Fish Auto Feeder in Sump

[Blitheran]

I’ve been planning out my build, and I’m a big fan of keeping equipment as discreet as possible the less visible, the better. I really like the design of the Plank auto feeder and definitely plan to incorporate it into my setup.

I’ll be running a sump, and I’m curious to hear if anyone has had success installing the auto feeder to activate in the return chamber.

If you have photos of your setup, I’d love to see them for inspiration!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’ve dosed foods into my sump, and it worked for me, but I’m dosing refrigerated foods there and have eheim feeders on the display (can’t see them with my canopy).

 

[bradreef]

I feed right above my two return pumps with pellets. I don't like the look of feeders above the tank

 

[Harpo]

I would love to have a ring or basket that directs the food as it thaws to the pump intake

 

[jonelder68]

Works fantastic! No food escapes and goes straight to the DT. Can even drop a frozen cube in and let the pump in the Avast plank thaw it out.

 

[Blue Collar Reefer]

Just set mine up in my sump works fine

 

[Reef Jedi]

This is a very interesting topic. I haven’t thought about putting it above the return pump but I like this idea. I would worry if you didn’t put it directly above the return inlet then a power head maybe needed to help keep it suspended to go into the intake.

 

[Blitheran]

Works fantastic! No food escapes and goes straight to the DT. Can even drop a frozen cube in and let the pump in the Avast plank thaw it out.

I like this!

 

[Harpo]

Works fantastic! No food escapes and goes straight to the DT. Can even drop a frozen cube in and let the pump in the Avast plank thaw it out.

Love this!

 

[LiquidSpace]

Yep, it works great. Mine isn’t as elaborate as Jon’s but it works. I have a power head kick on for 10 min after my plank dispenses food to make sure none settles.

 

[LiquidSpace]

Works fantastic! No food escapes and goes straight to the DT. Can even drop a frozen cube in and let the pump in the Avast plank thaw it out.

What did you use for this?

 

[jonelder68]

What did you use for this?

Pump is 1.25”. Just inline did a tee fitting and got an 2.5” I believe to 1.25” adapter. Acts as a perfect funnel.

 

[zoohoot]

This is genius. I just got a plank and was also not thrilled with how it looks on my display. I am going to try a similar setup.

 

[LiquidSpace]

Pump is 1.25”. Just inline did a tee fitting and got an 2.5” I believe to 1.25” adapter. Acts as a perfect funnel.

I tried figuring this out, specifically the funnel portion and couldn’t! When I set up my plumbing originally I spent way too much unnecessary money with trial and error instead of just asking. So I’m hoping you’ll humble me with more details.

I would be attaching it to the intake of the Vectea L2, which has a 1.5” input fitting. I think what I’m looking at is slip x slip T, attach to the intake on one side, then the strainer on the other? But I’m lost on what part the actual funnel is.

 

[jonelder68]

I would leave a straight piece from pump to tee incase you ever need to cut it off and leave enough for a slip fitting.

The funnel is just a 2.75-3” (can’t remember) to 1.5” reducer fitting

 

[jonelder68]

I tried figuring this out, specifically the funnel portion and couldn’t! When I set up my plumbing originally I spent way too much unnecessary money with trial and error instead of just asking. So I’m hoping you’ll humble me with more details.

I would be attaching it to the intake of the Vectea L2, which has a 1.5” input fitting. I think what I’m looking at is slip x slip T, attach to the intake on one side, then the strainer on the other? But I’m lost on what part the actual funnel is.

 

[Bartanto]

I had a plank setup in sump but ended up taking it out and putting on DT. I needed the sump space and didn’t love having it go through a UV. I’m okay with the dueling planks topside. It’s just easier.

 

[LiquidSpace]

Duh, you even said a reducer fitting. Thank you!

 

[jonelder68]

Duh, you even said a reducer fitting. Thank you!

No problem. Keep us posted if you get it set up. You’ll love it! My Anthias started eating pellets and flake instantly with it set up this way.