Automatic fish feeders:

[Darryl]

I'm looking for some feedback on automatic fish feeders. I plan on getting one this early spring and would like some comment on anyone that has even seen-used one. Any thing goes here..I just need input of anykind.

[Environmentor]

Well, I have never used one, but have seen one. You must own a pond. Well, while working for the DNR we did not use them; rather, the ponds just created enough food. Usually the DNR advises against them here in Iowa, because the soil is great and too much food migh just lead to eutrophication and totally destroy/moss up/algae up your pond. Then you should end up with a big die off, in the old moss hole. Rather, I would not feed the pond (unless advised to do so by a fisheries biologist) just call up your state DNR and they should send some one out to help. Usually feeders are only advised in very poor areas where the pond has literally no nutrients. Then it is just best to add phosphorous, not food. I know alot of people think that if they add food they will have more fish, but this is usually not the case. Other people think that they should add food, because it will grow larger catfish (instead, the catfish will just be full and harder to catch). I would advise against this if you are just trying to make your pond "better" because a feeder will probably just make it worse.

If you are talking about raising fish (like as a hatchery or as a fish farm) then go ahead with the feeder but you still might end up with alot of algae. If you are looking to feed a carp/goldfish/koi pond then a feeder would also work.

I have always thought that a good alternative too this would be a deer feeder that shoots out the corn (I assume corn/feed could be substituted and shot out in place).

If, you are talking about a feeder to chum a lake, it might be illegal in your state to do this (It might even be illegal to chum, period). I would instead just use chum and throw it out, or purchased those chum blocks (but, this might be illegal in some states, too).

If you are talking about an aquarium automatic fish feeder then I use a brand called "Daily Double" for about 10 dollars; however, I bought 3 for my 3 aquariums and only one works.

[capt.kirk]

I have seen an automatic deer feeder used by a friend of mine with a pond,
he gets rabbit pellets in bulk at the local feed store and,uses them to feed,
the fish.he has had great results with this method,and turns it off when the
pond freezes over.And his brother uses the same food,only doing it by
hand,and also has a great pond,with crappie that will top 2lb.there does
not seem to be an algae problem in either pond.NOTE if i were going to build
a pond any where i would make sure to have an areator in it.
KIRK