Djplus1 November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 Anyone have one of these and would like to report? http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/NEP-AFS-110.html Seems pretty awesome. Not clear on if these can be used straight up off of Aquabus or does it also require it's own controllable outlet. I have an Apex Lite, but also 2 Apex Jr.'s that I may have an interest in using these on if they can be used independent of a controllable outlet
Orion November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 It runs directly off the aquabus. Doesn't use an outlet. http://www.neptunesystems.com/automatic-feeding-system/ I am interested in getting one, but not sure if it will fit if I have a screen top.
OldReefer November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 I didn't know. QR was stocking them. I already ordered mine from Marine Depot. I should have bought local.... Looking forward to putting another module on my ridiculous Apex system.
Fireman12s November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 I didn't know. QR was stocking them. I already ordered mine from Marine Depot. I should have bought local.... Looking forward to putting another module on my ridiculous Apex system. There is never harm in askin the LFS first -B
sachabballi reef November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 (edited) looking forward to a local review on these... love the concept Edited November 25, 2013 by sachabballi reef
Fireman12s November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 Hopefully the thing works! I am getting it on Wed, and then going to FL wed night! So.. I may not use the thing till I get back and make sure I am able to make sure it works! -B
sachabballi reef November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 lol yeah never ever do something like this on your way out of town...lol...
Djplus1 November 25, 2013 Author November 25, 2013 I am getting mine on Wed from QR -B I didn't know. QR was stocking them. I already ordered mine from Marine Depot. I should have bought local.... Looking forward to putting another module on my ridiculous Apex system. Hey guys, just let us know if they are all that they are cracked up to be. My main concerns are if they can be "controlled" via Aquabus ONLY, without using one of the controllable outlets, and how much food they actually hold.
ctenophore November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 It looks about the size of an eheim. There is an article in our own newsletter that shows how to make an eheim work with an AC3 http://wamas.org/forums/blog/13/entry-46-diy-automatic-feeder-for-aquacontroller/
Der ABT November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 you are awesome justin, i could never find this article....added to the ever growing to do list
DaveS November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 It looks about the size of an eheim. There is an article in our own newsletter that shows how to make an eheim work with an AC3 http://wamas.org/forums/blog/13/entry-46-diy-automatic-feeder-for-aquacontroller/ Man, how did that article drop out of my memory?! Great idea. Anyone looking to do this in the near future?
Djplus1 November 25, 2013 Author November 25, 2013 It looks about the size of an eheim. There is an article in our own newsletter that shows how to make an eheim work with an AC3 http://wamas.org/forums/blog/13/entry-46-diy-automatic-feeder-for-aquacontroller/ Just so I know I understand this correctly. This mod works off of a break out box, correct? If so, I happen to have that feeder and a breakout box, so this would work on my one tank, but it would seem that I would need breakout boxes for each of my apex jr's + the cost of the feeder + everything else = probably close to the cost of the Neptune version. Hmmmm.
Der ABT November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 i think any powered outlet will work not a breakout box. on mean feeding off means not.... i hvae 3 id like to do this for (not a big deal but hey why not. So if someone puts together a build party id be all over it
DaveS November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 Just so I know I understand this correctly. This mod works off of a break out box, correct? If so, I happen to have that feeder and a breakout box, so this would work on my one tank, but it would seem that I would need breakout boxes for each of my apex jr's + the cost of the feeder + everything else = probably close to the cost of the Neptune version. Hmmmm. This basically requires a few simple electronic components powered by a 12V wall wart that you plug into one of the EB8 outlets. When the AC3/Apex turns on the power outlet, the feeder turns once and drops food. So to be clear, it will take up a power outlet on the EB8 instead of the USB port that the Neptune feeder seems to require (not 100% sure on this just gathered that from causal reading). But at $20 for the Eheim feeder vs. $100 for the Neptune, some people may consider it worth the DIY effort. Some may not. i think any powered outlet will work not a breakout box. on mean feeding off means not.... i hvae 3 id like to do this for (not a big deal but hey why not. So if someone puts together a build party id be all over it I need one but could be convinced to make an extra or 2. Anyone else interested in helping or having one made? If not, maybe it's just Evan and me...
ctenophore November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 I have one sitting here that I've been meaning to convert too.
zygote2k November 25, 2013 November 25, 2013 I use a similar brand that does the same thing with the Apex but honestly FWIW, the basic Eheim battery powered feeder that feeds up to 8 times per day works fine, is way cheaper, doesn't have any wires, and much smaller.
Djplus1 November 26, 2013 Author November 26, 2013 This basically requires a few simple electronic components powered by a 12V wall wart that you plug into one of the EB8 outlets. When the AC3/Apex turns on the power outlet, the feeder turns once and drops food. So to be clear, it will take up a power outlet on the EB8 instead of the USB port that the Neptune feeder seems to require (not 100% sure on this just gathered that from causal reading). But at $20 for the Eheim feeder vs. $100 for the Neptune, some people may consider it worth the DIY effort. Some may not. I need one but could be convinced to make an extra or 2. Anyone else interested in helping or having one made? If not, maybe it's just Evan and me... Let's not over cheap the Eheim feeder. as it's more realistically close to $40, which it is on Marine Depot. I think I've seen it for close to $30 new otherwise, but who knows with shipping etc. If you have one laying around, like I do, it may make sense to do this DIY. But once again, using a controllable outlet vs an Aquabus is a huge strike against the DIY for me at least. My Lite EB8 is all booked up, and the Jr's are 4 outlets each. I would have to lose something way more important to use a controllable feeder or buy 3 EB8's at $130+ each, buy a couple Eheims, and raid Radio Shack for the other components. That $100 Neptune (IF it only uses the Aquabus) is much easier to swallow. In the end, like Rob said, having to just deal with the Eheim's programs for under $40 may be the best way to go after all.
mling November 26, 2013 November 26, 2013 Let's not over cheap the Eheim feeder. as it's more realistically close to $40, which it is on Marine Depot. I think I've seen it for close to $30 new otherwise, but who knows with shipping etc. If you have one laying around, like I do, it may make sense to do this DIY. But once again, using a controllable outlet vs an Aquabus is a huge strike against the DIY for me at least. My Lite EB8 is all booked up, and the Jr's are 4 outlets each. I would have to lose something way more important to use a controllable feeder or buy 3 EB8's at $130+ each, buy a couple Eheims, and raid Radio Shack for the other components. That $100 Neptune (IF it only uses the Aquabus) is much easier to swallow. In the end, like Rob said, having to just deal with the Eheim's programs for under $40 may be the best way to go after all. fyi ... $25.49 at http://www.saltysupply.com/Eheim-Feed-Air-Automatic-Feeder-p/eh3581.htm $6 ship
Djplus1 November 26, 2013 Author November 26, 2013 fyi ... $25.49 at http://www.saltysupply.com/Eheim-Feed-Air-Automatic-Feeder-p/eh3581.htm $6 ship good price, but that's a black Friday sale. That's like saying a dell laptop costs $250, because you got it at WalMart at 4:30 in the morning.
Djplus1 December 15, 2013 Author December 15, 2013 Bump, as I know at least one person on this board has recently picked one of these up.
Mattiejay6 December 15, 2013 December 15, 2013 Runs off the aqua bus cable only.. The brace it uses is pretty flimsy.. I would have liked to see better/stronger quality there... The cup is a pretty good size for food... I haven't used it yet tho
kkozak81 December 15, 2013 December 15, 2013 +1.... aqua bus cable only. When you update the firmware it creates a controllable outlet just for the auto feeder. I have been using mine for a couple weeks now and am happy with it.
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