Tank setup
Hooded and lidded tanks: feeder holes, condensation and clogs
Fitting a feeder to a hood: the feeding-hole size Fish Mate gives, why it advises against the condensation tray, and how makers say to keep food dry.
Also listed as lidded tank, tank with hood, condensation tray
We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Unless a page says otherwise, our picks come from published specifications and listing research, not hands-on testing. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. How we make money · How we research
Short answer
On a hooded tank the feeder sits over a feeding hole. Fish Mate says to use the hood's hole or cut a 30 mm (1-1/4 in) one, and warns that condensation can clog the F14. Its manual says a condensation tray is not normally recommended unless an air pump feeds the AIR port.
Key facts
- Feeder mounting
- Over the hood's feeding hole, or a cut 30 mm (1-1/4 in) hole[1][2]EHEIM says its autofeeder also fits the feeder openings in EHEIM VARILUX hoods.
- Food form to check
- If flakes clump, Fish Mate suggests trying pellets[1]Condensation is the cause Fish Mate names for clogging or failure to dispense.
- Aeration option
- Keep the air stone away from the feeding hole[1]Fish Mate says air-pump spray near the hole can add condensation; it suggests moving the stone or reducing airflow.
- Check valve and pump position
- Pump above the water line; if it must sit lower, fit a check valve near the rim[3][4]Aquarium Co-Op says a pump below the water level needs a check valve and suggests placing the valve near the top of the tank so water stops at the rim.
- Light timer
- Smart plug or mechanical timer for the light, within its stated load rating[7][8]TP-Link rates the Kasa EP25P4 at 15 A and 1/6 HP; Intermatic rates the TN311 at 15 A resistive and 1/3 HP. Keep plugs away from splashes.
- Key electrical step
- Drip loop in every cord before it reaches the outlet[9][10]Aquarium Co-Op and JUWEL both tell owners to let the cord dip below the outlet so water drips off instead of running into the plug.
- Before time away
- Run any feeder while you are home first; Fish Mate advises 14 days of supervision for a new F14[1]The maker's recommendation, not evidence of reliability.
Watch out for
- Not on the condensation tray. Closer Pets' page lists the condensation tray as a mounting place, but the F14 manual says it is not normally recommended unless an air pump is connected to the AIR port. Follow the manual.
- Raise the feeder if it clogs. Fish Mate suggests lifting the F14 25-50 mm above the hole, among other fixes.
- Hood humidity still matters. EHEIM says its feeder's drive unit and air intake must not sit in humid air and the intake must not be covered.
- Not for ponds. Fish Mate says the F14 is not designed for outdoor ponds.
What fits
Product details below are the seller's own description unless a source is shown. Pick the variant named for each item.
Battery feeder
Fish Mate F14 automatic aquarium feederChoose the F14 feeder. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' names Amazon.com or the brand before you buy.
Runs on one AA alkaline battery. Fish Mate's manual says to sit it over a 30 mm (1-1/4 in) hood hole or on its two supplied clamps, and to supervise a new unit for 14 days while you are home. That is the maker's advice, not reliability data.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.comSmart plug for the light
Kasa Smart Plug Mini 15A EP25P4 (4-pack)Choose the EP25P4 4-pack. On Amazon, check 'Ships from / Sold by' before you buy; TP-Link's own page links to an Amazon search, not a named seller.
For lights and other noncritical loads. TP-Link rates it 15 A but only 1/6 HP for motors, for non-condensing indoor air, so keep it away from splashes. TP-Link does not say whether it restores its state or runs schedules without the cloud after an outage.
Check price on Amazon Opens amazon.com
See automatic feeder not dispensing for the full list of maker fixes.
Questions
Can I mount the Fish Mate F14 on the condensation tray?
The F14 manual says condensation-tray mounting is not normally recommended unless an air pump is connected to the feeder's AIR port, even though Closer Pets' product page lists the tray as an option. Use the hood's feeding hole or the supplied clamps instead.[1][11]
What size hole does a hood feeder need?
For the Fish Mate F14, the manual says to cut a 30 mm (1-1/4 in) hole if the hood has no feeding hole. Other feeders state their own sizes.[1]