Automatic Fish Feeder

Description

This is an automatic fish feeder.  It was printed in various types of PETG to avoid moisture issues. It is designed for Betta fish pellets, but would likely work for flaked foods as well but has not been tested for that.

The button on the electronics case is remixed from Aptimex's model https://makerworld.com/en/models/628744-18mm-button-assembly-for-6mm-push-buttons?from=search#profileId-553389.
 

The Feeder uses a stepper motor and feed screw to move food along the feed body from the hopper to the spout. 

The feeder and electronics case are separated so that you can easily remix the case depending on the electronics you have available.

This model uses a Raspberry Pi Pico W on a Freenove Breakout Board only because I had spares. These could be swapped out for another ESP32 board, or even a Pi without the breakout board if you modify the electronics case. In my case, I also wanted a board that had Wifi so that I could get the current time for schedulling feedings.

I have my feeder configured to feed at 7am and 7pm, with a manual feed button that can be pressed at any time to immediatly dispense food and will then skip the next automated feed cycle to avoid overfeeding.

Assembly

• Screw the hopper and spout onto the feed body. Over tightening can break the threads so use caution.
• Attach the feed screw to the motor and insert the motor into the motor case, use m3 screws to attach the case to the feed body
• Wire up electronics as per your needs. (Button assembly instructions can be found here)
• Electronics standoffs are for m2 x4mm
• Feeder mount snaps onto the feeder body, can be glued to fix the position of the feeder if desired, but not required.
• Tank mount and feeder mount parts are connected with 10x3mm magnets glued in place