Automatic Fish/Bird Feeder

The Automatic Fish Feeder is a 3D-printed device designed to feed your aquarium fish with precision and convenience. Made up of two primary parts that fit together using screws, this feeder provides a reliable solution for automatically dispensing fish food at scheduled intervals or remotely via an app.

What is it made of?

The feeder consists of several key components:

1. Feeder Body:

   • The body of the feeder is made from two 3D-printed pieces that are secured with screws. This forms the main structure of the feeder, housing both the food compartment and the dispensing mechanism.

2. Food Compartment and Dispensing System:

   • On top of the feeder is a food reservoir where the fish food is stored. The food compartment connects to a tunnel that runs through the middle of the feeder and exits at the bottom into the aquarium.

3. Rotating Cylinder:

   • Between the food compartment and the tunnel is a rotating cylinder, which is crucial for controlling portions of food. This cylinder completely blocks the passage when at rest. However, it has a hole on one side, which, when aligned with the food compartment, fills with food. The cylinder then rotates 180 degrees, positioning the hole downward toward the tunnel, allowing the food to drop into the aquarium.

4. Servo Motors for Controlled Movement:

   • The cylinder is rotated by a servo motor, controlled by a NodeMCU. The feeder also includes a second servo motor positioned at the other end of the tunnel, controlling a small trap door.
5. Trap Door for Moisture Protection:
   • The trap door at the bottom of the tunnel prevents moisture or water splashes from entering the food tunnel. This ensures that no water reaches the dry food, preventing it from sticking to the tunnel walls, which could otherwise cause clogs.

How does it work?

The Automatic Fish Feeder is designed for flexibility and ease of use. It works by rotating a cylinder that dispenses a pre-measured portion of food from the reservoir into the tunnel, which then drops into the aquarium. Here’s how it operates:

1. Filling the Food Compartment:

   • When the hole in the rotating cylinder is aligned with the food reservoir, it fills with a pre-measured portion of food (sufficient for one feeding). This allows precise control over the amount of food dispensed for each feeding session.

2. Rotating Mechanism:

   • The cylinder then rotates 180 degrees, positioning the filled hole downward towards the tunnel. The food drops through the tunnel into the aquarium, feeding the fish.
3. Trap Door Control:
   • The trap door at the bottom of the tunnel is controlled by a second servo motor. It opens only when the food is ready to drop, preventing any moisture or water splashes from the aquarium from entering the feeder, keeping the food dry and ensuring smooth operation.

Remote Control and Scheduling

The NodeMCU is the brain behind the operation, providing wireless connectivity and control through the Blynk app. This allows for remote feeding and scheduling:

1. Remote Feeding:

   • Using the Blynk app, you can feed your fish from anywhere, at any time, simply by pressing a button on your phone.

2. Customizable Feeding Schedule:

   • You can also schedule feedings based on your preferences. The app allows you to set the number of portions to dispense, how many times a day to feed, and on which days of the week feedings should occur. This gives you full control over your fish’s feeding routine, ensuring they are fed consistently even when you’re not around.
3. Code and Customization:
   • The code that runs the fish feeder is open-source and available on my GitHub. You can access it through the link provided in the description, allowing for full customization or adaptation of the project.