I wanted to share a little project I’ve been working on for reef tanks. I built it mainly because I wanted something that would integrate with my smart home setup, but also be simple enough to put together without breaking the bank. It'll reliably get your fish fed and integrates with home assistant.
Here’s the basic rundown if anyone wants to try making one themselves:
Printing the parts:
Electronics & assembly:
Food types:
Integration:
If anyone wants to give it a try, the 3D print files and full build guide are available here:
Marine Assistant Feeder – DIY Auto Feeder
I’m curious though — what is everyone else using for automatic feeding? Do you stick with off-the-shelf units, or has anyone else tried making their own? Always fun to see different approaches.
Here’s the basic rundown if anyone wants to try making one themselves:
Printing the parts:
- The whole thing is 3D printed. All the files are available for free, so if you’ve got a printer at home you can make the housing yourself.
Electronics & assembly:
- The electronics are DIY-friendly — only a few components and some light soldering. Nothing too complicated, and there is a full step-by-step guide written up.
- Once it’s wired, the stepper motor drives a corkscrew-style mechanism that pushes food out in precise amounts.
Food types:
- It’s been working well with a range of dried foods (pellets, granules, etc.).
Integration:
- I designed it to work with Home Assistant so it can be automated with feeding schedules, or tied into other gear.
If anyone wants to give it a try, the 3D print files and full build guide are available here:
Marine Assistant Feeder – DIY Auto FeederI’m curious though — what is everyone else using for automatic feeding? Do you stick with off-the-shelf units, or has anyone else tried making their own? Always fun to see different approaches.
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