Why choose an automatic aquarium feeder?

When you love your reef tank but are short on time (or are planning a getaway), an automatic feeder becomes your fish's guardian angel . Programmable to the minute, it delivers the right ration, stabilizes water quality by avoiding overdoses and reduces stress in the population. No more poorly briefed neighbors: some devices manage up to 60 distributions for two months of autonomy . The key: fish in great shape, a lighter schedule and peace of mind, whether you have a single tank, a breeding battery or an XXL reef. Not to mention the possibility of varying the menus – flakes in the morning, pellets in the evening – to stimulate appetite and natural coloring. Fish food

The different types of aquarium dispensers

Drum (rotary) distributor

The classic. A cylinder rotates on its axis and drops the calibrated portion. It's robust, tolerant of particle size, and very easy to adjust: you open or close the hatch to adjust the dose. Recent versions sometimes incorporate ventilation to keep the flakes dry. This system is found in:

• Reef Factory food dispenser (1 Wi-Fi model)
• Aqua Nova food dispenser (2 budget-friendly references)
• Eheim food distributor (4 safe bets, including the famous 3581)
• GHL food distributor
• Hobby food dispenser
• JBL food dispenser
• Jecob / Jebao food distributor
• Juwel food dispenser

Advantages: simple mechanics, low price, limited maintenance. Limitations: dosage could be improved with tiny powders.

Digital programmable dispenser

Here, electronics take over: LCD screen, touch-sensitive keys and internal memory allowing up to 5 meals per day . You set the time of each distribution, the rotation duration – therefore the quantity – and, on ventilated models, the pulsed air expels humidity. Some even have a low battery alert to avoid unpleasant surprises. It's the choice for those who want precision and flexibility without breaking the bank .

Dispenser integrated into a cover or filtration system

Juwel or Red Sea all-in-one aquariums feature a pre-cut compartment in the hood. The dispenser clips into it, remains protected from condensation, and leaves the tank rim free. In high-end kits, the filter reduces its flow rate for a few minutes after each feeding: the food floats longer and the fish have plenty of time to peck. Discreet and elegant!

Freshwater and seawater compatibility

Salt attacks ordinary metals, so check that the drum axle, screws, and lid gasket are made of stainless steel or engineered plastic. The brands mentioned above now use corrosion-resistant materials, making it possible to switch from an Amazonian tank to a reef tank without changing the tank.

Choosing the right food dispenser

Tank capacity and autonomy

Small 100 ml tanks are sufficient for a nano-reef or hospital tank. For a 200 L tropical community, a 200–250 ml tank will cover four to six weeks of absence without refilling. Be careful: the larger the volume, the longer the food remains exposed, hence the importance of ventilation or a silicone seal to preserve freshness.

Compatible food types (flakes, granules, tablets)

• The flakes are light: they come out easily but fly everywhere. • The pellets fall straight into the swimming area and sink slowly, perfect for mid-water fish. • The tablets are intended for bottom-dwelling loaches and shrimps; a drum with a wide trapdoor is essential.
Variety is better! Flake fish food and pellet fish food allow you to alternate sources of protein and vitamins to boost immunity.

Battery or mains powered

100% battery-powered models are portable and often last three months. For long expeditions, a USB port provides charging or continuous power: no chance of running out of power. Some devices combine both and automatically switch to battery power in the event of a power outage—the aquarist's belt and suspenders are a foresighted tool.

Ease of programming and reliability

A clear menu, a few buttons, and ideally, a mobile app or Bluetooth to manage everything without lifting the lid. But true reliability requires a multi-day test . Program, observe the complete cycle, and adjust the quantity. It's better to dispense a little less than too much, especially when you're not there to siphon off the excess.

Instructions for use and maintenance

Test the distributor before departure

Set it up, watch two or three "dry" feeds, then compare the fish's growth (or line) over the week. Adjust the trap if the abdomen rounds too quickly or if the swimmers seem to be digging the bottom insistently.

Regular cleaning of the food compartment

Every month, empty the leftovers, wipe with a dry cloth, then with warm water (no soap), and dry completely. Greasy residue from the flakes can stick to the drum; a simple toothpick works wonders to loosen these deposits.

Position the dispenser correctly on the aquarium

Place it above the jet of the mixing pump but never facing the suction pipe: this prevents the pellets from being sucked up before being eaten. On an open tray, a small plexiglass plate protects the mechanism from splashes and salty evaporation.

Questions / Answers

What is the average autonomy of a distributor?

Between 15 days for nanos and 60 days for XXL tanks like JBL AutoFood. Take into account the frequency of feeding and daily consumption; the instructions always indicate the capacity in days.

Can pellets be used with all models?

No. Narrow flake drums will jam on large pellets. Choose an auger or dual-compartment model to avoid jamming.

Can a dispenser be used continuously all year round?

Yes, as long as you clean the tank, replace the batteries (or ensure the USB power supply), and vary the food to prevent deficiencies and boredom. Many aquarists no longer hand-feed anything other than for the pleasure of observing.