Automatic Feeders

[HannahHinton]

Hi there
 
Newbie to the forum here, so hello to everyone!
 
I'm going on holiday for 2 weeks tomorrow and I've got myself a little automatic feeder for my fish tank. I went for this one: http/www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/nutramatic-automatic-fish-feeder-2x
 
Just wondered on the off chance anybody had used this exact one or a similar model? How long should the feed in it last?
 
Robin 

 

[StevenF]

I have a different model with 2 AA and it goes months on a single set of batteries.  I would make sure it works before you leave if possible.  

 

[Fishmanic]

I have a similar type of feeder....only problem is with time, if close to water, it can get moisture in it and the food may get stuck.....though years ago, I used one as my main feeder and it did work for a very long time....I do find though that it tends to overfeed if you have a small stocking
 
some feeders have a fan to keep it dry
 
it's always best to pretest it for several days before going away......you could manually turn it and have it discharge over a pc of paper to test volume of feedings

 

[cooledwhip]

Eheim automatic feeder is super reliable. I use three of them for each tank. I will be going on vacation for THREE weeks pretty soon so I do trust them.

 

[Ch4rlie]

I tend to mistrust these automatic feeders.
 
But I have gone on holiday for 10 days before and not fed the fish during this period, no harm, doen this several times in fact.
 
Most specie of fish can cope with this fairly easily, they will forage and find leftover foods but you must feed them for a least 3 consecutive days and do a big water clean before leaving them alone.
 
But you can ask a trusted friend or relative to feed them once, say at end of first week, keep a usual amount of feed for a single day in an small airtight container and friend/relative can feed that and no access to any other fish foods. And also just to check all is ok and to top up tank water if any evaporation occurs.
 
That is my usual method for any holiday for 2 weeks or more.