The Dangers of an Automatic Fish Feeder

Fish make great companions for people with inconsistent schedules, long workdays, limited space for a pet or who are allergic to pets with fur. Studies have shown that spending time watching fish in an aquarium can help to lower stress levels, reduce blood pressure and even increase quality of sleep.

While maintaining an aquarium may be easier than caring for other types of pets like a dog or cat, fish do need to be fed on a regular basis – which can be a problem when you keep a busy or erratic schedule. And when you want to leave town for a long weekend or a week’s vacation, finding someone to care for your fish can be a chore. That’s why many people consider an automatic fish feeder. However, while these products offer convenience, they are also prone to failure, with potentially catastrophic consequences for your aquatic friends.

What is an automatic fish feeder?

When you say, “automatic fish feeder,” most people think of a machine that dispenses food at regular intervals. Along with these mechanical devices, this type of pet supply also offers slow-release and block fish food that can feed your aquatic family members for multiple days at a time.

Mechanical automatic fish feeders.

The classic automatic fish feeder is a device that is mounted over the fish tank to automatically dispense food at regular intervals. Some auto fish feeders feature multiple chambers that you fill with pellets, flakes or granules, and then program the device to release the food at a certain time. Others have a single chamber and a mechanism for automatically dispensing an exact amount at each feeding. Battery-powered automatic fish feeders eliminate the risk of electrical shock or power outages, while feeders with an AC power cord eliminate the risk of a battery dying while you’re away.

Time-release feeders.

Time-release or slow-release fish food blocks are another way to feed fish automatically. These products contain enough food for multiple days and are designed to slowly dissolve and release food particles, providing a steady source of nutrients for your pets. Time-release feeders may last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. This option is less complicated than a mechanical feeder, but the food may not offer the same nutritional balance as the regular diet your fish receives. And if you have a tank with both aggressive and shy feeders, your timid fish may not get an adequate amount of food. What are the disadvantages of automatic fish feeders? While mechanical automatic fish feeders and time-release fish blocks provide some convenience, they have significant drawbacks.

Inattention. The largest problem with automatic fish feeders is that they can cause fish parents to become inattentive to feeding schedules and tank conditions. Malfunctioning devices. Some devices are prone to malfunctioning. The timing mechanism may break down, or food may get stuck in the machine.
Overfeeding. If the device dumps all the food it’s holding, it can lead to poor water quality or an ammonia spike that can kill all the fish in the aquarium. Please read the Aquarium Water Quality Care Guide for more information.
Underfeeding. If the feeder malfunctions or runs out of food, fish may not get enough nourishment, leading to health problems.
Power outages and battery failure. There’s always a risk of a mechanical fish feeder losing power and failing to dispense food on time.
Food quality. Food left in a feeder for too long may become moldy or stale.
Incompatibility. Automatic fish feeders are not universal – feeders may be incompatible with certain tanks or types of fish.
Limitations on types of food. Not every type of fish food will work well with a feeder.
Less contact. If you regularly rely on an automatic fish feeder, you’ll have less of the interaction that makes having fish as pets such a rewarding experience.

FAQs

How do I feed my fish when I go on vacation?

The best solution for feeding fish while on vacation is to have a house sitter, neighbor, friend or family member stop to feed your fish. If you don’t have someone to rely on regularly, an automatic fish feeder may be an option. An automatic vacation fish feeder automatically dispenses food that you preload into chambers. Time-release fish feeders are blocks of food that slowly dissolve to release food over time, providing nutrients for your fish for 3 to 7 days. However, when using an automatic feeder while on vacation, it’s important to have someone stop by regularly to check to make sure it’s working.

Are automatic fish feeders any good?

When it comes to automatic fish feeders, there’s a wide variety of products available. Some models are well-designed and highly effective, but other products may not operate consistently. Feeding fish by hand is highly recommended over automatic devices. If you must use an automatic feeder, it’s important to do your research and to choose a product that’s highly reliable.

How long can you leave fish on an automatic feeder?

Depending on how often you need to feed your fish, an automatic fish feeder may be able to handle feedings for up to 1 to 2 weeks. However, it’s important to check the tank regularly to make sure that the feeder is working properly, that fish are getting food regularly and that the feeder hasn’t dumped all the food into the tank at once.

What’s an automatic pond fish feeder?

An automatic pond fish feeder is a larger, industrial product is designed to automatically provide food for fish in garden ponds, koi ponds and other aquatic settings. A fish feeder for ponds will have a larger capacity than aquarium feeders and are typically more rugged and able to withstand outdoor weather conditions.

Need other fish supplies while you’re shopping for automatic fish feeders? PetSmart also carries tanks & aquariums, starter kits, and water quality tests, as well as a variety of fish such as koi, goldfish, betta and algae eater fish.

PetSmart also offers convenient shopping with Curbside Pickup or in-store pickup. Need something today? We have select items available for Same-Day Delivery in most areas powered by DoorDash®. For items you purchase frequently, PetSmart has Autoship that automatically delivers the items you want to your door as often as you’d like. Check the website to see which items are eligible.

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.