Best for | Product |
---|---|
Best Overall | EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder |
Best Portion Control | Noodoky USB Charging Automatic Fish Feeder |
Best for Smaller Tanks | Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder |
Best for Bigger Tanks | Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder |
Key Points:
- The #1 Best Overall automatic fish feeder is the EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder Programmable Automatic Food Dispenser.
- Automatic fish feeders can be programmed to dispense a certain amount of food at specific times each day. That way, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to feed your fish, and you can go out of town and know that your fish are cared for.
- When choosing the best automatic fish feeder for your tank, you should consider the purpose, type of food, capacity, and function.
There are many priorities you must juggle at once when it comes to keeping healthy fish. Your water needs to be properly conditioned; the pH balance and other chemical levels need to be just right, the water temperature needs to be suitable for your fish, you have to keep it clean, and of course, you need to feed your fish regularly. To keep a healthy aquarium, you may need an automatic fish feeder.
Nevertheless, compared to other pets, fish are some of the lowest-maintenance pets you can have. Just watching them swim effortlessly through their tanks is like a therapy session. Theyâre self-sufficient so long as their environment is healthy. The only issue with keeping fish as pets is that theyâre not able to be vocal the way a dog or even a cat might be, so they can’t tell you what they need.
A fish canât alert you when itâs hungry. And itâs easy to forget, especially when youâre having to feed your fish several times a day. Sometimes, your mind is riddled with daily stressors and unless youâre setting an alarm for yourself, itâs likely that at some point, youâll forget your fishâs mealtime. Even the most conscientious fish owners know that feeling of dread that washes over them when they have forgotten to feed their goldfish, clownfish, or angelfish.
Unless youâre actively shopping for automatic fish feeders, you probably had no idea that there are so many options to choose from. Some are better suited for specific purposes, types of food, or even portions. Instead of trying to brave the vast array of options on your own, we made it easy by identifying the four best automatic fish feeders. We have a top favorite, we selected one thatâs ideal for controlling portions, one thatâs actually fish-specific, and one thatâs extremely reliable for when you need to travel!
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- Programmable food dispenser
- Convenient and worry-free feeding
- Easy set-up and easy-to-understand instructions
- Fan and ventilation systems keep food dry
- Digital programming for up to eight feedings a day
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- Four feeding time settings
- Three levels of portion control
- Easily charges with USB cord
- Charges last for 3-6 months
- Holds various types of food â flakes, granules, etc.
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- Great for bettas or smaller tanks.
- You can use different types of food.
- Runs on two AA batteries.
- There is an automatic mode and a manual mode.
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- Works well for larger fish tanks.
- Rechargeable with USB cable.
- Lasts three to six months between charges.
- Comes with two different ways to secure the feeder to your fish tank.
Top Picks: The Best Automatic Fish Feeders Today
#1 Best Overall: EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder Programmable Automatic Food Dispenser
Based on our research, the best overall automatic fish feeder is the Programmable Automatic Food Dispenser by EHEIM. This is a great option for everyday use whether youâre staying home, lounging on the couch with a book next to your aquarium, or if you have to take a trip out of town. All you have to do is set it and let it feed your fish every day. Itâs really as simple as that.
With this automatic fish feeder, you have a convenient, worry-free way of feeding healthy fish. Itâs simple to set up and use and includes a straightforward start guide. This model also has an integrated fan and ventilation system that keeps the food dry. Yup, theyâve thought of everything.
Itâs battery-operated and programmable for most types of fish food for freshwater and marine fish. It fits perfectly on most aquariums and includes a universal installation clamp. It reliably dispenses accurate portions throughout the day and is equipped with easy digital LCD programming for up to eight feedings per day. Thereâs a manual release button you can use that permits feeding outside of those pre-programmed times. Use the adjustable slider to set desired portions. You just need two double AA batteries (theyâre included!).
However, if you have different types of fish in your aquarium that require different types of food, you will need more than one fish feeder. If you use multiple types of food in the same feeder, it can get stuck or dispense too much food.
Pros and Cons of the EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder Programmable Automatic Food Dispenser
Pros | Cons |
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This fish feeder is simple to set it and use. | This feeder does not do well with multiple types of fish food. It works best with just one type at a time. |
It includes a straightforward start guard. | If you have multiple types of fish, you might need more than one automatic feeder. |
There is also an integrated fan and ventilation system to keep the food dry. | |
It is battery-operated and comes with two double AA batteries. | |
You can use it for most types of freshwater or saltwater fish food. | |
There is a universal installation clamp to help position it in your tank. | |
It fits into most tanks easily. | |
There is also a manual release button. | |
You can adjust and set desired portions of food with the adjustable slider. | |
The easy digital LCD programming allows you to set the fish feeder to dispense accurate portions up to eight times a day. |
- Programmable food dispenser
- Convenient and worry-free feeding
- Easy set-up and easy-to-understand instructions
- Fan and ventilation systems keep food dry
- Digital programming for up to eight feedings a day
2. Best Portion Control: Noodoky USB Charging Automatic Fish Feeder
Portions can be hard to gauge, but with the Noodoky USB Charging Automatic Fish Feeder, you donât have to worry. Itâs equipped with a customized, circular feeding time schedule. There are four feeding time settings and three levels of portion control for each time. Thereâs also an auto-setting button that allows you to set the feeding time for either eight or 12 hours on rotation.
This automatic fish feeder charges with a USB cord and can last for three to six months. It has a 200 mL capacity and an adjustable slider that lets you set the desired portion of food to release into the tank. Itâs easy to add food â you donât even have to take the feeding bucket off! Just slide the top opening and pour the food into the bucket.
The 360° rotatable base makes it possible for you to select the feeding position that you desire. Then, just mount it onto aquarium glass that is up to 1.3 inches thick. You can also affix it to the flat surface of your tank by using the double-sided sticker. If youâre home and wish to directly feed your fish, just use the instant feeding button. This allows you to feed your fish at any time with a single button.
This automatic fish feeder holds different types of foods like flakes, granulated, strip, and pellet food. It is relatively easy to use, but some customers reported that it can be hard to get it set up the first time. In addition, make sure you always know how much to keep the door open so that excess food doesnât get dumped into your tank. One customer used a permanent marker to mark the spot so that they always remembered where to secure the door for their fish.
Pros and Cons of the Noodoky USB Charging Automatic Fish Feeder
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This automatic fish feeder has a feeding schedule that you can customize, with four feeding time settling and three levels of portion control for each feeding. | Customers reported that this fish feeder is tricky to learn how to use and takes a lot of trial and error to get it right. |
The auto-setting button allows you to set the feeding time for either eight or 12 hours on rotation. | |
It charges easily with a simple USB cord and can last for three to six months at a time. | |
It has a 200 mL capacity. | |
The adjustable slider lets you set the amount of food that you want to be released into the tank. | |
You can easily add more food without even taking the feeding bucket off; just slide the top opening and pour the food into the heating bucket. | |
The base rotates 360° to allow you to choose the feeding position you want. | |
You can mount this fish feeder onto aquarium glass up to 1.3 inches thick, or fix it to the flat surface of the tank with the double-sided sticker. | |
The instant feeding button also gives you the choice to feed your fish directly. | |
You can use different types of foods (pellets, flakes, etc.). |
- Four feeding time settings
- Three levels of portion control
- Easily charges with USB cord
- Charges last for 3-6 months
- Holds various types of food â flakes, granules, etc.
3. Best for Smaller Tanks: Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder
The Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder is a great choice for small tanks or feeding your betta fish while you’re gone for the weekend. You can use all kinds of different types of food since this fish feeder is moisture-proof and keeps the food fresh. It runs on batteries (two AA batteries, not included) and has an LCD screen, so it’s easy to use.
The Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder can give your fish up to three rounds of food, and it can dispense it up to three times each day. The adjustable slider also allows you to adjust how much food is dispensed at a time. When it’s time to eat, the feeder will rotate 360 degrees and drop your fish’s favorite food into the tank. You can choose the automatic mode or the manual mode. Use the manual mode when you want to feed and watch your fish eat, and you can use the automatic mode when you’re away.
There are two different ways to install this fish feeder, both of which are quick and easy. First, you can use the 360-degree rotating base to clamp the feeder onto the glass wall of your tank. Or you can use the double-sided stickers included to attach it as well. You do need to make sure it is placed far enough above the water so that it does not get wet, as this will ruin the food inside.
Some customers reported that the opening where the food comes out can be difficult, and often releases too many pellets or not enough. Many suggested remedying this with a little tape.
Pros and Cons of the Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This feeder is great for smaller tanks or feeding betta fish while you’re away. | Although it has great battery life, you will need to replace the batteries from time to time. |
You can use different types of food. | It doesn’t come with batteries. |
It is moisture-proof and keeps food fresh. | Some customers struggled with the opening where the food comes out, reporting that it was releasing too much or not enough food. |
It runs on two AA batteries and has an LCD screen. | |
You can dispense up to three rounds of food three times each day. | |
There is an adjustable slider so you can choose how much food is dispensed each time. | |
There is an automatic mode and a manual mode. | |
You can install this fish feeder with a clamp or with double-sided stickers. |
- Great for bettas or smaller tanks.
- You can use different types of food.
- Runs on two AA batteries.
- There is an automatic mode and a manual mode.
4. Best for Bigger Tanks: Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder
The Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder is great for bigger tanks (typically over 50 gallons). It has a large feed bucket (200 mL) and can hold a variety of different types of fish food, from flakes to powders and granules. However, some customers reported that it dispenses too much food if you have a small tank or only have a few small fish.
The Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder charges with a simple USB cable, so you don’t need to worry about buying and replacing batteries. Once charged, the feeder can be used for three to six months before you’ll need to plug it in again.
You can set the clock for feeding times and adjust how much food dispenses with each feeding. If you want to feed your fish manually, there is also a “manual” button.
There are two ways you can install this fish feeder. First, you can secure it to the rim of your tank with the adjustable clamp. Second, you can remove the base and use the 3M round adhesive sticker (included with purchase) so that it stands on top of your tank if you have a cover or aquarium hood.
Customers reported that the handbook and instructions for this automatic fish feeder are confusing, so it can be difficult to set up. However, once you’ve got the hang of it, this fish feeder can be a great asset to your fish tank!
Pros and Cons of the Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
This fish feeder is a great choice for larger tanks. | Some customers reported that this feeder can dispense too much food for smaller tanks or tanks with a few small fish. |
The feed bucket is large (200 mL) and can hold different types of fish food. | The handbook and instructions can be confusing. |
It is easy to charge with a USB cable. | Setting up the fish feeder can be difficult. |
The rechargeable battery lasts for three to six months. | |
You can set and adjust feeding times and how much food is dispensed. | |
There is also a “manual” button if you want to feed the fish yourself. | |
You can install the feeder on your tank with the clamp or with the rounded 3M adhesive. |
- Works well for larger fish tanks.
- Rechargeable with USB cable.
- Lasts three to six months between charges.
- Comes with two different ways to secure the feeder to your fish tank.
Choosing the Best Automatic Fish Feeder: What to Look For
You have a couple of solid options to select from when deciding on the best automatic fish feeder for your needs. To make sure youâre choosing the best one, weâve included some important considerations below, including purpose, type of food, capacity, and function.
Purpose
Sure, automatic fish feeders are ultra-convenient. However, think about your lifestyle and what makes a fish feeder an attractive purchase for you. Do you frequently travel and want to stop relying on your neighbor or a family member to stop by and feed your fish? Do you find that youâre a bit forgetful and canât seem to stay on top of a regular feeding schedule? By identifying the reasons why you need an automatic fish feeder, you can make the best decision including the programming and capacity requirements of the fish feeder you select.
Type of Food
Some automatic fish feeders can hold any type of food. However, some are only equipped to handle specific types of fish food. Consider the type of food that youâd like to feed your fish and then be sure to select a fish feeder that matches that type of food. If you have fish that need different types of food, you may need to purchase more than one feeder.
Capacity
If you just need an everyday fish feeder thatâs going to take the guesswork and the remembering out of your daily routine, then capacity isnât too much of an issue. However, if you want a fish feeder for when you travel, and you plan to leave the country for weeks at a time, youâll definitely need a more robust automatic fish feeder. If you have a significantly larger tank than usual, you may need to purchase more than one fish feeder for your tank as well.
Function
Some fish feeders have features that let you select the exact time of day youâd like to feed your fish. Others limit feedings to once or maybe up to eight times per day. Consider what your fish needs and select a fish feeder that has the features for appropriate programmability. Also, ensure the feeding bucket is large enough to hold as much food as your fish needs.
Up Next:
- The Best Betta Fish Tanks â Find the best tank for your betta fish here.
- The Best (Unique) Aquarium Decorations â Want your fish tank to stand out? Check out our list of the best and most unique aquarium decorations!
- The Best Aquarium Cabinets â If youâre looking for a way to make your aquarium fit into the feng shui of your room, check out our list of the best aquarium cabinets!
Best for | Product |
---|---|
Best Overall | EHEIM Everyday Fish Feeder |
Best Portion Control | Noodoky USB Charging Automatic Fish Feeder |
Best for Smaller Tanks | Aoyar Automatic Fish Feeder |
Best for Bigger Tanks | Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder |
The Best Automatic Fish Feeders FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are automatic fish feeders any good?
They can be! Not all models are created with the same care, however. Each model has its own attractive features along with some downfalls, depending on your needs. Nevertheless, these machines are the perfect counterpart for responsible fish owners who want to keep their fish healthy on a dependable feeding schedule.
How do you feed your fish when on vacation?
Aside from the old-school way of relying on a friend or neighbor, an automatic fish feeder can help you rest easy while youâre away from home. Install your automatic fish feeder well before your trip so you can test it out and determine the right settings. Then, you can set it and forget it! Your fish will be fed their favorites on a schedule you designate, and you can enjoy your vacation worry-free.
Can you put flakes in automatic fish feeder?
You can! But it depends on the model. Some fish feeders are only equipped to handle certain types of foods, like pellets, but others can hold a variety of fish food, including flakes. Look for models that are equipped with some kind of ventilation system to ensure they donât get stale, wet, or clogged.
Can you feed fish automatically?
Yes, and the variety and versatility of these systems make it so you can find a model that works perfectly for your needs, feeding your fish automatically whenever you need the extra support. That could be every day or when you leave town!
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