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How to choose aquarium feeders and feeding aids.
In most situations feeding your aquarium fish does not present any hazards or difficulties. On occasion, however, you may find yourself in need of some assistance and there are a number of products, which can be of help.
When to use aquarium Feeders & Feeding aids.
The most obvious need for a feeder is during periods when you are on holiday. As a general guide fish of a small to medium size in an average community aquarium will be fine without food for a period of up to 7 days. For longer periods you will need to make provision for them to be fed. As many of us know from experience, eliciting the help of a friend or family member can end in disaster as invariably, these well meaning associates will overfeed resulting in a homecoming to a cloudy aquarium full of dead and dying fish. The best way to avoid this potential disaster scenario is to invest in an automatic feeder.
Feeding aids are available to deliver certain types of feed, such as live food or make the delivery of other food types easier and more efficient.
Types of feeders and feeding aids.
Automatic Feeders:
Automatic feeders will deliver dry flake, granular or pellet food to the aquarium. They are battery operated and have a drum or compartments, which can be filled with the appropriate food. All have timing devices, which can be set and programmed to deliver the food at certain intervals over a specific period. The automatic feeders featured on this site are by Hagen, Petmate, Interpet and Eheim. Most can be positioned under the hood unit if there is sufficient clearance otherwise small modifications to the hood unit may be required. Some makes advise use of an air pump to circulate air into or around the feeder so as to reduce the effects of condensation, which may otherwise cause the food to stick. Always follow manufactures instructions regarding installation to ensure best results.
Feeding Rings:
Feeding rings are comprised of a circular plastic ring with a sucker attachment that affixes to the aquarium glass. Flake and pellet food is placed in the ring and contained within it. The rings ensure that food does not drift off into plants or decoration so minimizing waste and pollution from uneaten, decaying food.
Worm Feeders:
Designed to contain live food such as Tubifex and Bloodworm. Placing them in the feeder ensures that they do not drift off into the gravel where they cannot be reached by the fish.
Tongs and prods:
For those aquarists who prefer to keep fish with attitude, tongs and prods can be used to deliver tasty morsels direct to the fish without risking a painful bite. Eels for example have incredibly poor eyesight and these devices make feeding them much easier.
Feeding blocks:
Feeding blocks are available to deliver small amounts of food over approximately 3 to 14 days. The blocks are placed in the aquarium where they dissolve to reveal small food items. The rate at which the blocks dissolve will vary relative to the Ph of the aquarium water. The lower the Ph (More acidic) the quicker the blocks will dissolve. These blocks provide a basic subsistence diet to the fish for a given period.
Utilising one or more of these handy devices will help to solve most feeding problems and ensure that your fish are sure to obtain the correct diet at all times.
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