Best Automatic Fish Feeders Reviewed & Rated For Quality and Functionality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Value
Price isn’t too much of a concern with automatic fish feeders since all of the great ones are low priced. We used this criterion to get rid of overpriced options that didn’t offer equal value to their expense. Most of the products that we got rid of were for much larger tanks than what would be in normal homes. For consumer-grade level feeders, the price for top tier equipment won’t be that much more than decorations for a tank. This versatility in price is great for first-time buyers of automatic feeders.
Use
The next thing we looked at was the amount of food that could be included in the feeders, or for blocks the duration before they completely disappeared.
The results were surprising, with a lot of the better products lasting in excess of two weeks. We ranked the products that took multiple food types higher than the rest since they were much more valuable. This is reflected in the list by including a lot of the digital models that were favored for this specific feature.
By using a feeder that takes multiple types of food, you can use it with more complicated fish/tank setups.
Size
Size is something to take into consideration when buying an automatic fish feeder. Not only will it make a difference in smaller tanks, but more fish and larger fish will mean that more food needs to be added to the feeder.
The frequency of feeding will also come into play, so choosing smaller models over bigger ones won’t help out if you want longevity in the scheduling. By taking size into account as a criterion, we found that models offering the balance between their actual size and food capacity were overall better options.
Model
The design is something we took into consideration based on the number of users that want their feeder to match a theme. This was another criterion that only catered to electronic fish feeders, with a big advantage going to digital versions that had better casings.
There weren’t a lot of standouts with this criterion, so we gave a lot of points to brands that went beyond the usual static design. Most of the options looked similar to one another, so only a few really gained spots on the top ten for showing initiative with their theme. A good design also helps make fish more comfortable with having a foreign object in their space.
Durability
When consumers are leaving their tanks for days at a time, durability is important when the feeder is in a tank with larger fish. Durability was a criterion that also covered reliability and resistance when in a tank of aggressive fish.
Once your fish know where the food comes from they will swarm it, potentially causing damage if the feeder is weak. That is why high durability is important for an automatic feeder, at least an electronic one. Dissolvable options were treated favorably with this criteria since they didn’t suffer the same setbacks.
10 Best Automatic Fish Feeders
1. Eheim Battery Operated
And the top spot on the list goes to an advanced model, and the best from Eheim. Using this battery-operated feeder will make a lot easier in a home that has fish.
Options Up Front
Customers can purchase this as a single feeder, or in a 2 or 5 count pack. This helps out a lot no matter what type of fish owner you are.
Snack Option
Fish, as so many humans do, have days where they need a little more to eat than others. With this model, you can drop a snack into the tank when you notice your fish picking the rocks more often. Simply push the button to drop a few more morsels into the water.
Cost and Value
With a 3-year warranty attached, this can be a really great value if you get the 5 feeder pack. The price is low, and the unit can hold over a months’ worth of food. Everything works as it’s supposed to with this product, and there is even a quick start guide included. Advanced and user-friendly, once you use an Eheim system you won’t go back.
2. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
The Pyramid is back on the list again, this time from a different company. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals has concentrated on using a 14 day Pyramid.
Just Drop It In And Go
With a much longer lifespan, this is the Pyramid to own if you take a lot of trips away. Just drop it in the tank and leave without worrying about coming home to dead fish.
The Specifics
Specifically, this form of feeding states that you can use this for up to 20 fish in a 10-gallon tank. It is recommended that you go no longer than 7-14 days before dropping in a new one. We suggest testing these while you are home to see what the actual time frame will be.
Cost and Value
Having a single big Pyramid compared to several smaller ones is a better value long-term. The price is the same as the multipack and lasts longer than all of them put together. With only one other automatic fish feeder keeping this from the top spot, the Pyramid method has once again shown its value. Drop it in the tank and enjoy a long trip without a complicated setup.
3. eBoTrade Automatic Fish Feeder
The eBotrade made our list because it is a high-quality, automatic fish feeding device. It's small, allows you to schedule feeds and is easy to install.
Compact shape
Because this feeder is small and compact, it helps preserve space in your aquarium. Everything about this device is easy. From setting it up to operating.
Customizable
This device features an LCD display that shows you things like battery life and how many times it is set to feed per day. You can control the amount you want to feed your fish with this feeder, which can be set from 1-8 feeds per day. You are also able to increase or decrease the portion size of each feeding, too.
Cost And Value
This automatic feeder from eBotrade is very affordable and works well. Therefore, we think this option has great value.
4. Proche Digital Automatic
Proche Digital Automatic is a fish and turtle feeder that comes in handy whenever you find it impossible to go home to feed your aquatic pets or if you feel that you don’t have the time to feed them properly. One of its biggest advantages is that it works with a large variety of fish nourishment, including flakes, pellets, powders, and strips. It gives you two different options for installing, allowing you to choose the best way for your style of tank.
Uses Little Power
When you plan on spending a long period of time away, you don’t have to worry about the Proche Digital Automatic fish feeder dying on you. It consumes little power and the batteries included, can last for 3 months.
Easy to Set Up
Choosing a feeder with a digital automatic display system will make it easier to program it and make adjustments. The one created by Proche allows you to adjust feeding frequency whenever you find it necessary.
Cost and Value
This fish feeder comes at a great price and gives you the tranquility of knowing your pet is safe while you are out. It works for a variety of different fish and turtles and is backed with a 1-year warranty and amazing Proche lifetime Customer Service.
5. API 3-Day Pyramid
The Pyramid is the most unique automatic fish feeder on the list and is perfect if you’re going away for a few days. With a couple of seconds, all of the fish in your home will be taken care of.
Simple To Use
Just drop it in and walk away, no extra work needed. It is simply a dissolvable block of food that breaks up slowly over time.
All Type of Fish
This selection does away with having to search for an option that is good for solely fresh or saltwater fish. You can use this for either tank you have. Making it easier for you as the shopper.
Cost and Value
With four in a pack, this can go long way with its low price. Looking at it from a per Pyramid cost, this is the cheapest option on the list. Not having to worry about your fish over the weekend is something the Pyramid can help with. Think of it as a foolproof way to feed fish when leaving for a few days.
6. Flexzion Automatic Fish Food Feeder
This Flexzion automatic pond fish food feeder is the largest one on our list. It is designed to feed a lot of fish at once, and easily. The design is not flashy, so it won't distract from the rest of your yard or garden. It will blend in and do what it needs to do.
Large hopper
This Flexzion automatic fish fooder feeder features a large 3.5lb. (1.6kg) food hopper. At one feeding per day, this feeder can feed a lot of fish. Because it is so large, this one is recommended for a pond, rather than an aquarium.
Progammable & customizable
Like other feeds on this list, you are able to customize how many feeds you want to do a day and how much food to release with each feed. What makes this one stand out, however, is that you are able to program up to 99 days of feedings. The food should last for the full 99 days as long as you only do one feeding session per day.
Cost And Value
This automatic feeder is a little pricier, but not outrageous. We figure that with how much food it can hold, and how long it can last with the programmable and customizable features, this one is valuable.
7. Zoo Med BettaMatic
Sometimes the extras make a difference, or in the case of the BettaMatic, all the difference in the world. Zoo Med put customers first with this product, giving them more than enough reason to consider it as their top choice.
Food Included
Along with the product comes sample food for Betta fish which should last a short while. It’s pretty large for sample size and will give users a good start when they need it.
How it Works
Once the batteries are in its a matter of adding the food. Then sit back and relax as this will feed your Betta once per day for you.
Cost and Value
The price is low so it won’t scare away any potential customers. And with batteries and sample food included, it pays for itself within the first year. Extras are always appreciated when it comes to any product for consumers. Zoo Med offers a really great choice, and it may turn out to be the best value you can get for an automatic fish feeder.
8. EHEIM Aquarium
Eheim isn’t surprising to see on the list, but this model may turn out to be new to a lot of fish enthusiasts. The company did a little bit of research when making this automatic fish feeder, and it may have paid off.
Underwater Feeding
Typically a feeder will send the food out and it will float to the top of the water, leaving food pieces that are not eaten to float down and contaminate the water over time. This model feeds all food underwater at a fixed location and cuts down on the wasted food.
Good for all Tanks
The clamps are universal so you can adjust them to your tank size for a snug fit. Vibration won't cause this one to fall off the tank. Another great aspect is that this one is good for both fresh and saltwater tanks.
Cost and Value
Suitable for big tanks, buyers will find the low price of this product just the right fit. Mid to smaller tanks will get less value from this type of automatic feeder. This model will really find a comfortable home in a big fish tank, so use it wisely. As long as you don’t have fish that fight over food, then it is a quality buy.
9. IDS Home
A lot of customers have talked a lot about this particular feeder, with a lot of positive praise. Coming in at #9 on the list it does a good job even if it is one of the more basic models on the list.
Small And Functional
An automatic feeder of this size has its advantages, starting with tank compatibility. It can go in smaller tanks or bigger tanks without too large of a hit on reliability.
Battery Powered
For those looking for something automatic but don't really have outlet space look no further. this one runs off of two AA batteries. So you can have the peace of mind that your fish are fed without running extra cords or rearranging the entire room.
Cost and Value
The price is low so it won’t be an issue for anyone looking at automatic feeders. Buyers that don’t want to do a lot of guesswork with sizes will find this the most useful. Tanks come in all sizes, so having an automatic feeder that can accommodate them is great. You’ll have no trouble installing this and enjoying the benefits.
10. P7000 Pond Fish Feeder
If you are looking for a automatic feeder for your pond fish, here's a good option. The P7000 Pond Fish Feeder holds a large capacity of fish food and makes it easy to schedule feeds. And, as the name suggests, it is designed to be used in a small pond, not a fish tank or aquarium.
Programmable
Like many others on this list, you can program this fish food feeder so that it automatically dispenses when you want and how much you want. This feeder offers a reliable way to feed your fish while you are home or away.
Versatile
Even though this product lets you schedule feedings and will feed your fish automatically, you can still use this one manually. This way, you can feed your fish on demand and don't have to worry whether a scheduled feed doesn't happen. This feeder comes with a frequent feed mode setting, which will dispense 3 teaspoons of food throughout the day.
Cost And Value
This one is a little bit on the pricier side. However, it does offer some benefits with how much food it can hold and the ability to be used manually and to be programmed.