Question about getting flake food to sink.

[SeanT]

I feed a huge variety of foods.
But on occassion I leave town so I bought an Eheim auto feeder.
It only takes flake and pellet.
I'm not a fan of pellets and all my Tangs eat the flake well.

I tried it out last night to see how it works, and it does pretty well.

However, the flakes just float and quite a bit go into the overflow.

Any contraptions to get the flakes to sink?

Thanks,
Sean

 

[kkdoughboy]

Maybe try having the feeder drop the flakes in a high flow section of the aquarium? That might help shoot them down into the water. I put my flakes in a shot glass and fill it with water and dump it in but I realize that isn't gonna help ya. Hmmm

 

[Indymann99]

I had my tank built with a feeding hole/port.

They make floating "rings" that accomplish the same.

The goal is to give the flake time to soak up water and sink before floating across the top of the water and into the overflow.

 

[DT's_Reef]

+1 on using float rings.

Not sure how your feeder works, but if you could put a float ring underneath it, you'd be in business.

 

[kkdoughboy]

That's an awesome feeder port! Never seen one of those

 

[Mike31154]

My contraption, similar to feeding port. Used a feeding ring for a while, but I've got a hate on for suction cups so I built a prototype or two until I came up with this. Added a ramp to tilt the feeder more, otherwise larger flakes wouldn't drop very well.

 

[aquaman67]

I use these on all my tanks.

http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/10843/product.web

 

[29reef]

Sean, try placing your autofeeder above your sump return area. This way the food soaks in the water for a few seconds before getting sucked into the pump and then to the tank. You do end up with smaller food but I like my fish to be eating athletes This way you can give them several small meals a day without much waste. HTH

 

[rendogg]

Nice DIY stuff guys, great ideas!

 

[serpentman]

Personally, I would ditch the flake altogether and go with spectrum pellets. I am telling you, its fish crack! Even shy feeders go nuts for it. My jawfish will venture 3-4' from its home to grab it.

http://www.saltycritter.com/foods-nls.htm