inD Aquatics aF4 frozen feeder

[Mickey]

There is a thread on here that provides a formula for preservatives you can add if you are concerned about keeping it defrosted to long.

 

[Jasonak]

There is a thread on here that provides a formula for preservatives you can add if you are concerned about keeping it defrosted to long.

After doing some reading on the site it makes sense now about the saltwater staying liquid but still below freezing temp. I just couldn't wrap my head around it at first but totally get it now.

 

[Mickey]

Sorry for the delay. Here's a link to the thread that includes information about adding preservative.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/automatic-frozen-refrigerated-food-dispenser.335151/
Post #91 has the "recipe" I've been following.

First post is long but towards the end of it there is a section on "Keeping Food Fresh".

I've been using this method for the last few months and I use the aF4 all the time. Full canister only lasts me a week though as I feed twice a day and have 25 +/- fish.

 

[Jiri Kocourek]

Hello, have you experience what is the average 24 hours power consumption please? Thank you

 

[Rshahnyc]

So I was able to connect the unit and get it setup on the tank. I hit feed now and everything seems like it is in good working order.

I know that I can unplug the device and replug it at the time I want a feed (ie 10AM). But because I want to setup multiple feeds in the day, I bought the wifi dongle. I set it up through the app and added it to my Alexa. Seemingly when I use the schedule on the app (ie on at 1800, off at 1802) none of the actual feeding happens.

Any feedback?

 

[Jasonak]

Hey just finally getting around to setting this thing up. Doing the intial rinse that they suggest. Its sucking out the water from the resivoir but its not taking any water up from the cup to do the rinse part any ideas ?

 

[Jasonak]

Update, if anyone else has this problem. I had a 4 cup container 3/4 and it wouldnt pick up water from that. I filled a half gallon container and then coild the hose in there a little bit and it started working fine. I ran it dry like the video and hooked it up to the tank and it worked great. Just had trouble with the intial prime

 

[Justin101714]

Do I have to have the VDM module to control this via the Apex? I have FMM’s, PM1 and PM2 modules. Also a couple EB832’s.

 

[petcellar]

I just plugged it in to the main unit.

If you dont have an open 0-10V port on the main brain you could use the vdm module.

You will need this cable.....

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/af4-...K6PSOGBiLean94EtBu4WPobe_1fhVK4VLqEx7ueoYLUQ9

 

[Justin101714]

I just plugged it in to the main unit.

If you dont have an open 0-10V port on the main brain you could use the vdm module.

You will need this cable.....

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/af4-...K6PSOGBiLean94EtBu4WPobe_1fhVK4VLqEx7ueoYLUQ9

I did order one of those. I’ll see what I got here in a minute.

 

[zland1]

What types of food are people using with this, What seems to work best? I finally got mine set up and used 10 cubes of mysis and 10 cubes of marine cuisine. It seems like I need to add more water than I did, because it didn’t dispense much food—10ml didn’t seem to equal two cubes’ worth. Also, is marine cuisine okay to use, or does it turn into too much of a paste with no chunks left?

 

[Justin101714]

I’ve got it all set up through the Apex using the VDM module. I’m dispensing 30ml of food twice a day. I will say, it seems like I only get two feedings and the container is dry as a bone and will not dispense food beyond those two feedings. The food isn’t frozen in the container and I’m feeding hikari Mysis and marine cuisine. Definitely small enough to not clog the hoses. Also, can the hoses be cut/shortened or is the length necessary to its calibration for feedings?

 

[zland1]

I’ve got it all set up through the Apex using the VDM module. I’m dispensing 30ml of food twice a day. I will say, it seems like I only get two feedings and the container is dry as a bone and will not dispense food beyond those two feedings. The food isn’t frozen in the container and I’m feeding hikari Mysis and marine cuisine. Definitely small enough to not clog the hoses. Also, can the hoses be cut/shortened or is the length necessary to its calibration for feedings?

I remember seeing or reading from the creator that he was thinking adding more fresh saltwater to the food mix might be better than using less. I noticed something similar to what you’re describing; very little food was being dispensed. After I added extra water to the mix, it started working much better.


From what I understand, the gray (food) tube shouldn’t be cut, but the black one can be shortened if needed.

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

I am not sure on cutting the black tubing. Because black tubing is from which the unit sucks water in to clean the solenoid and tubing and alao uses the same black tubing to suck water in to mix with food.
So I dont think neither of the tube's can be cut

 

[Justin101714]

I’ve got it all set up through the Apex using the VDM module. I’m dispensing 30ml of food twice a day. I will say, it seems like I only get two feedings and the container is dry as a bone and will not dispense food beyond those two feedings. The food isn’t frozen in the container and I’m feeding hikari Mysis and marine cuisine. Definitely small enough to not clog the hoses. Also, can the hoses be cut/shortened or is the length necessary to its calibration for feedings?

I remember seeing or reading from the creator that he was thinking adding more fresh saltwater to the food mix might be better than using less. I noticed something similar to what you’re describing; very little food was being dispensed. After I added extra water to the mix, it started working much better.


From what I understand, the gray (food) tube shouldn’t be cut, but the black one can be shortened if needed.

That’s exactly what I’ve got going on, once the water is drained from the reservoir, the food will not dispense. I have to add water every two times and then it functions normally.

 

[zland1]

I am not sure on cutting the black tubing. Because black tubing is from which the unit sucks water in to clean the solenoid and tubing and alao uses the same black tubing to suck water in to mix with food.
So I dont think neither of the tube's can be cut

found it 20:51

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

found it 20:51

Cool good to know.

So Grey tubing = NO CUTTING
Black tubing = CAN CUT

 

[SimbaAnto]

Has anyone had issue where the Exhaust fan is spinning initially and then stops? Device is about 6 months old. Hearing a weird noise from the Fan, it runs and stops in cycle 3 to 4 times and then shuts off totally. I did try to check for any blocks in the pipe and cleaned it once. But nothing changed. @ind.aquatics Looking for support. Created a ticket in the site. Thanks

 

[fishdude123]

When the feeder is plugged into an apex var port, does it overwrite the daily feed cycles? Or does it still feed everyday regardless of apex programming?

 

[Dr. Reef Verified Sponsor]

When the feeder is plugged into an apex var port, does it overwrite the daily feed cycles? Or does it still feed everyday regardless of apex programming?

Overrides the default feeding. If its being controlled by any external controller it only feeds as you programmed it.