WARNING? Dangers of AUTOMATIC FISH FEEDERS!

Hi all

I would like to share a terrible experience with everyone. I DON'T want anyone to make the same mistake.

As you might know, discus are my thing and I have recently moved to discus only.

I recently lost 3 of my adults due to bacterial infections caused by poor water quality.

Obviously I noticed the diminishing water quality and did the needed water changes (sometimes twice a day, 30 -50%), but yet I kept on having ammonia and nitrite spikes. I could not get to the bottom of it.

I use 3 different types of feeders on my tanks.

The one in question is a simple barrel type that slowly turn and feeds twice a day through a scooping spout. This unit was placed at the back of the tank out of sight, this tank is below another with only about a 20cm space. I then decided to check batteries on all feeders and when I removed this feeder(which was hanging above bubbles of an airstone) I almost passed out on the spot.
The flake in the feeder had gone terribly off (bad bad bad) it was moist, stinky and unbearable)

Obviously this rubbish was dripping into the tank and causing the water quality to become so bad so quickly!

So............. check feeders for moisture ALL THE TIME!!!!

 

noted.. sorry abt ur loss dude..

 

Automatic feeders are notorious for moisture problems, the most expensive ones even struggle. IMO they are only for temporary use, like when you go for a slightly extended holiday.

 

Glad u figured it out!! Automatic feeders and moisture are not great friends . Juwel seemed to solve that problem with a simple design. If u have a canopy u can try something similar.

 

My automatic fish feeder works great!!!! I have set times and..... I feed my fish! :bigsmile: Besides, I love them nibbling on my fingers and interacting with me! I thought automatic fish feeders were for times when you are away! Then again, if you have a large aquarium I suppose it would save time...!

 

I'm sure everyone loves feeding there fish. I'm never home to do it unfortunately. Some unlucky people like me have to work all day.Auto fish feeder is a real life safer.

 

@Verndog have you had any problems with youre Juwel feeder, just installed myne last nite.

 

Sorry for the delay in my response. The only issue I have with it is the fact that it has a max of two feeds a day and they have to be 6 hours apart. Not really what I would call flexible. The feeding portions are also tiny.

 

I purchased the automatic fish feeder online... I also noticed the moisture problem but lucky it did not end up to the dripping part into my tank. Because my temp of water is set to 29.5 for my discus, there is alot of moisture inside the canopy. What I usually do is to leave the canopy open, I put a makeshift holding platform and it keeps the canopy open, Now i dont get moisture and my fish feeder works like a charm!