Thanks Lee. Yes, I have used the Oase product quite a lot this year (I have two - to cover two aquariums) and have never had an issue with them. The moisture resistant seals are good and help to keep the feed dry. Nice to hear from you. Best, Mark
Thanks! I can recommend the Eheim everyday fish feeder for feeding even less, and it has been running rock solid for years, feeding once a day, standing on top of the lamp section of my Biorb flow, feeding into the existing hole. It takes some time to position it correctly, but very little is spilled beside the hole.
What a great video stepbystep (Mark). Some of the comments you made made me laugh so much I was almost in tears. ha ha. I really liked the line about 'feeding the north sea'. Im still laughing over that line. I really enjoyed this one, in fact I've already watched it two times. I have been thinking about how I can go away and get someone to look after the fish. This is the answer. Didnt really know they existed. Im going to go with your suggestion and get one of these, maybe next month. Thanks again from Pete.
Thanks peter. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, that bigger sized feed it gives it certainly big. I cant even imagine what that would do to my tank nitrate levels! Clearly that it is meant for a very large tank... or alternatively feeding the north sea! LOL. :)
Hi Mark. I ordered one of those feeders and have been using it for a few days now prior to going away for a long weekend. Really works great. I just use the first setting (smallest). Thanks as this helps fix a problem I did not even think about until your video turned up. Cheers, Pete
Hi Peter. Yes, Im doing the same for this weekend so I'm leaving everything in the hands of the auto feeders. They do a great job so it is one thing less you need to think about. Enjoy your break. best, Mark
Did not know oase has an automatic feeder, and never came across this one when searching, most likely because of the name, lol. Will def give this one a try for when I get the tube. I currently use the fish mate for my halo which sits on the opening of the halo, it works well with pellet type food, I like that you can add the portions individually, doesn't have to be the same food each day and you can miss days if need be, and the food is released gradually over two hours.
Hey Pam. I hope all is good with you. Interesting that you are using a fishmate. Question: do you have any problems with moisture and the pellets held in the food containers?
@@StepbyStep-biOrb I've not had any problems with moisture, I do lower the water level and use the condensation tray, and only use pellets, flakes would not work well as they would stick. You can attach an air line but I've never done this.
Hi Mark, another very helpful video answering all the questions I had as well. I have a 60L life and measured the top and due to the curve I too will have to invest in the egg crate which I found on eBay. The Oase fish feeder would otherwise slip off the top!! That would be a nightmare. So thanks again for the tips and advice as well as in depth testing it really helps. You mentioned power cuts and I agree temperature then water oxygenation would be a big concern. We have had a few power cuts recently so I decided to just add the aquarium to my APC UPS along with my computer which means during a power cut I have at least some time to allow for the power to come back on again (hopefully). I have only just installed this device so will let you know how it goes. So to have peace of mind if away for the weekend that you have power for the aquarium and a battery powered feeder in the event of a power cut is a relief!! Happy holidays :)
Many thanks Oliver. Interesting to hear it wouldn't go on a 60l Life - I thought it just might, but as you say a temp shelf sorts that out. Luckily, I can't say I suffer from electric cut outs etc here (fingers crossed!). Sounds like the back-up system you have is a good solution if that ever happens. Great to hear from you as always, and thanks for your support. Best, Mark
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, I have finally set up the 60L life Biorb today and so far so good. I had a few learning curves during the setup process but thanks to your helpful videos all worked out well. I am quite sensitive to sound and when I plugged in the BiOrb pump I was shocked how loud it was. I asked myself if this was actually for real! I did a lot of research online and decided to change the pump and bought a Tetra APS 50 10-60l (ideal for the Life 60l) and more powerful which would also leave me a redundancy pump in the event of a failure. I plugged it in and although a lot quieter than the BiOrb it was still too noisy. So I had to take matters into my own hands and think how on Earth I can dampen the sound. I didn't realise there is a video on UA-cam where someone used a large jar which also came to my mind, he suspended the pump in it using strong tape and sealing it leaving a small gap for airflow to get in. Kilner jars work really well. Anyway long story short it really works, noise level halved and very happy indeed. Must leave a gap for air as this risks the pump over heating but so far so good and the bubbles look great. Really really happy. Just need to allow the tank to cycle then off to get a fish or two :>) Hope all is well with you.
Hi Oliver. That's great news. You finally got that 60 going!! . :) Yep, biOrb pumps can sometimes be noisy (they vary) I replaced one of mine some time back and the two I have are reasonably okay. Hang on to the noisy one as a spare though - always worth having one as a back-up (just in case!). Sounds like you found a solution to it all though, but I must admit I have never heard of the pump-in-a-bottle approach before! Lol. I know some who have used an empty box that they have lined with thick foam and then placed the pump in that - which i think can work too. Exciting times for you now.... have you made-up your mind re fish species? M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, thanks for getting back to me. You asked re what fish I should get and I would really like your suggestion if you would like to help there. I also would really like a snail too. What would you recommend?
Well, my suggestion is that you initially stock using the '1 inch per gallon' (i.e. one 1" of final mature fish size, excluding tail). If nothing else, it is a good starting place and then later, once you know how things are settling down in terms of your water parameters you can look to add a few more. I would always suggest that you go for 'hardy' fish to start with as they will easy cope with cycling and all the messing around, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. So, if going for smaller (one inch) fish, things like danios, guppies, rasboras etc. If going for livebearers (like endler's and guppies) make sure you only get males (otherwise you will quickly have far more fish than you intended). All those are good community fish. If you Google 'hardy fish for cycling' you should find some good examples. Just a matter of then sorting out which ones match best to the water parameters you have. So, in simplest terms, you basically need to know your current temp (probably about 25C) and pH. Some websites have fish compatibility charts which are also very helpful to help narrow the choice down, so its worth finding one of those two. I'd probably leave the snail until you start to see signs of green algae (say after about a month).
Hello Mark. Thank you for all these excellent videos. I have a 30 liter Flow with 7 small fish in it. How many clicks on the feeder can you advice when it's filled with Hikari Micro Pellets and I want to feed them once a day?
Hi. For the Oase feeder I would use the lowest click setting. When you fill up and use the feeder each time I find that the first feed it gives often tends to be a higher amount. After that the feeder should settle down and the feeds should about right. So, fill up the feeder, place on a flat table top and press the auto dispense to issue out the first feed. After that, place the feeder on to your tank and it should be good to go. If going away, it is worth getting it working two or three days beforehand so that you get the confidence that all is working all fine. I've never had an issue with them and have one for each tank (for when I go away on holidays etc). Hope that helps, Best, Mark
Great video Marc and an important reminder that I need to get one of these myself… Out of interest, could you put two different food types into the feeder and be confident it will distribute both evenly each time?
Hey, hope is well with you/ family. You can certainly mix the food you put into the feeder (say 50/50 or what ever ratio you need) and that will work fine. I have been doing that. But, whether it would distribute the feed evenly, each time, I'm not so sure. Are the two types of feed you mention completely different in size or is it say a mix of flake and pellet? Let me know, I can test for you using one here :) M
I see, yes, I think that would be fine. It should feed a reasonable quantity of each, each time. Just need to mix it together well before adding into the hopper. That should sort it. M
Hi. Yes, they are great things. I'm often away for a week at a time and these things really do work. I've never had a problem and the fish are always happy when I return. Mx
Hi Mark, what are your thoughts on using this set up on a long term basis? Not just for when we're away on holidays... Just think it's so much easier than making sure fish have been fed twice a day in the right quantities... Obviously will keep a check to see it's working every so often
Hi Omair. Actually, I think it likely that there are more people that use them for daily feeding than those just using when they go away. They are especially used this way by people that have a fish room and a large number of tanks. As you say, it is a way to control the quantity given. They can be run off mains power so that removes the issue of batteries running out. On the basis of two feeds a day, you will just need to keep an eye on the risk of overfeeding (the quantity released on each feed). If your tank nitrate levels start to shoot up a bit, it is likely to be too much daily food going in. Reducing to one feed per day would be the solution if the minimum feeder setting is giving out too much, when combined with the second feed. I always use them if going away and I've never had an issue with them. Best, Mark
Hi Mark just watched your video on oase feeders, I’m struggling to set it, I’ve tried but just can’t seem to sort it, I only want to feed once a day , help !!!!
Once the time clock is set to the current time you can then set the feeds. The feeder offers 4 feeding times during the day and also allows up to 3 feeds at each of those feeding times. To access the feeding timer, long press the toggle switch for three seconds. The default will show two number 1s ( 1 1). The left number means the 1st feeding time. The right hand number means the number of feeds given at that feeding time. You want to have one feeding time and one feed at that time. So, short press the toggle button. This allows you to set the feeding time. Use + or - to set the hour you want to feed. Press the toggle again and set the minutes using + or -. Short press the toggle button. The screen will show a 2 and a zero. This means at the second option to set a time for feeding you want to give no feeds (0/zero feeds). Press the toggle button again and it will show a default time. Ignore this! Short press the toggle button three times. The screen will then then show a 3 and a zero (i.e at the third feeding time option you want to give no (zero) feeds. Short press the toggle button and this will show a default time. Ignore this. Click the toggle button three times. The screen will show a 4 and a zero. This means at the fourth feeding time option you want to give no (zero) feeds. Short click the toggle button and the screen will offer a time setting. Ignore this. Short click the toggle button three times. The feeder should now have returned back to the time screen (i.e. you have completed the feeding options). The feeder is now set at the time you want to feed and to only feed once at that time. I hope that helps. Best, Mark.
Hi. I think the first thing I would say is not to use flakes. I find mine (I use two auto feeders - one on each tank) work far better with micro pellets. I vary what i feed my fish between flakes and pellets when I'm around but if going away and using the feeders I just stick with pellets (Hikari micro pellets) and Ive never had an instance of them blocking even over periods of a week and more. In terms of adjustment... do you mean that you are struggling to reduce further the amount of food given at each feed?
Not a problem at all. I'm sure pellets will cure your blocking issue. Just a matter of finding pellets your fish will like... not always easy :). But certainly try Hikari. I have a fix that also works if you want to feed less than the minimum size the feeder allows - I have done this for one of my tanks - as it only has half the fish in it and the minimum setting on the feeder feeds out a bit too much. Best, Mark
Hi agin, do need to get far better at this UA-cam thing, so... if you liked the video, please give it a thumbs up and if you value this channel please Subscribe. It all helps. :) Shout if there is anything else I can help with. Best, Mark
@@StepbyStep-biOrb hi Mark! Can you tell me what is the trick you used to lower the portion of the lowest amount. I have two fishes only so that’s a lot on a daily basis. Thank you
Hi Mollie. Yes, there is a slight chance that one could get out. But it is likely that it could also find its way back into the tank. I often have to use auto feeders and I've never lost a snail. Best, Mark
Hi Mark! Ana again asking different questions in this video now :) I bought this same feeder and I really like it, but I’m not sure about the tiny bubbles splashing all around the opening of the tank. I left the feeder with no lid on it and after 10 hours there’s a lot of water generated on top of the fish tank from the bubbles of the filter, that the water almost started leaking on one side. I’m worried the water will leak and wet the outlets. I’m not sure how to position my feeder on my cube tank and not worrying about the water generated from the filter bubbles. Does that make sense? And my other question is, in my 4 gallon tank, the Classic one, would you recommend putting one of these feeders there? I have just a betta in there and I’m worried about the same thing I mentioned above, the moisture that could be created if I remove the lid. I’ll be going on vacation for 15 days and I don’t want to worry about this. Thank you again for your recommendations Mark.
Hi Ana. Yes, that's why I prefer the Oase feeder as it has moister seals on the feed compartment. The key thing is to set the feeder back on the tank as far as you can but still allow the feeder container to move out enough to drop feed into the tank. In terms of bubbles and water splash. Options would be: - to lower the water level in the tank by say 2-3 inches, and/or, - use an air regulator to slightly lower the bubble flow in the tank whilst you are away. I use an auto feeder with my Classic and have not had issues. You will probably need to use some electical tap (or similar) to make sure the feeder is secure. Again, on mine I lower the water level down and slightly reduce airflow. Hope that helps, M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb great! The feeder has been working wonderful, it was just the splashing. Thank you for the tips! What kind of air regulator do you use? I’m sorry to ask but what is electrical tap? I’m in the States and don’t know what that is 🫣 Thanks again Mark!
Oops... my typo... I meant electrical tape :) This sort of thing: amzn.to/3uMv4LT. It is really good (strong) to tape down things but comes off easy without leaving a sticky mess :) For an air regulator you just need a cheap one, for example see this amzn.to/3RuZbQW. If you watch my video on 'Too many bubbles' I describe how they work and how you fit them. For a biOrb you need one that fits into a 5mm airline. They are really easy to fit and it allows you to control the bubbles/airflow going through the tank. So, if you have too much splashing you can turn the airflow down a bit to reduce this.
@@StepbyStep-biOrb thank you thank you Mark! for all the great information! I’ll get the air controller thingy and I have that tape so I’ll use it too. Thanks!!
Not a problem Ana. I hope what I suggest improves the splashing situation. With the single betta tank, you may need to adapt the feeder so that it reduces the amount of food dispensed at each feed (to avoid over feeding). I have done that with some of my feeders by adding a small strip of old credit card (glued in place).
Hi Paula. I think I might have already replied to you on this one but just in case it didn't get through to you.... "I can't say I'm a big fan of them... I don't use them (preferring to use the auto feeders described in one of my other videos). I currently have 4 auto feeders and have never had an issue with them (even after being away for three weeks!!). I suppose the key issue with block feeders is the lack of control associated with the amount of food released, especially when in a "closed" filtration system like that in a biOrb. Depending on the duration of use, there is a risk that large (uncontrolled) quantities of food could be released from block feeders with this leading to an overloading of nutrients. If this loading happened quickly it could cause a rise in ammonia and nitrite but it would certainly result in increased nitrates. Certain brands will be better than others so I would certainly stick with the bigger brand names (such as API pyramid). It would certainly be worth getting one ahead of holidays so that you can fully test the product whilst you are still around and able to rectify any issues." Hope that helps. M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb great. Thankyou. We will only be away 6 days but long enough for water to be affected I guess. Ps I have seen the auto feeder video. Looks like the way forward. Love your videos and sound advice 👌
many thanks for the video on this feeder, you have made my life easier knowing which one to get.
Thanks Lee. Yes, I have used the Oase product quite a lot this year (I have two - to cover two aquariums) and have never had an issue with them. The moisture resistant seals are good and help to keep the feed dry. Nice to hear from you. Best, Mark
Well done Mark. Great videos!
Thank you... I keep plugging away. Big thanks to you for the support. M
Thanks! I can recommend the Eheim everyday fish feeder for feeding even less, and it has been running rock solid for years, feeding once a day, standing on top of the lamp section of my Biorb flow, feeding into the existing hole. It takes some time to position it correctly, but very little is spilled beside the hole.
Great input my friend. Much appreciated. M
What a great video stepbystep (Mark). Some of the comments you made made me laugh so much I was almost in tears. ha ha. I really liked the line about 'feeding the north sea'. Im still laughing over that line. I really enjoyed this one, in fact I've already watched it two times. I have been thinking about how I can go away and get someone to look after the fish. This is the answer. Didnt really know they existed. Im going to go with your suggestion and get one of these, maybe next month. Thanks again from Pete.
Thanks peter. Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, that bigger sized feed it gives it certainly big. I cant even imagine what that would do to my tank nitrate levels! Clearly that it is meant for a very large tank... or alternatively feeding the north sea! LOL. :)
Hi Mark. I ordered one of those feeders and have been using it for a few days now prior to going away for a long weekend. Really works great. I just use the first setting (smallest). Thanks as this helps fix a problem I did not even think about until your video turned up. Cheers, Pete
Hi Peter. Yes, Im doing the same for this weekend so I'm leaving everything in the hands of the auto feeders. They do a great job so it is one thing less you need to think about. Enjoy your break. best, Mark
You explain everything so well. Great video. Thank you.
Thanks Sue. I hope my approach works for most people (I can only try!). :). M
Did not know oase has an automatic feeder, and never came across this one when searching, most likely because of the name, lol. Will def give this one a try for when I get the tube. I currently use the fish mate for my halo which sits on the opening of the halo, it works well with pellet type food, I like that you can add the portions individually, doesn't have to be the same food each day and you can miss days if need be, and the food is released gradually over two hours.
Hey Pam. I hope all is good with you. Interesting that you are using a fishmate. Question: do you have any problems with moisture and the pellets held in the food containers?
@@StepbyStep-biOrb I've not had any problems with moisture, I do lower the water level and use the condensation tray, and only use pellets, flakes would not work well as they would stick. You can attach an air line but I've never done this.
Thanks Pam, that's a great contribution as it's always good to hear about other products. Much appreciated. Mark
Hi Mark, another very helpful video answering all the questions I had as well. I have a 60L life and measured the top and due to the curve I too will have to invest in the egg crate which I found on eBay. The Oase fish feeder would otherwise slip off the top!! That would be a nightmare. So thanks again for the tips and advice as well as in depth testing it really helps.
You mentioned power cuts and I agree temperature then water oxygenation would be a big concern. We have had a few power cuts recently so I decided to just add the aquarium to my APC UPS along with my computer which means during a power cut I have at least some time to allow for the power to come back on again (hopefully). I have only just installed this device so will let you know how it goes.
So to have peace of mind if away for the weekend that you have power for the aquarium and a battery powered feeder in the event of a power cut is a relief!! Happy holidays :)
Many thanks Oliver. Interesting to hear it wouldn't go on a 60l Life - I thought it just might, but as you say a temp shelf sorts that out. Luckily, I can't say I suffer from electric cut outs etc here (fingers crossed!). Sounds like the back-up system you have is a good solution if that ever happens. Great to hear from you as always, and thanks for your support. Best, Mark
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, I have finally set up the 60L life Biorb today and so far so good. I had a few learning curves during the setup process but thanks to your helpful videos all worked out well. I am quite sensitive to sound and when I plugged in the BiOrb pump I was shocked how loud it was. I asked myself if this was actually for real! I did a lot of research online and decided to change the pump and bought a Tetra APS 50 10-60l (ideal for the Life 60l) and more powerful which would also leave me a redundancy pump in the event of a failure. I plugged it in and although a lot quieter than the BiOrb it was still too noisy. So I had to take matters into my own hands and think how on Earth I can dampen the sound. I didn't realise there is a video on UA-cam where someone used a large jar which also came to my mind, he suspended the pump in it using strong tape and sealing it leaving a small gap for airflow to get in. Kilner jars work really well. Anyway long story short it really works, noise level halved and very happy indeed.
Must leave a gap for air as this risks the pump over heating but so far so good and the bubbles look great. Really really happy. Just need to allow the tank to cycle then off to get a fish or two :>)
Hope all is well with you.
Hi Oliver. That's great news. You finally got that 60 going!! . :) Yep, biOrb pumps can sometimes be noisy (they vary) I replaced one of mine some time back and the two I have are reasonably okay. Hang on to the noisy one as a spare though - always worth having one as a back-up (just in case!). Sounds like you found a solution to it all though, but I must admit I have never heard of the pump-in-a-bottle approach before! Lol. I know some who have used an empty box that they have lined with thick foam and then placed the pump in that - which i think can work too. Exciting times for you now.... have you made-up your mind re fish species? M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, thanks for getting back to me. You asked re what fish I should get and I would really like your suggestion if you would like to help there. I also would really like a snail too. What would you recommend?
Well, my suggestion is that you initially stock using the '1 inch per gallon' (i.e. one 1" of final mature fish size, excluding tail). If nothing else, it is a good starting place and then later, once you know how things are settling down in terms of your water parameters you can look to add a few more. I would always suggest that you go for 'hardy' fish to start with as they will easy cope with cycling and all the messing around, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. So, if going for smaller (one inch) fish, things like danios, guppies, rasboras etc. If going for livebearers (like endler's and guppies) make sure you only get males (otherwise you will quickly have far more fish than you intended). All those are good community fish. If you Google 'hardy fish for cycling' you should find some good examples. Just a matter of then sorting out which ones match best to the water parameters you have. So, in simplest terms, you basically need to know your current temp (probably about 25C) and pH. Some websites have fish compatibility charts which are also very helpful to help narrow the choice down, so its worth finding one of those two. I'd probably leave the snail until you start to see signs of green algae (say after about a month).
Hello Mark. Thank you for all these excellent videos. I have a 30 liter Flow with 7 small fish in it. How many clicks on the feeder can you advice when it's filled with Hikari Micro Pellets and I want to feed them once a day?
Hi. For the Oase feeder I would use the lowest click setting. When you fill up and use the feeder each time I find that the first feed it gives often tends to be a higher amount. After that the feeder should settle down and the feeds should about right. So, fill up the feeder, place on a flat table top and press the auto dispense to issue out the first feed. After that, place the feeder on to your tank and it should be good to go. If going away, it is worth getting it working two or three days beforehand so that you get the confidence that all is working all fine. I've never had an issue with them and have one for each tank (for when I go away on holidays etc). Hope that helps, Best, Mark
@@StepbyStep-biOrb : it sure helps Mark.
Thank you - also for quick respons 👍🏼
Great video Marc and an important reminder that I need to get one of these myself… Out of interest, could you put two different food types into the feeder and be confident it will distribute both evenly each time?
Hey, hope is well with you/ family. You can certainly mix the food you put into the feeder (say 50/50 or what ever ratio you need) and that will work fine. I have been doing that. But, whether it would distribute the feed evenly, each time, I'm not so sure. Are the two types of feed you mention completely different in size or is it say a mix of flake and pellet? Let me know, I can test for you using one here :) M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Thanks mate… It sounds like it would work. I have a mixture of flake middle feeding food along with pellets for bottom feeders
I see, yes, I think that would be fine. It should feed a reasonable quantity of each, each time. Just need to mix it together well before adding into the hopper. That should sort it. M
Thanks, this is amazing ☯️☮🐟🌿😋🌠
Hi. Yes, they are great things. I'm often away for a week at a time and these things really do work. I've never had a problem and the fish are always happy when I return. Mx
Hi Mark, what are your thoughts on using this set up on a long term basis? Not just for when we're away on holidays... Just think it's so much easier than making sure fish have been fed twice a day in the right quantities... Obviously will keep a check to see it's working every so often
Hi Omair. Actually, I think it likely that there are more people that use them for daily feeding than those just using when they go away. They are especially used this way by people that have a fish room and a large number of tanks. As you say, it is a way to control the quantity given. They can be run off mains power so that removes the issue of batteries running out. On the basis of two feeds a day, you will just need to keep an eye on the risk of overfeeding (the quantity released on each feed). If your tank nitrate levels start to shoot up a bit, it is likely to be too much daily food going in. Reducing to one feed per day would be the solution if the minimum feeder setting is giving out too much, when combined with the second feed. I always use them if going away and I've never had an issue with them. Best, Mark
Hi Mark just watched your video on oase feeders, I’m struggling to set it, I’ve tried but just can’t seem to sort it, I only want to feed once a day , help !!!!
Hi Joyce. Have you managed to set the time on it? If so, I will talk you through how to then set for 1 feed per day.
Once the time clock is set to the current time you can then set the feeds.
The feeder offers 4 feeding times during the day and also allows up to 3 feeds at each of those feeding times.
To access the feeding timer, long press the toggle switch for three seconds.
The default will show two number 1s ( 1 1). The left number means the 1st feeding time. The right hand number means the number of feeds given at that feeding time. You want to have one feeding time and one feed at that time.
So, short press the toggle button. This allows you to set the feeding time. Use + or - to set the hour you want to feed. Press the toggle again and set the minutes using + or -.
Short press the toggle button. The screen will show a 2 and a zero. This means at the second option to set a time for feeding you want to give no feeds (0/zero feeds). Press the toggle button again and it will show a default time. Ignore this! Short press the toggle button three times.
The screen will then then show a 3 and a zero (i.e at the third feeding time option you want to give no (zero) feeds.
Short press the toggle button and this will show a default time. Ignore this.
Click the toggle button three times.
The screen will show a 4 and a zero. This means at the fourth feeding time option you want to give no (zero) feeds. Short click the toggle button and the screen will offer a time setting. Ignore this. Short click the toggle button three times.
The feeder should now have returned back to the time screen (i.e. you have completed the feeding options).
The feeder is now set at the time you want to feed and to only feed once at that time.
I hope that helps. Best, Mark.
Thanks so much Mark, I just couldn’t get it, I’ve now done it, your videos are absolutely great, I’d be lost without them, thank you so much xx😀👍
Alway happy to help Joyce. I hope all is well with you and I'm glad you've managed to get that feeder working. xx
I own one and am having difficulties adjusting it to get the right amount of food. When I use flakes sometimes they get blocked any ideas?
Hi. I think the first thing I would say is not to use flakes. I find mine (I use two auto feeders - one on each tank) work far better with micro pellets. I vary what i feed my fish between flakes and pellets when I'm around but if going away and using the feeders I just stick with pellets (Hikari micro pellets) and Ive never had an instance of them blocking even over periods of a week and more. In terms of adjustment... do you mean that you are struggling to reduce further the amount of food given at each feed?
@@StepbyStep-biOrb Thanks for the advice. I am not sure about that. I will give it a try with pellets. I think it will be fine.
Not a problem at all. I'm sure pellets will cure your blocking issue. Just a matter of finding pellets your fish will like... not always easy :). But certainly try Hikari. I have a fix that also works if you want to feed less than the minimum size the feeder allows - I have done this for one of my tanks - as it only has half the fish in it and the minimum setting on the feeder feeds out a bit too much. Best, Mark
Hi agin, do need to get far better at this UA-cam thing, so... if you liked the video, please give it a thumbs up and if you value this channel please Subscribe. It all helps. :) Shout if there is anything else I can help with. Best, Mark
@@StepbyStep-biOrb hi Mark! Can you tell me what is the trick you used to lower the portion of the lowest amount. I have two fishes only so that’s a lot on a daily basis. Thank you
Hi Mark! With the tank open, would I need to worry about my snails escaping?
Hi Mollie. Yes, there is a slight chance that one could get out. But it is likely that it could also find its way back into the tank. I often have to use auto feeders and I've never lost a snail. Best, Mark
Hi Mark- great to hear!
Hi Mark! Ana again asking different questions in this video now :)
I bought this same feeder and I really like it, but I’m not sure about the tiny bubbles splashing all around the opening of the tank. I left the feeder with no lid on it and after 10 hours there’s a lot of water generated on top of the fish tank from the bubbles of the filter, that the water almost started leaking on one side. I’m worried the water will leak and wet the outlets.
I’m not sure how to position my feeder on my cube tank and not worrying about the water generated from the filter bubbles. Does that make sense?
And my other question is, in my 4 gallon tank, the Classic one, would you recommend putting one of these feeders there? I have just a betta in there and I’m worried about the same thing I mentioned above, the moisture that could be created if I remove the lid.
I’ll be going on vacation for 15 days and I don’t want to worry about this. Thank you again for your recommendations Mark.
Hi Ana. Yes, that's why I prefer the Oase feeder as it has moister seals on the feed compartment. The key thing is to set the feeder back on the tank as far as you can but still allow the feeder container to move out enough to drop feed into the tank.
In terms of bubbles and water splash.
Options would be:
- to lower the water level in the tank by say 2-3 inches, and/or,
- use an air regulator to slightly lower the bubble flow in the tank whilst you are away.
I use an auto feeder with my Classic and have not had issues. You will probably need to use some electical tap (or similar) to make sure the feeder is secure.
Again, on mine I lower the water level down and slightly reduce airflow.
Hope that helps, M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb great! The feeder has been working wonderful, it was just the splashing. Thank you for the tips!
What kind of air regulator do you use?
I’m sorry to ask but what is electrical tap? I’m in the States and don’t know what that is 🫣
Thanks again Mark!
Oops... my typo... I meant electrical tape :) This sort of thing: amzn.to/3uMv4LT. It is really good (strong) to tape down things but comes off easy without leaving a sticky mess :)
For an air regulator you just need a cheap one, for example see this amzn.to/3RuZbQW. If you watch my video on 'Too many bubbles' I describe how they work and how you fit them. For a biOrb you need one that fits into a 5mm airline. They are really easy to fit and it allows you to control the bubbles/airflow going through the tank. So, if you have too much splashing you can turn the airflow down a bit to reduce this.
@@StepbyStep-biOrb thank you thank you Mark! for all the great information! I’ll get the air controller thingy and I have that tape so I’ll use it too. Thanks!!
Not a problem Ana. I hope what I suggest improves the splashing situation.
With the single betta tank, you may need to adapt the feeder so that it reduces the amount of food dispensed at each feed (to avoid over feeding). I have done that with some of my feeders by adding a small strip of old credit card (glued in place).
What are your views on block feeders mark?
Hi Paula. I think I might have already replied to you on this one but just in case it didn't get through to you.... "I can't say I'm a big fan of them... I don't use them (preferring to use the auto feeders described in one of my other videos). I currently have 4 auto feeders and have never had an issue with them (even after being away for three weeks!!). I suppose the key issue with block feeders is the lack of control associated with the amount of food released, especially when in a "closed" filtration system like that in a biOrb. Depending on the duration of use, there is a risk that large (uncontrolled) quantities of food could be released from block feeders with this leading to an overloading of nutrients. If this loading happened quickly it could cause a rise in ammonia and nitrite but it would certainly result in increased nitrates. Certain brands will be better than others so I would certainly stick with the bigger brand names (such as API pyramid). It would certainly be worth getting one ahead of holidays so that you can fully test the product whilst you are still around and able to rectify any issues." Hope that helps. M
@@StepbyStep-biOrb great. Thankyou. We will only be away 6 days but long enough for water to be affected I guess. Ps I have seen the auto feeder video. Looks like the way forward. Love your videos and sound advice 👌