Modification of a commercial fish feeder for use in small rearing ponds

• Published in: North American journal of aquaculture 2024-07, Vol.86 (3), p.340-344
• Main Authors: Stromberg, Mark, Barnes, Michael E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: fish feeder; fish ponds; rheostat
• ISSN: 1522-2055; 1548-8454
• DOI: 10.1002/naaq.10344

Objective Automatic feeders are commonly used in aquaculture, but the feed delivery pattern cannot be adjusted to accommodate a variety of rearing unit sizes. For those few feeders that can be adjusted, their use has been limited because of initial costs, availability, and other issues. This paper describes modification to a commercially available fish feeder (Texas Hunter Products 31.75‐kg [70‐lb] Lake and Pond Directional Fish Feeder) to effectively provide feed to different‐sized ponds. Methods This feeder has a 14‐m fish feed distribution pattern, making it unusable for smaller ponds. To reduce the distance of fish feed projected from the feeder, a resistor (rheostat) was installed in series with the fan motor. Result The rheostat reduced the power to the fan motor, thereby decreasing the feed projection distance. In addition, because the rheostat was adjustable, the resistance—and the resulting power to the fan motor—could be easily changed, making it possible for the same feeder to be used in different‐sized ponds while using approximately the same amount of power from the battery and solar panels. Conclusion This modification was inexpensive and relatively easy to perform. The feeders reliably dispensed feed in a number of small ponds during an 8‐month evaluation period. Impact statement This paper describes an inexpensive and relatively easy to perform modification to a commercial fish feeder so that it can effectively dispense feed in small rearing ponds.