Best Automatic Fish Feeders Reviewed
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Automatic fish feeders take the stress out of constantly monitoring your fish tanks. It can also be a relief for people that tend to spend a lot of time away from home. A good feeder takes all of the guesswork out of setting up a schedule for your fish. And the great thing about this best automatic fish feeders list is that they’re all priced low.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Brands
There are no favored brands in the automatic fish feeding industry, although there is a lot of favoritism towards auto feeding tablets. The big type in that category are the ‘Pyramids’, large ones that dissolve and can last from up to 3-30 days. And beyond the tablets there is a mix of traditional quartz timer feeders and new age digital feeders.
Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
It would be a good idea to not force large foods into feeders if they don’t fit. Doing this can jam it and mess up the timer. Cleaning will largely come down to how good the filter is in the tank. Usually wiping it down when you have to replenish the food is the only thing that’s needed.
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.
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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.
Features and Specifications
Built in fan and ventilation system
Can hold up to 6 weeks of food
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
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.
Features and Specifications
Built in fan and ventilation system
Can hold up to 6 weeks of food
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- See through food drum
- Includes a universal installation clamp
Cons
- Certain large pellets can jam food opening
2. Aquarium Pharmaceuticals
The Pyramid is back on the list again, this time from a different company. Rather than the short term 3 day solution from #5, Aquarium Pharmaceuticals has concentrated on using a 14 day Pyramid.
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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.
Features and Specifications
Handles 20 fish in a 10 gallon tank
Will feed for up to 7-14 days
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
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.
Features and Specifications
Handles 20 fish in a 10 gallon tank
Will feed for up to 7-14 days
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- Has a secret chamber that releases tubifex worms
- In a smaller setup could potentially last an entire month
Cons
- Ups the nitrates in a tank
3. Fish Mate F14
Don’t let the weird look of the F14 throw you off, as it’s a very efficient way to feed multiple fish. Wih a little bit of experimentation, fish owners will have the best multi-fish setup available.
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Battery Indicator
Built into the unit is a battery indicator so you know exactly how much juice you have left. Using this buyers will never have to worry about their feeder failing while they’re away.
Features and Specifications
Handles up to 14 meals
Can be set to feed 1-4 times per day
Price/Value
With the quartz timer as the best feature of this product, the low price is even more attractive. Expect to get plenty of years of worth out of this product.
Decision Time
This is considered to be one of the more traditional automatic feeders, and is still one of the best. You won’t encounter any problems using one of the best on the market.
Built into the unit is a battery indicator so you know exactly how much juice you have left. Using this buyers will never have to worry about their feeder failing while they’re away.
Features and Specifications
Handles up to 14 meals
Can be set to feed 1-4 times per day
Price/Value
With the quartz timer as the best feature of this product, the low price is even more attractive. Expect to get plenty of years of worth out of this product.
Decision Time
This is considered to be one of the more traditional automatic feeders, and is still one of the best. You won’t encounter any problems using one of the best on the market.
Pros
- Quality quartz timer
- Handles all types of fish food without troubles
Cons
- Changing the food time is hard
4. Hydor Automatic
The more complex automatic fish feeders are important for managing advanced feeding options. With a little bit of reading, the Hydor Automatic Fish Feeder can take care of a lot of tanks.
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LED Light Programming
It’s not groundbreaking, but the LED programming uses easy to identify lights and figures to guide you with setups. After the first time, the one button system can be done in without referencing the manual.
Features and Specifications
Compatible with leading aerators
Can set it up for 3 feedings a day
Price/Value
Low priced and with a really good setup, the value will multiply when you use it in conjunction with an aerator. Even without one, this is still a nice buy.
Decision Time
A lot of fish tanks will benefit greatly from adding this automatic fish feeder to the rotation. With a one button feeding feature, it takes all of the guesswork out of the schedule.
It’s not groundbreaking, but the LED programming uses easy to identify lights and figures to guide you with setups. After the first time, the one button system can be done in without referencing the manual.
Features and Specifications
Compatible with leading aerators
Can set it up for 3 feedings a day
Price/Value
Low priced and with a really good setup, the value will multiply when you use it in conjunction with an aerator. Even without one, this is still a nice buy.
Decision Time
A lot of fish tanks will benefit greatly from adding this automatic fish feeder to the rotation. With a one button feeding feature, it takes all of the guesswork out of the schedule.
Pros
- Uses flakes, tablets or pellets
- 100% usable in tropical aquariums, terrariums and marine
Cons
- Has trouble with larger pellets
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.
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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.
Features and Specifications
Comes in a pack of 4
Good for 15-20 fish in a 10 gallon tank
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
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.
Features and Specifications
Comes in a pack of 4
Good for 15-20 fish in a 10 gallon tank
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- Works with fresh or saltwater fish
- Requires no previous setup
Cons
- In tanks with bad filtration the water will get cloudy
6. Newcomdigi Daily Automatic
Automatic fish feeders don’t have to be fancy electronic devices, and often just need to be reliable. One of the most worry free devices on the list is the Newcomdigi Daily Automatic Fish Feeder, and here’s why.
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Manual Option
Having the option to disperse food on demand can be just as important as automatic functions. They made sure the manual/start gear was easy to operate and within hands reach.
Features and Specifications
Auto or manual feeding with three fixed modes
Adjustable food amounts
Price/Value
Like most of the other products on the list, this one is on the lower side in price. Simple directions and operation turns this into a tremendous value for any user.
Decision Time
High compatibility with usability specifications helps out this automatic fish feeder. You’ll have no problem using it to feed your fish daily.
Having the option to disperse food on demand can be just as important as automatic functions. They made sure the manual/start gear was easy to operate and within hands reach.
Features and Specifications
Auto or manual feeding with three fixed modes
Adjustable food amounts
Price/Value
Like most of the other products on the list, this one is on the lower side in price. Simple directions and operation turns this into a tremendous value for any user.
Decision Time
High compatibility with usability specifications helps out this automatic fish feeder. You’ll have no problem using it to feed your fish daily.
Pros
- High compatibility with many different types of foods
- Manual is very clear about how the device works
Cons
- Bracket can be a pain to use
7. 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 payed off.
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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.
Features and Specifications
Universal fitting with clamps
Can be used in fresh or marine water
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
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.
Features and Specifications
Universal fitting with clamps
Can be used in fresh or marine water
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- No food is wasted with this intuitive design
- Can also be used as a defrosting station
Cons
- Can be problematic in tanks with territorial fish
8. KLAREN Digital
This is the first automatic fish feeder on the list with multiple customization options. Buyers that need to have more control over their tank feedings will get a lot of use out of this product.
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Three Different Models
Klaren offers this product in models 2003D, 2005D and 2008D. There are differences in feedings per day, size and digital timer options.
Features and Specifications
Can feed up to 8 times per day
Comes with 2 AA batteries
Price/Value
There are some things that the 2005D model has that the 2003D model has, so value is going to be dependent on which one you get. All of them are low priced, so there are no worries about wasted money.
Decision Time
Klaren did a good job with cramming as many options as possible into separate models. It’s a great buy and may turn into a worthwhile investment for consumers with multiple fish tanks.
Klaren offers this product in models 2003D, 2005D and 2008D. There are differences in feedings per day, size and digital timer options.
Features and Specifications
Can feed up to 8 times per day
Comes with 2 AA batteries
Price/Value
There are some things that the 2005D model has that the 2003D model has, so value is going to be dependent on which one you get. All of them are low priced, so there are no worries about wasted money.
Decision Time
Klaren did a good job with cramming as many options as possible into separate models. It’s a great buy and may turn into a worthwhile investment for consumers with multiple fish tanks.
Pros
- Stops moisture from spoiling saved fish food
- Can handle just about any type of food you throw at it
Cons
- Depending on which model you get, some features will be unavailable
9. 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.
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Food Included
Along with the product comes sample food for Betta fish which should last a short while. It’s pretty large for a sample size and will give users a good start when they need it.
Features and Specifications
Uses 2 AA batteries
Feeds Betta fish once per day
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Along with the product comes sample food for Betta fish which should last a short while. It’s pretty large for a sample size and will give users a good start when they need it.
Features and Specifications
Uses 2 AA batteries
Feeds Betta fish once per day
Price/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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- Batteries are included
- Also comes with rail kit
Cons
- Only feeds once per day
10. Black Digital Automatic
A lot of customers have talked a lot about this particular feeder, with a lot of positive praise. Coming in at #10 on the list it does a good job even if it is one of the more basic models on the list.
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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.
Features and Specifications
Uses 2 AA batteries
Measurements are 4.3x10cm
Price/Value
The price is low so 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.
Decision Time
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.
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.
Features and Specifications
Uses 2 AA batteries
Measurements are 4.3x10cm
Price/Value
The price is low so 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.
Decision Time
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.
Pros
- Small enough to fit in any size tank
- Only weighs 7.4 ounces
Cons
- Batteries aren’t included
How To Make The Best Decision When Choosing An Automatic Feeder
Getting a traditional or electronic feeder and then backing it up with tablets seems like a good idea. The tablets can be used when you are going out of town for extended periods of time. Using this method, you wouldn’t have to worry about the feeder running out of food. Having a primary and a backup isn’t necessary, although it helps.
FAQ
Are Automatic Fish Feeders Bad For Fish?
Only if you set them up wrong. They run off on a schedule set up by you, so there is no chance to overfeed the fish. And when using tablets, they can nibble at them as it dissolves on its own.
Will Tablets Harm The Water?
Only on tanks with bad filtration systems. You’ll notice the water get cloudy and nasty over time, so always make sure you have a good system in place before using them.
What Tank Types Accept Automatic Feeders?
All of them, thanks to universal brackets. If a bracket isn’t included then purchasing one separately is still an option.
