Goldfish Care Tips

A Free Monthly Resource For Goldfish Enthusiasts
September 2025
Issue #141

In This Issue
Automatic Feeders

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There are many automatic feeders in various styles on the market today, so which is best for Goldfish?

Automatic Feeders

Platter Style Feeder

I have had to be away from home for several days each week recently, and as I was running growth experiments, not being fed for 40% of the week was having a significant impact on test results.

I have used feeders in the past when hiring aquariums for businesses, so I am familiar with the problems associated with them.

One of the biggest problems was inconsistent food delivery. As I am feeding precisely measured amounts of food, I knew from experience that the feeders I used would not be suitable.

Another significant issue I encountered was moisture ingress into the food, which caused clogging and potentially led to the fish being fed rancid food.

I needed a better solution.

Once I started looking for alternatives, I noticed that the number of offerings had increased dramatically since I last made a purchase.

Feeder Styles

There are three styles available: drum, platter, and silo, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Rotating drum or barrel feeders

Pros
- Drum capacities large
- Multiple mounting options (some)

Cons - Take lots of testing to set up the required dispensing volume
- Not suitable for larger dried foods like wafers
- Not suitable for dispensing mixed foods
- Portions dispensed vary

Platter Feeders

Pros
- Can dispense mixed foods
- Precise portions dispensed
- Suitable for larger foods such as wafers
- Multiple mounting options (some)

Cons
- Feeding days are limited by the number of segments (14-15)
- Not suitable for small granular foods
- Loading food takes more time
- Take up more space

Silo Feeders

Pros
- Silo capacity large

Cons
- Not suitable for larger dried foods like wafers
- Not suitable to dispense mixed foods
- Some have difficulty dispensing smaller foods (overfeeding)

Feeder Options

A must-have is a test feed button that allows you to test your settings. If the feeder you are considering purchasing doesn't have one, don't buy it.

Mounting options may be important if you have limited places where you can mount a feeder. Some come with multiple options, such as on the cover or attached to the glass side.

WiFi and smartphone app controls are starting to be features on some feeders, as are cameras.

Recharging by USB cable is now common, eliminating the need to replace batteries.

Feeder Location

All feeders are susceptible to moisture getting into the food, so keep the food outlet away from air stones, filter outlets and anything that creates splashing. Obviously, also keep it away from filter inlets.

Read Reviews

An advantage of buying from Amazon is the reviews. A quick scan soon tells you the failings of a particular feeder.

As an example, the reviews I read about a silo feeder, which had many excellent features, noted its poor delivery of small, granular foods, as it consistently fed too much.

My Choice

I needed a feeder that could last for up to two weeks, deliver a precise amount of food, and wasn't susceptible to water ingress.

I am feeding a 3mm pellet food, as no feeders are currently able to feed gel or frozen foods.

I chose a platter feeder, the one shown above, which is sold under several different brands.

The features that appealed were:

Manual feed button
Easy to set up
Precise food portions, up to 2.75g per segment. I feed lightly when away, so 2.75g will feed, say, ten 70mm (2.75") fish (body length) at 1% of their body weight per day.
USB cable charging (battery level indicator)
Trap door that opens and closes only when feeding
Feeds one to three meals a day
Feeds up to 3 portions at each feeding
Easy to clean

So far, the five I am using have proved reliable, which included a 15-day period. The only problem has been that smaller portions of food sometimes lock together and fail to drop. This has occurred 3 times. I can live with that level of failure as it isn’t a fault with the feeder.

I wouldn’t use flake food as the dust could cause problems, as it did in my drum feeders.

Reviews are generally very good for this feeder, but battery problems are the primary issue causing poor reviews. All of mine are fine so far after several months of use.

If you think a feeder would be useful, for instance, holidays or midday feedings when you aren't at home, have a look at the options available on Amazon. I will receive a small (emphasis on small) commission from Amazon, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase a feeder using the link above.

Comments? Ideas? Feedback? I'd love to hear from you. Just reply to this e-zine and tell me what you think, or what topics you want to be covered.

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