FAQs
No. They will not. Only flakes, dry or slightly moist pellets, fish sticks, granules, cat or small dog food up to 3/8" diameter, and seeds of all types can be used. Hundreds have been used in lab experiments for distribution of dry pelletized materials, and particularly for animal training like police dogs and animal research. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture currently uses our Super Feeders to do exactly that. Other animals can be trained with our Super Feeder® using the task-and-reward approach using our feeder's unique reset function which can be commanded manually through a foot pad, or animal operated switch with very minor modifications, or as is via a computer with a power module. Let us know what you would like to do... lots of possibilities. Your imagination is the limit!
No. If our Super Feeders are installed as recommended with our supplied patented "Moisture Trap™" funnels, there should not be problem at all. However, if a Super Feeder, is installed within a cabinet, the area should be well ventilated and the water below the feeder must be sealed off. Remember, although you can probably use your feeder without the supplied funnel, if you use flake food, you should use our patented funneling system (see additional info below if you do not use it). Our Super feeders are also designed so the food is continuously stirred within the hopper when the feeder is dispensing food, thus preventing particularly flakes from sticking together.
A feeding cycle is the time span that you adjust the feeder's own internal timer to distribute food from a split second to up to 70 seconds when "triggered" by a remote programmable timer, irrelevant of the length of time the external timer stays on. This is not a simple "time delay" feeding system that feeds for minutes or hours! It will feed whatever amount you want immediately. With our innovative patented system, a standard Super Feeder can provide up to 24 daily feeding cycles or more depending on the timer you choose and the optional reset time on the feeder. Great if you are wanting to accelerate the growth rate of your fish! See WHAT EXTERNAL TIMER SHOULD I CHOOSE? or info below for additional info.
Absolutely NOT! The neatest Super Feeder feature is that each Super Feeder's feeding cycle is fully adjustable to feed from an extremely small amount of food from a split second for a fraction of a teaspoon to a larger amount for up to over a minute or more. The amount of food dispensed is primarily dependent on the length of the feeding cycle you pre-adjusted on the feeder itself (see adjustment page to see picture of that system). All Super Feeders (except the Model 1) also have a secondary food extraction volume (mechanical) adjustment to control the volume of food extracted from its hopper for the duration of each feeding cycle. In other words, if a full minute does not dispense enough food, you can mechanically control the volume of food which is by-passed and not allowed to pass through. Pretty neat! Eh??
First of all, what are you purchasing, a timer or a feeder? Very high commercial quality timers can be extremely expensive. Why would you want to spend a lot of money into a built-in programmable timer leaving very little for the most important part you are purchasing, the feeder? A common external 120V timer like used for lamps or appliances can be very economical. By using an external timer system, you pay for the feeder, not a timer that most likely will have limited program options or more than you need and be also prone to failure, particularly with battery powered feeders (a real no-no as far as we’re concerned). Depending on the timer you use, our system not only offers more feeding cycles with total control of food dispensed from a fraction of a teaspoon to large amounts, but it will provide more choices as to how the feeder can be utilized, including home automation systems and other Wi-Fi systems. Although we offer a battery setup (if you must have one), we believe that doing away with batteries is a big plus because they can be unpredictable, costly and very prone to corrosion, particularly outdoors. Judging by all the tests we have done, normal electric power, even with occasional power outages, will always be more dependable and trouble-free, especially when unattended. The Super Feeder will spend most of its life in the off reset mode anyway. Nothing to reset if power goes off and back on.
Absolutely! Due to the sturdy plastic materials and stainless steel hardware they are made with, they will not be affected by rain and will not rust. Believe it or not, whole feeder assemblies have been dumped in the water, dried out, and kept on working. However, this is not something we guarantee, and any water damage is not covered under warranty. Due to the nature of flake food when exposed to outdoor humidity, it is our opinion that you should never attempt to store and feed flakes outdoors. Remember that steel housing feeders are much more prone to "sweating" and moisture contamination with temperature changes. Our KSF-2 Koi feeder is perfect for outdoor use! We also have outdoor CSF-3 models as well. The Super Feeder unit itself is made for indoor or outdoor use, but you will need the correct indoor/outdoor power adapters and controllers. We have organized our combos to reflect your use of indoor or outdoor use. If you ever decide at a later date to change the use, you can just purchase the correct power adapter or controller to change from indoor to outdoor or vice versa.
Yes, most certainly! You will own a feeder which is second to none in quality and workmanship. If needed, the ASF-1 can be used with only the basic dispenser (without the clear hopper extension) which can make it under 5 inches tall.
First, you will need to measure the volume (not weight) of food you plan on feeding each day (1/8 cup, etc...), taking into account the amount of daily feeding cycles you plan on having. You can do that with a measuring cup of some type.
Second, multiply that amount by the amount of days you anticipate being gone or would like to feed your pet without having to refill your Super Feeder
Finally, you will now need to choose a feeder with the hopper capacity needed to fill your needs. All Super Feeder hopper sizes are referred to in "volume" measurements. Also, make sure that it will fit on top of your aquarium if you are buying an aquarium model. The Super Feeders have additional 2-Cup clear extensions available. If more volume is needed, up to 28 cups, you can add the larger black 1.5 gallon hopper to any Super Feeder.
Second, multiply that amount by the amount of days you anticipate being gone or would like to feed your pet without having to refill your Super Feeder
Finally, you will now need to choose a feeder with the hopper capacity needed to fill your needs. All Super Feeder hopper sizes are referred to in "volume" measurements. Also, make sure that it will fit on top of your aquarium if you are buying an aquarium model. The Super Feeders have additional 2-Cup clear extensions available. If more volume is needed, up to 28 cups, you can add the larger black 1.5 gallon hopper to any Super Feeder.
Although the use of our "Moisture Trap™" funnel is always recommended when dispensing flake food into an aquarium, our tests have shown that there is still a possibility of successfully dispensing flakes without it. To do so, you must make sure that you do not install your feeder over spattering water generated by pumps, bubbles, filters, etc... Provide a small opening in your aquarium cover just large enough to catch the food coming out of the feeder's chute outlet and place the feeder's chute slide so that it is slightly away (1/4") from the edge of that opening and NOT over it. You may also cut the supplied funnel where it just protrudes under the glass so you can still use it to keep food from scattering on top of your aquarium. If flakes stick to the slide after a few days of repeated use, small water particles may be splattering on it, meaning that the feeder is too close to that opening. If this still does not work out, then you will need to use our recommended funnel installation. You may find more info about our funnel installation here.
Our Super Feeders® are amazingly accurate depending on food type used. Typical fish pellets, crumbles. fish sticks and flakes will work very well in the aquarium and koi feeder.
Cat Feeder: The Super Feeder performance has been very well proven over many years of dependable service, and its performance has never been in doubt when operated as recommended. If portion accuracy is "extremely" important to you, we recommend round (spherical) or slightly barrel shaped 1/4" diameter kibbles as offered by Science Diet® brand or other common brands. Just like any other similar feeder on the market, the Super Feeder will not “count” kibbles. Our tests have shown that an accuracy of +/- 0.1 to 0.2 ounce (weight) per portion can be achieved from one portion to another using recommended kibbles. Most cat food kibbles up to 1/2" or even larger depending on shape will work very well by testing first if portion accuracy is not of utmost importance. Flat and oddly shaped kibbles will never perform like recommended kibbles in any feeder. If you must have "exact" portion accuracy, you should not purchase any automatic pet feeder other than one with prefilled compartments. Performance is guaranteed as described with recommended kibbles! Our feeders were never intended for large pets and large food over 5/8" diameter. If you have any questions you may contact us at info@super-feed.com
Cat Feeder: The Super Feeder performance has been very well proven over many years of dependable service, and its performance has never been in doubt when operated as recommended. If portion accuracy is "extremely" important to you, we recommend round (spherical) or slightly barrel shaped 1/4" diameter kibbles as offered by Science Diet® brand or other common brands. Just like any other similar feeder on the market, the Super Feeder will not “count” kibbles. Our tests have shown that an accuracy of +/- 0.1 to 0.2 ounce (weight) per portion can be achieved from one portion to another using recommended kibbles. Most cat food kibbles up to 1/2" or even larger depending on shape will work very well by testing first if portion accuracy is not of utmost importance. Flat and oddly shaped kibbles will never perform like recommended kibbles in any feeder. If you must have "exact" portion accuracy, you should not purchase any automatic pet feeder other than one with prefilled compartments. Performance is guaranteed as described with recommended kibbles! Our feeders were never intended for large pets and large food over 5/8" diameter. If you have any questions you may contact us at info@super-feed.com
With ASF-1 Aquarium, KSF-2 Koi-Pond, OR CSF-3 Cat/Small-Animal Feeder:
1 to 48 feeding cycles per day: 1 cycle per hour with standard reset time, or *30 minutes or more apart with any 24 hour timer with 15 min. on-off tabs.
1 to 24 feeding cycles per day: 1 cycle every 1.5 hours with standard reset time, or *1 hour or more apart with any 24 hour timer with 30 min. on-off tabs (common).
1 to 12 feeding cycles per day, 2 hours or more apart: Any 24 hour timer with 1 hour on-off tabs.
1 or more feeding cycles per day, *2 minutes or more apart: Any digital timer with minimum of minute increments with enough on-off cycles to meet desired amount of feeding cycles.
1 to maximum on-off cycles of X-10 or other home automation system is the number of feeding cycles available 2 minutes or more apart! Also review "Why use an external timer? Why not a built-in programmable timer?" question above.
1 to 48 feeding cycles per day: 1 cycle per hour with standard reset time, or *30 minutes or more apart with any 24 hour timer with 15 min. on-off tabs.
1 to 24 feeding cycles per day: 1 cycle every 1.5 hours with standard reset time, or *1 hour or more apart with any 24 hour timer with 30 min. on-off tabs (common).
1 to 12 feeding cycles per day, 2 hours or more apart: Any 24 hour timer with 1 hour on-off tabs.
1 or more feeding cycles per day, *2 minutes or more apart: Any digital timer with minimum of minute increments with enough on-off cycles to meet desired amount of feeding cycles.
1 to maximum on-off cycles of X-10 or other home automation system is the number of feeding cycles available 2 minutes or more apart! Also review "Why use an external timer? Why not a built-in programmable timer?" question above.
Plug the supplied power supply into any basic 24 hour timer like a lamp or Christmas lights timer, and program it to come on when you want to feed.
Plug the supplied power supply into any digital timer for time accuracy and program "on" times for desired feeding times.
Plug the supplied power supply into any X-10 home automation module or other type of home automation module, program "on" times, and that will be your feeding cycles.
Plug the supplied power supply into a Wi-Fi switch and operate your Super Feeder remotely via your iPhone or other item.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the 12 volt AC output of any outdoors landscape timer/transformer.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the 12 volt AC output of any outdoors light timer/transformer with dusk sensing, like the Malibu Brand, and when it starts to get dark, your feeder will feed one cycle.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the output of a sprinkler timer zone (normally 24 Volt AC), program your timer like you would for a sprinkler valve to come on, and that will be a feeding cycle.
Use a 12 volt DC timer along with a 12 volt battery. The feeder uses an extremely small amount of power because it only needs to be powered for a short feeding cycle, thus making the battery last a very long time.
Plug several power supplies for multiple feeder operation into a power strip, plug the power strip into any timer, then you will be able to trigger multiple feeders simultaneously (up to 3 have tested ok).
Plug a suitable power supply (8 to 24 volts AC or DC) into any type of suitable timer and trigger and power multiple feeders at one time from the power supply.
Use your own timing device. You may use any other type of timer not listed here that you can plug the supplied power adapter into, or any type of timer/transformer device with low voltage output as listed below. You can even by-pass the electronics feeding device and power the motor directly from you own timing and power source.
IMPORTANT! You can only power your Super Feeder® with 9 to 24 volt AC or DC, or use the supplies power adapter!
Plug the supplied power supply into any digital timer for time accuracy and program "on" times for desired feeding times.
Plug the supplied power supply into any X-10 home automation module or other type of home automation module, program "on" times, and that will be your feeding cycles.
Plug the supplied power supply into a Wi-Fi switch and operate your Super Feeder remotely via your iPhone or other item.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the 12 volt AC output of any outdoors landscape timer/transformer.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the 12 volt AC output of any outdoors light timer/transformer with dusk sensing, like the Malibu Brand, and when it starts to get dark, your feeder will feed one cycle.
Connect your ASF, KSF, OR CSF SERIES feeder directly to the output of a sprinkler timer zone (normally 24 Volt AC), program your timer like you would for a sprinkler valve to come on, and that will be a feeding cycle.
Use a 12 volt DC timer along with a 12 volt battery. The feeder uses an extremely small amount of power because it only needs to be powered for a short feeding cycle, thus making the battery last a very long time.
Plug several power supplies for multiple feeder operation into a power strip, plug the power strip into any timer, then you will be able to trigger multiple feeders simultaneously (up to 3 have tested ok).
Plug a suitable power supply (8 to 24 volts AC or DC) into any type of suitable timer and trigger and power multiple feeders at one time from the power supply.
Use your own timing device. You may use any other type of timer not listed here that you can plug the supplied power adapter into, or any type of timer/transformer device with low voltage output as listed below. You can even by-pass the electronics feeding device and power the motor directly from you own timing and power source.
IMPORTANT! You can only power your Super Feeder® with 9 to 24 volt AC or DC, or use the supplies power adapter!
For shipping to foreign countries, please see our international ordering policy page.
The power supply (commonly also referred to as "power adapter") supplied with each Super Feeder typically converts 120VAC ( USA) to 12VDC or AC. Except for Koi Pond feeders, the supplied power supply will work with 220VAC but it will probably have a different prong style (bladed) than one supplied in your country. Also, even if you have a converter from 220V to 120V, the Hertz rating which is 60 Hz in the USA will most likely not be the same in other countries with 220V, meaning that our timers will most likely not work properly if used that way. The simplest thing to do may be to purchase the accessories listed below from your own country. To operate the feeder, you will need to proceed with any of the two options listed below:
1. A remote programmable timer of some sort (like a light or appliance timer) to power and trigger the feeder at programmed times of day, and a power transformer (to plug into the timer) that changes 220VAC to any voltage from 12 to 24VAC or DC. The feeder uses and extremely small amount of power, so any 12 to 24 volt power source with an output of 200 mA or higher can be used. If you use a DC power adapter, attach the positive (+) lead to the red screw or coded (+) screw underneath the feeder, or make sure the coax plug type is a 5.5 mm x 2.1mm with center positive. If you use a 12 to 24Vac output power adapter, polarity does not matter. If you can only purchase an adapter with a plug at the end, and it's not the correct polarity or the plug does not fit the feeder's input jack, just cut the wire near the plug and attach leads to the outdoor feeder's terminal strip underneath the feeder. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO POWER THE FEEDER DIRECTLY WITH HIGH VOLTAGE (110-240VAC)!!!
OR
2. If you are wanting to purchase a Super Feeder and use a 12 Volt battery (not sold here), you can purchase a battery type combo or the DT-03 timer with a 12VDC 7-day digital timers for up to 8 daily portions at: www.superfeederstore.com
Unless you purchase an outdoor combo, some wire and a 12v battery will be the only items needed to operate your Super Feeder. Any small 12 volt battery source will work any Super Feeder and last a very long time. The feeder and timer use an extremely small amount of power to operate! You may of course also use a solar panel to keep your battery charged.
The power supply (commonly also referred to as "power adapter") supplied with each Super Feeder typically converts 120VAC ( USA) to 12VDC or AC. Except for Koi Pond feeders, the supplied power supply will work with 220VAC but it will probably have a different prong style (bladed) than one supplied in your country. Also, even if you have a converter from 220V to 120V, the Hertz rating which is 60 Hz in the USA will most likely not be the same in other countries with 220V, meaning that our timers will most likely not work properly if used that way. The simplest thing to do may be to purchase the accessories listed below from your own country. To operate the feeder, you will need to proceed with any of the two options listed below:
1. A remote programmable timer of some sort (like a light or appliance timer) to power and trigger the feeder at programmed times of day, and a power transformer (to plug into the timer) that changes 220VAC to any voltage from 12 to 24VAC or DC. The feeder uses and extremely small amount of power, so any 12 to 24 volt power source with an output of 200 mA or higher can be used. If you use a DC power adapter, attach the positive (+) lead to the red screw or coded (+) screw underneath the feeder, or make sure the coax plug type is a 5.5 mm x 2.1mm with center positive. If you use a 12 to 24Vac output power adapter, polarity does not matter. If you can only purchase an adapter with a plug at the end, and it's not the correct polarity or the plug does not fit the feeder's input jack, just cut the wire near the plug and attach leads to the outdoor feeder's terminal strip underneath the feeder. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO POWER THE FEEDER DIRECTLY WITH HIGH VOLTAGE (110-240VAC)!!!
OR
2. If you are wanting to purchase a Super Feeder and use a 12 Volt battery (not sold here), you can purchase a battery type combo or the DT-03 timer with a 12VDC 7-day digital timers for up to 8 daily portions at: www.superfeederstore.com
Unless you purchase an outdoor combo, some wire and a 12v battery will be the only items needed to operate your Super Feeder. Any small 12 volt battery source will work any Super Feeder and last a very long time. The feeder and timer use an extremely small amount of power to operate! You may of course also use a solar panel to keep your battery charged.
Absolutely! You can do that using a 120 volt 7-day (weekly) digital timer. Most digital timers will provide odd programming such as every other day, 2 days a week, etc... You could even use a home automation system by plugging the feeder's power supply into a power module or directly into the timing device's 12 to 24V power source.
Yes, however, we believe that using regular power offers more versatility and is much more dependable overall than a battery system. We do offer a battery setup whereby you only need a 12 volt battery and our 12VDC timer. Because of the fact that our Super Feeders only need to be "on" for a very short time and use an extremely small amount of current, a fully charged battery can last for a very long time without recharging or needing a solar panel. The only problem with such a system is that it is much more expensive for a dependable battery system and some wiring is required. We only offer a battery system for the koi pond feeders.
First, keep in mind that the Super Feeder, unlike others, will spend most of its lifetime in the "off" mode, meaning that with a power outage, you will not need to ever do anything at all to the feeder for it to resume its normal operation when power returns. However, it is true that it must receive power again to operate.
1. With the analog timer, no feed cycles will be lost; they will just be late by the amount of time the power was off until you re-adjust the time to correct time by turning the dial on the timer. Nothing else needs to be done. With the analog timer, you cannot see with a digital display "exactly" when the feeder will turn on (it has small on-off tabs) or the very exact time of day.
2. With a digital timer, time is always exact to the minute and can be seen in the timer's digital display. You could lose a feed cycle during a power outage, but only and only if the feed cycle was scheduled to occur at the very exact time (a minute or so) that the timer was programmed to come on (very remote). Remember, the feeder needs to be off most of the time anyway. If you were to lose that feed cycle, all subsequent feed cycles would still occur when power would be back on without loss of any programs because the external digital timer has an internal battery-back-up system to keep time and programs during a power outage or when unplugged from a power outlet to perhaps update programs. With a digital timer, we recommend a minimum of 2-3 feed cycles per day.
In conclusion, do not be drawn into a false sense of security with a "battery back-up" system or just plain battery operated system. If a momentary or permanent loss of power were to occur caused by a defective battery or a malfunctioning "switch-over" battery system, all functions could be lost with the feeder no longer being able to operate properly until corrective action were physically taken to correct the problem. The only somewhat dependable power back-up we may trust for a certain amount of time, would be a home generator back-up or computer battery back-up system (CPU). Depending on type used, a CPU may run the timer for a long time during a power outage if not sharing with computer, etc... The feeder is off most of the time anyway, and the timer uses very little power, particularly a digital timer being on for only a minute or two per cycle and utilizing even less power when off.
Remember, very small portions can be distributed many times per day with the Super Feeder making your pet feel that he/she is getting more food and being happier while at the same time covering a possibly missed meal during a short power outage, which would have to occur at the exact time that the feeder is supposed to feed to be missed. For extended absence we always strongly recommend that someone occasionally monitor your pets and machine. The Super Feeder, like any other feeder should be, is only intended to solely assist in feeding your pets and should never be left totally unattended for any extended period of time.
1. With the analog timer, no feed cycles will be lost; they will just be late by the amount of time the power was off until you re-adjust the time to correct time by turning the dial on the timer. Nothing else needs to be done. With the analog timer, you cannot see with a digital display "exactly" when the feeder will turn on (it has small on-off tabs) or the very exact time of day.
2. With a digital timer, time is always exact to the minute and can be seen in the timer's digital display. You could lose a feed cycle during a power outage, but only and only if the feed cycle was scheduled to occur at the very exact time (a minute or so) that the timer was programmed to come on (very remote). Remember, the feeder needs to be off most of the time anyway. If you were to lose that feed cycle, all subsequent feed cycles would still occur when power would be back on without loss of any programs because the external digital timer has an internal battery-back-up system to keep time and programs during a power outage or when unplugged from a power outlet to perhaps update programs. With a digital timer, we recommend a minimum of 2-3 feed cycles per day.
In conclusion, do not be drawn into a false sense of security with a "battery back-up" system or just plain battery operated system. If a momentary or permanent loss of power were to occur caused by a defective battery or a malfunctioning "switch-over" battery system, all functions could be lost with the feeder no longer being able to operate properly until corrective action were physically taken to correct the problem. The only somewhat dependable power back-up we may trust for a certain amount of time, would be a home generator back-up or computer battery back-up system (CPU). Depending on type used, a CPU may run the timer for a long time during a power outage if not sharing with computer, etc... The feeder is off most of the time anyway, and the timer uses very little power, particularly a digital timer being on for only a minute or two per cycle and utilizing even less power when off.
Remember, very small portions can be distributed many times per day with the Super Feeder making your pet feel that he/she is getting more food and being happier while at the same time covering a possibly missed meal during a short power outage, which would have to occur at the exact time that the feeder is supposed to feed to be missed. For extended absence we always strongly recommend that someone occasionally monitor your pets and machine. The Super Feeder, like any other feeder should be, is only intended to solely assist in feeding your pets and should never be left totally unattended for any extended period of time.