neptune auto feeder worth it?

[SeeFu]

I've been using the Eheim auto feeder in one of my tanks for a yr now. Is there any reason to spend 5 times that amount for the neptune?

 

[Tastee]

I hear lots of good feedback about the Eheim auto-feeders but have no experience with them. Overall they get better reports than the Neptune AFS in that regard. Disclaimer, I have an AFS. The main advantage of the AFS over other feeders is that the AFS is controllable so you can e.g. feed in a controlled cycle where you shut down return pump and other equipment, feed, allow a period for the fish to eat and then restart everything. You can also programmatically skip or increase feeding based on other readings, e.g. ORP spiking.

I only use mine occasionally as we like to manually feed. Even when we go away if our house-sitter is comfortable feeding we leave it that way. We also like to feed a mix of frozen food and pellets and the AFS is really only suitable for pellets. I do use it however on occasion. I have had to modify my AFS to not overfeed as I found the stock setup feeds either too much or too little.

 

[Mhart032]

I have an AFS also, I like that I can automate it with my Apex, but... Is it worth the cost? Eh not really. I use mine on a daily basis I feed at 7am when the lights come on and at noon, then feed frozen at night. TBH I can't say the price is justifiable vs the eheim.

 

[frasers4th]

I regret purchasing the Neptune Auto Feeder. The design is flawed, especially when it comes to removing the container. The lid is the part you have to pull on to remove the container, which is a disaster waiting to happen. Every time I try to refill or clean it, the entire container tilts or jerks, inevitably spilling food everywhere—right into my tank! This poor design causes more mess and stress than convenience. It’s incredibly frustrating and completely defeats the purpose of an auto feeder. Save yourself the hassle and avoid this product.

 

[PapaFishRocks]

I have it and have mixed reviews.

First, it is noisy. But, my fish associate that noise with feeding time and swim up towards it.

Second, if you need more control, as others have mentioned, it is worth it.
Mine is set to turn off returns for 10 minutes and the skimmer for 20 minutes.

Third, as mentioned above, refilling can be a disaster. I disconnect it and do it over a plate, away from the tank. I’ve done it without pulling the whole feeder, and dumped half the contents in the tank. :(

Bottom line for me, the control with my Apex is worth it for me.