Suggestions for DIY Auto Feeder

Gotta go out of town the end of December for about 10 days to spend Christmas with family. Finding someone to tank-sit over the holiday is a big PITA. In the likely event I can't get someone to take care of the tanks until AFTER the holidays, I am planning to make an auto feeder for the tanks.

So I know there are a few auto feeders out there I can purchase, but they can be pretty pricey. Anyone do a DIY auto feeder? I've seen them done before, but can't seem to track down a video or good outline of *how* to make one, just videos showing them off.

Any and all advice is appreciated! I am no good at coming up with outlines and a plan, but I am very good at following directions

I purchased a couple cheap ones I think from Walmart but have seen them in the fish store I work at as well , holds flake food or pellets and runs on a Double A battery and it worked perfect think it was under $20.

Everything I can find locally is like $30, $35+, which isn't *too* bad, but if I can build one for a cheaper amount, I'll do it.

Heres the one I got

Daily Double II Automatic Fish Feeder | Automatic Fish Feeders | Feeding Supplies | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

That's not too bad a price - I'll have to keep this one in mind. Thanks!!

No problem

If you check petco, pet care any place like that they should have those a well.

Good luck

I had one that would dump flake into my sump's return section every few hours. It worked well, the flake would soak up water and sink then the pump would feed the tank. When I had it on the tank too much food would go into the overflow and down to the filter sock for my liking.

Originally Posted by Pat B

I had one that would dump flake into my sump's return section every few hours. It worked well, the flake would soak up water and sink then the pump would feed the tank. When I had it on the tank too much food would go into the overflow and down to the filter sock for my liking.

ooohhh....GREAT idea!

shawna.....did you find one that you like better than making one?

anyone else HERE make their own?

Originally Posted by Barbara

ooohhh....GREAT idea!

shawna.....did you find one that you like better than making one?

anyone else HERE make their own?

Unfortunately, there's no way I will be able to have an auto-feeder set up for my vacation, even if it is store-bought. My brackish puffer only eats frozen blood worms, and while the clown in my 2 gallon eats mysis flake food, the scooter blenny does not and needs frozen food to supplement his diet. Alas, there is no auto-feeder for frozen food I am in a rut. Now, I just have to hope one of my neighbors will be home for the holidays and can take care of my fish babies while I am gone :-/

gah!! I'd watch them for you if I was closer - any of the north sounder reefers gonna be in town to lend ya a hand????

The NS reefers that are closest (like about 10, 15 minutes away) are all busy for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I'm hoping I can catch my neighbor soon to see when he will be here. I had thought he said a little while back that he wasn't going anywhere for Christmas this year, so we will see. Hoping I didn't just misunderstand him or something :P

and if all else fails, a day or two without food wont kill them.........

when I travel, I never let my housesitter feed, unless its a fellow reefer who knows how much is too much

Originally Posted by estanoche

and if all else fails, a day or two without food wont kill them.........

when I travel, I never let my housesitter feed, unless its a fellow reefer who knows how much is too much

Yeah, I figured we could feed the tank the day we leave, then for Christmas Eve/Day, it could go without food and be fine.

Just finished talking with my neighbor, though, who not only lives in the condo right below ours, but is the same neighbor that did a great job taking care of my tanks last time. And he said he will be here for the holiday and more than happy to watch/care for the tanks for me ^_^ Hooray for small miracles!!