New Avast Marine Mini

[Blitheran]

Hey Reefers,

I was planning to purchase the Avast Marine Plank, but I noticed they’ve released a new version the Mini!

It definitely caught my attention since I have a smaller tank, and I’m worried the full-sized model might look bulky or take up too much space. Has anyone here tried the Mini yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with it!

 

[Jamie9]

Following and very interested

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

Hey Reefers,

I was planning to purchase the Avast Marine Plank, but I noticed they’ve released a new version the Mini!

It definitely caught my attention since I have a smaller tank, and I’m worried the full-sized model might look bulky or take up too much space. Has anyone here tried the Mini yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences with it!

I was wondering if they made something smaller. Thanks!

Here's the link too.
https://www.avastmarine.com/products/plank-mini-1?variant=51110368116900

 

[Jamie9]

Bumping this, anybody try this feeder out yet?

 

[exnisstech]

I recently purchased a plank and notice this does not have the feed tube the plank has that can be placed below the surface at the depth needed. May not be an issue for some but the feed tube is actually the only part I'm using to get small food that would normally float exiting near a powehead so my little fish have a better chance at getting their share of food. Just wanted to mention it since I would have been fine just buying the feed tube since I don't really need the auto feeder part but I didn't really understand how the feeder worked until I got one.

I just drop the dried food in the top hole and it's hydrated

And out the button it comes

 

[Blitheran]

Yes to bump this, I purchased the mini. It’s In my Tank Thread

 

[Blitheran]

Just wanted to share an update for anyone considering the Plank Mini.

I recently swapped it out for the larger Plank model. The issue I ran into was with feeding Reef Jerky—it wasn’t feeding consistently. After speaking with the manufacturer, I learned that the Plank Mini is designed primarily for pellet-style foods. Reef Jerky is much lighter and needs to be constantly stirred, which is why the larger Plank includes two stir bars and is specifically designed to handle that type of food.

Because of that, I sent the Mini back and upgraded to the full version.

I really liked the Plank Mini, but for my feeding needs, the larger model was the better fit. Hopefully this helps anyone who’s deciding between the two!

 

[Jamie9]

Just wanted to share an update for anyone considering the Plank Mini.

I recently swapped it out for the larger Plank model. The issue I ran into was with feeding Reef Jerky—it wasn’t feeding consistently. After speaking with the manufacturer, I learned that the Plank Mini is designed primarily for pellet-style foods. Reef Jerky is much lighter and needs to be constantly stirred, which is why the larger Plank includes two stir bars and is specifically designed to handle that type of food.

Because of that, I sent the Mini back and upgraded to the full version.

I really liked the Plank Mini, but for my feeding needs, the larger model was the better fit. Hopefully this helps anyone who’s deciding between the two!

I appreciate you coming back to add that. That was my biggest concern, as I want to use it to feed dehydrated foods, and I've got a goby that doesn't like to come up to the surface to get his food, so if I go the Plank route, sounds like I would need to go with the bigger one. Trying to decide if I'm ok with the size of it...and where I would put that second plug. Might have to get myself a Hydros X8 first...good thing I don't have any long holidays for at least a few months.

 

[Wonkabar]

I think the plank is a spectacular auto feeder. In fact, it’s probably the best one you can get. I think the mini misses the mark since there are so many other ways to just “drop” pellets into the tank. The beauty behind the plank is that it rehydrates and mixes the food with you in the tube.

 

[Blitheran]

I appreciate you coming back to add that. That was my biggest concern, as I want to use it to feed dehydrated foods, and I've got a goby that doesn't like to come up to the surface to get his food, so if I go the Plank route, sounds like I would need to go with the bigger one. Trying to decide if I'm ok with the size of it...and where I would put that second plug. Might have to get myself a Hydros X8 first...good thing I don't have any long holidays for at least a few months.

Yes, the second plug and big tube in the tank is what had me deterred from purchasing it. After using the mini, I will just have to accept it and use it for the ease and convenience of not having to worry about feeding the fish!

 

[Blitheran]

I think the plank is a spectacular auto feeder. In fact, it’s probably the best one you can get. I think the mini misses the mark since there are so many other ways to just “drop” pellets into the tank. The beauty behind the plank is that it rehydrates and mixes the food with you in the tube.

Yep, that’s why I chose to replace the mini with the full version plank!

 

[Wonkabar]

I appreciate you coming back to add that. That was my biggest concern, as I want to use it to feed dehydrated foods, and I've got a goby that doesn't like to come up to the surface to get his food, so if I go the Plank route, sounds like I would need to go with the bigger one. Trying to decide if I'm ok with the size of it...and where I would put that second plug. Might have to get myself a Hydros X8 first...good thing I don't have any long holidays for at least a few months.

Yes, the second plug and big tube in the tank is what had me deterred from purchasing it. After using the mini, I will just have to accept it and use it for the ease and convenience of not having to worry about feeding the fish!

Second plug I can’t help with. The big tube you can cut down a bit. I did to fit it behind some of my rock work and it still worked fine.

 

[JoJosReef]

I appreciate you coming back to add that. That was my biggest concern, as I want to use it to feed dehydrated foods, and I've got a goby that doesn't like to come up to the surface to get his food, so if I go the Plank route, sounds like I would need to go with the bigger one. Trying to decide if I'm ok with the size of it...and where I would put that second plug. Might have to get myself a Hydros X8 first...good thing I don't have any long holidays for at least a few months.

I use my plank with an X8. Would be amazing if they were able to make a Nano sized plank with tube, but I'll keep using the full size one.

I agree, the mini looks interesting, but I imagine the feeder ring approach is a bit less efficient than the tube+sicce pump.

 

[Blitheran]

Second plug I can’t help with. The big tube you can cut down a bit. I did to fit it behind some of my rock work and it still worked fine.

I may cut it down! Didn’t know that!

 

[Blitheran]

I use my plank with an X8. Would be amazing if they were able to make a Nano sized plank with tube, but I'll keep using the full size one.

I agree, the mini looks interesting, but I imagine the feeder ring approach is a bit less efficient than the tube+sicce pump.

Yep, I would be open to the Plank without the tube and a feeding ring. I liked that a lot. I pay just try to fit it in the sump as well, we shall see!

 

[DatsoonDave]

Yeah the Plank is the best!
Talked to them before the mini came out and they said they had no plans for a smaller version. The mini Seems to defeat the purpose like some have said . With no feeding tube shooting the food into water, it seems pointless, or just like any other feeder. Drop it on the top doesn't do much for me. I throw pellets with force onto the surface of my tanks, so they sink