How to Build a Better Fish Feeder

Fish need to be fed daily around the same time for optimal health, just like any pet. Automatic fish feeders allow you the freedom to not be waiting to feed your fish at a specific time. They are convenient for everyday use and also effective for vacations. You can find commercial automatic fish feeders at your local fish supply store, but these devices can become expensive. If you would rather make your own fish feeder and save some money, you can do so by using a timer and a plastic pill bottle.

Things You'll Need

  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • Large plastic pill bottle
  • Epoxy putty
  • 24 hour timer
  • Plastic drinking straw
  • Fish food
  • Fish tank
  • Extension cord
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a hammer and nail to poke two holes in the side of large plastic pill bottle. To do this, hammer the nail into the side of the bottle and then remove the nail. Do not poke through the other side. The holes should be spaced approximately 2 inches apart. You can get plastic pill bottles from your local pharmacy.

    • 2

      Press two dime sized amounts of epoxy putty into the two holes you just created. Make sure the putty goes all the way through the holes. It will not stick directly to the bottle. However, pressing the putty through the holes will allow it to dry through the holes and hold itself in place. Leave it to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes.

    • 3

      Apply two more dime sized amounts of epoxy putty to the edge of the dial of a timer. Choose a 24 hour square timer. The timer's dial should be approximately 2 inches in diameter. Place the putty at the 0 and the 12 hour marks. Press this putty into the putty of the pill bottle. Leave it to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes.

    • 4

      Use a hammer and nail to poke a hole in the pill bottle lid. To do this, hammer the nail into the lid and then remove the nail. Make the hole near the edge of the lid. It should be about the diameter of a drinking straw.

    • 5

      Place the lid on the pill bottle. Insert a plastic drinking straw into the hole you created. Press the straw all the way down until it is a 1/4 inch from the bottom of the bottle. Cut the straw on the outside of the bottle so that it sticks up about 1/2 inch. Place more epoxy putty around the inside and outside of the bottle around the straw. Allow it to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes. This will hold the straw in place.

    • 6

      Remove the lid from the pill bottle and fill the bottle with your chosen fish food. Break the food into small enough pieces that can easily fit in the straw.

    • 7

      Use two dime sized pieces of epoxy putty to secure the timer to the lid of your fish tank. You want to position the timer and bottle so that the bottle will be over an opening in the tank's lid. Allow the putty to dry for a minimum of 15 minutes.

    • 8

      Plug the timer into an extension cord and plug the cord into the wall. Turn the timer on according to manufacturer's instructions. The timer will turn the bottle upside down once every 24 hours, releasing food for your fish.