few years now, no issues. Works great.

braappn · 09/13/2017, 08:49 PM

Hey I appreciate your reply! Most of the posts that come up are people just considering the idea, but it I've seen very little long term experience.

My goals for doing this are supplemental like you said. Feed a very small amount of pellet regularly and feed frozen on my own schedule.

Besides overall looks, the real reason for wanting to hide the auto feeder is to make certain that our cat can't attack the thing while we're away!

Cheers

11/01/2016, 06:51 PM	#1
HidingReefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 259	Using Automatic feeder in sump? So I want to get an Automatic feeder for my reef. Since I have I screen top on the tank it would be hard to put it over the display. Can I keep it in my sump over the return pump so the pellets go through the RP and into the DT? The only problem I can see it causing is clogging up the RP, has anyone tried this?

11/01/2016, 07:34 PM	#2
devimik Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: KC, KS Posts: 637	I've done that with flake food, but not pellets. __________________ Mike D Coral Beauty, Green Filefish, One Spot Foxface, Springeri Dottyback, 2 Ocellaris Clowns, Yellow Watchman Goby, Flame Hawkfish, Spotted Mandarin Current Tank Info: 90g Softie Reef, 150# live rock, 30g sump w/refugium, Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO, Octopus NWB 150 Skimmer, Mag 950 return, Maxspect 120w Razor 10K LED light X2, BRS Phosphate Reactor; Apex Lite

11/01/2016, 07:41 PM	#3
FirstContact Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Glenn Dale, MD Posts: 1,613	Not so sure feeding your DT through the return pump in your sump is a good idea. Just thinking of all the pellets that don't get eaten for any reason. I have a screen top lid with the small BRS mesh and didn't have any problems with NLS pellets dropping through using the Apex auto feeder. __________________ No man is an island entire of itself; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. John Donne Current Tank Info: 120g Reef 100g Rubbermaid Sump, 20g Refugium; previous tank: 46g Drilled; Self Plumbed, Birds Nest, Anchor, Xenia, Zoas, Yuma Yuma Ricordea, Chalice, Mushrooms, Brain, Acan, Anenome Plate; Clams, Other Inverts, Fish, Live Rock

09/13/2017, 07:15 AM	#6
FullBoreReefer Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wooster, OH Posts: 1,862	I do, I use a small funnel attached to a pvc pipe that rests on my return pumps intake screen, it helps pinpoint the pellets to the pump. Been supplemental feeding like this for a few years now, no issues. Works great. __________________ 60x36x24 mixed reef. 40b sump. Regal 250int Varios. 4xHydra26HDs+t5s. 4xMp40wes. Apex2016.

11/02/2016, 08:08 PM	#4
HidingReefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 259	You do make a point, however If I create a tube/bracket to ensure that all the pellets go directly through the RP then I think it should be fine. Thoughts? I also just realized I accidentally just posted this same thread twice..oops

09/12/2017, 09:56 AM	#5
braappn Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 18	Hello. Anybody have long term experience with a setup like this? I have tested sending small pellets through my eheim 1260 and it shoots them through with no problem. I intend to design a funnel/pipe that directs the pellets right to the intake. Any long term concerns with screwing up the pump? Thanks for your thoughts! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09/13/2017, 08:49 PM	#7
braappn Registered Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Colorado Posts: 18	Hey I appreciate your reply! Most of the posts that come up are people just considering the idea, but it I've seen very little long term experience. My goals for doing this are supplemental like you said. Feed a very small amount of pellet regularly and feed frozen on my own schedule. Besides overall looks, the real reason for wanting to hide the auto feeder is to make certain that our cat can't attack the thing while we're away! Cheers