Is there such thing as a food dispenser?

Question

Is there such thing as a food dispenser for fish? Like it dispenses food for the fish with a timer? If so where do u get it from? I live in Sydney, AUSTRALIA.

If you have one please tell me how it works.

:)

Answer 1

There are a number available: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/cat/info/22864/category.web I've tried the Rainbow, but wasn't satisfied with the performance - ther was no way to contril the amount of food for each feeding and it was only suitable for flakes. My second and third were both similar to the Nutrafin model shown in the link. These can be used for flakes, pellets, or freeze-dried foods (or a mixture of these). There is an adjustable setting so you can control the approzimate amount of food it drops, and it does timed feedings one or two times a day.

The nutrafin works by rotating the drum which sits over the tank (this can be a problem if you have fish that jump - you need to have an open spot for the food to fall into the tank). There's a slide which is used to control the amount of food than can be "scooped up" as the drum turns, and that amount is what's dropped in the water. You have to play with the adjustment a little, and I set mine so it slightly underfeeds. This was a lot of help for a 300 gallon display tank I worked with since the canopy was a real pain to get into.

The Lifeguard model I had sat upright (http://www.thehiddenreef.com/saltwater_aquarium_supplies/aquarium_supplies_reef_products/rainbow_lifeguard_feeders.htm ), and the wheel beneath turned. Since all the food sat ofer the turning mechanism, the food would fill each section to the top and drop all of the contents in that section into the tank - usually more than the fish I had needed. These might be better if you have a very large tank and only used one feeding per day. These are electric.

Depending on how much/often you feed, these can hold enough food for 1-3 weeks. They're battery operated, so you don't have to worry if the electric goes out. Mine would last for over a year on one set of batteries, but I always replaced then at exactly a year to make sure there were no problems.

I don't know if you could find this in your local stores, but they might be able to order one for you.

Answer 2

There are such machines,however they don't perform very well. I've tried several in the distant past,and never was satisfied.
If your concern is in regard to an extended absence, the safest course of action is to leave your fish in some nice clean water and don't try to feed them. I've done this for at least a fortnight with no ill effects to my pets. Here's my method,stop feeding 2 or 3 days before departure,then just before leaving do a nice 25 or 30% water change accompanied by a rousing gravel vacuuming. Up on return begin with small feedings and gradually work up to a normal feeding schedule.
This method has worked very well for me in the past,and I wouldn't trust my closest friends or family with the chore of feeding my pets. Some of the fish are well over 10 or 12 years old,and doing quite well. G'day.

Answer 3

Well, since I already told you about the dispensers and food discs I won't repeat myself. However I am not sure if they are available to you in Australia. Look up pet suppliers on the Internet that will ship to Australia. Or check out pond supply stores in you area. I would give you a list of suppliers but I am sure you would question that too.

Answer 4

Sorry, no such thing! I wish their were though, that could help me out a bit lol

Answer 5

lifeguard makes a plug in one that will hold up to six months of food it automatically feeds them 2 times daily you can also medicate your fish with it if your not going to be around. nutrafin makes a battery operated one same principle its much cheaper. the lifeguard is much better oh stay away from frequent use of feeding blocks they add alot of calcium to the water

Answer 6

yuppers and i believe PENN PLAX makes them. its a circular device that feeds as much as 3 times a day and holds food for about 3 weeks. im sure they can ship one to you, they also make dissovable food, but those arent the best source for a fish filled tank, maybe one or so but thats about it.

Answer 7

i think that there is a slow feeder that would feed your fish for an extended period of time. I would check your local pet stores.

Answer 8

I suggest putting in a small water proof vending machine. Make sure your fish have enough change also.

Answer 9

pet stores and pet supply stores sell food blocks that dissolve over time releasing food.... these items are good for various amounts of time