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melev

Eheim Chimney

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by
melev
, 09-02-2011 at 06:32 PM (6138 Views)
I had a customer contact me about building him a feeding chimney similar to what I used on my tanks prior to the big leak last summer. Here's his Eheim auto feeder, the same kind I have.

Name: eheim.jpg Views: 3610 Size: 73.9 KB


The feeder works great. The problem is the food floats at first, and usually ends up traveling into the overflow and down the drain before the fish can eat it all. With a way to keep the food in one spot, the food soaks up water and sinks into the tank for the livestock to consume. After a while, the fish are so in tune with the automated feedings that they will circle the spot in anticipation of the latest drop.

His tank provided an easy way t install the feeder bracket, which I call the Eheim Chimney. Using Velcro, the chimney bracket is affixed to the glass pane, and then another piece of Velcro attaches the feeder to the bracket. I'm a big fan of keeping things where they belong, not easily bumped into the tank when tinkering, yet still removable for periodic cleanings.



The chimney extends down about two inches, which should penetrate the surface about 1/2". Food will fall into that opening once, twice or three times a day based on pre-programming.



Now I need to make one for my tank too.

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Comments

  1. evoracer's Avatar
    Simple, clever. Great design!
  2. Mustang's Avatar
    Thanks for sharing Marc i was just thinking of doing the same thing now i have a template.
  3. steve8855's Avatar
    do u have an build pics? Id like to build one for my self.

    How did you attatch the feeder to the acrilic?
  4. melev's Avatar
    Those are the final product, sorry. I used velcro underneath, directly under the Eheim feeder's motor/body. The second half of the velcro is secured to a clean dry area of glass to get a good bond. Pressing the velcro together, it keeps the chimney bracket in place. Another piece of velcro holds the motor to the bracket so it won't be bumped loose with an errant elbow when tinkering in the tank or lighting.
  5. snorkeler's Avatar
    I have one of those, would love to get a chimney like that. Have the same problem with food floating and going to the overflow before being eaten. You still don't ship USPS internationally, right? If you change your mind, I'd like to order one...
  6. melev's Avatar
    Brazil, I see. Yes, I can ship USPS Priority Mail, but shipping will probably be significant. I'd need to know how you place it on your tank. Send me a PM or email to determine the total cost involved.
  7. Midnight's Avatar
    I was just talking to my wife about an auto feeder. She has just gone back to work, so we are both gone now for 7 to 10 hours of the day. I have watched my ball of chaeto go from softball sized to golf ball sized. Which tells me the fish are probably getting hungry and shouldn't have to go that long without food. I did not see this item in the reef shop Marc. Are you planning on selling this type of product regularly?
  8. melev's Avatar
    It's not listed because it is a specialty item that has to be built to fit a variety of tanks, but I can add it with a contact me option.
  9. Midnight's Avatar
    Which model feeder is that Marc. I see 2 or 3 Eheims on Marine Depot.
  10. melev's Avatar
    I bought mine at Petsmart. The number on the top of the box is 3581090