Automated Refrigerated/Frozen Food Feeder (ARF[sup]3[/sup])

[arking_mark]

I'll use this thread to document an Automated Refrigerated/Frozen Food Feeder (ARF³)

Similar to what other R2R reefers have built, but using higher-end components.

1. Nano fridge
2. Peristaltic Pump
3. Magnetic Stirrer
4. Bluetooth/WiFi controller

Streamlined design:

• Simple UI Sceduler App
• 500-1000ml capacity
• Just add rodi water and foods to feed bucket
• On schedule, the pump will feed the tank and clear the feed line
• Maybe self-cleaning

 

[afrokobe]

curious on what fridge you are using

 

[theatrus]

Whats your expected shelf life on the thawed food slurry? I've thought about this before, but always preferred a frozen cube option.

(I'm lazy)

 

[arking_mark]

Whats your expected shelf life on the thawed food slurry? I've thought about this before, but always preferred a frozen cube option.

(I'm lazy)

I've kept mine in the fridge for about 2 weeks with no issues. I'll have to test shelf life.

I know Reef Nutrition products last several months refrigerated.

 

[theatrus]

If weeks is viable, this... sounds very interesting. In addition to a pump large enough to handle mysis

 

[arking_mark]

curious on what fridge you are using

It will depend on final components....

I'm testing the pump, magnetic stirrer, and putting together the electronics.

Getting a pump and tubing that can handle mysis and other larger particulates was challenge 1.

Electronics should be working by this or next Sunday.

Then testing.

Followed by figuring out enclosures and developing the code and app.

 

[theatrus]

It will depend on final components....

I'm testing the pump, magnetic stirrer, and putting together the electronics.

Getting a pump and tubing that can handle mysis and other larger particulates was challenge 1.

Electronics should be working by this or next Sunday.

Then testing.

Followed by figuring out enclosures and developing the code and app.

Looks like one of the midsize stepper peristaltic pumps with controller board there. Good choice

 

[afrokobe]

It will depend on final components....

I'm testing the pump, magnetic stirrer, and putting together the electronics.

Getting a pump and tubing that can handle mysis and other larger particulates was challenge 1.

Electronics should be working by this or next Sunday.

Then testing.

Followed by figuring out enclosures and developing the code and app.

following along! looking forward to the build

 

[arking_mark]

Looks like one of the midsize stepper peristaltic pumps with controller board there. Good choice

Reversible so the tube can be cleared between feedings.

 

[arking_mark]

Proof of concept is complete!



Next steps:
- Single board for the electronics
- Smaller flat bottomed container
- Refrigeration Unit
- App

 

[A Young Reefer]

Following

 

[minorhero]

Also following!

 

[DeniseAndy]

So, when I had my DIY autofeeder, I went with four different types of food being done at different times of day. Will this be available to do more than one food source? Like have two smaller bins supplying food rather than one large? Or more than two?
Love the reverse pump idea. Cleaning the lines was always a pain with my system.

 

[arking_mark]

So, when I had my DIY autofeeder, I went with four different types of food being done at different times of day. Will this be available to do more than one food source? Like have two smaller bins supplying food rather than one large? Or more than two?
Love the reverse pump idea. Cleaning the lines was always a pain with my system.

My issue is that I didn't want multiple pumps and have been unable to find automated 3 way valves. If you have any suggestions...

 

[arking_mark]

Proof of concept is complete!



Next steps:
- Single board for the electronics
- Smaller flat bottomed container
- Refrigeration Unit
- App

Single board and refrigeration unit on the way...

 

[TheDragonsReef]

This is an awesome build. Id love to figure out how to make one for large aggressive fish that could feed silversides and other large foods.

 

[arking_mark]

This is an awesome build. Id love to figure out how to make one for large aggressive fish that could feed silversides and other large foods.

Silversides are pretty large...I'm not sure a pump would be cost effective. However, I bet a gravity feed would work....

 

[TheDragonsReef]

Silversides are pretty large...I'm not sure a pump would be cost effective. However, I bet a gravity feed would work....

Yeah i have some ideas on how to make it work if its above the tank but im not good with the computer side of things.

 

[Rst]

This is exciting. Once you get this working, and after I become your 1st customer, maybe I can finally think about taking a 2 week vacation!

 

[arking_mark]

This is exciting. Once you get this working, and after I become your 1st customer, maybe I can finally think about taking a 2 week vacation!

This is being built for my 2 week vacation in June.

Once the new board and refrigeration unit are here...it's ready for my tank...and real testing.

As I'm using higher end parts, this isn't cheap. The board and CPU alone are $70. The refrigeration unit about $140, the pump $70, the magnetic stirrer $40. So over $300 just in parts...

I'm also rethinking clearing the feed tube. Clearing it will let some small amounts of food to be left behind and dry out.

I have some ideas...but more parts.