1. Positioning of feeder
Your F14 feeder should normally be positioned on the aquarium hood with its food exit spout positioned over the feeding hole provided in the aquarium hood. If your aquarium is not provided with such a hole you will need to cut a hole diameter 30mm (11/4"). It is not normally recommended that the feeder be installed on the condensation tray (fitted on some aquariums under the lighting hood), as excessive moisture in this area can cause food clogging. However, such installation may be satisfactory if an air pump is connected to the small connector marked “AIR” under the feeder, as this will normally prevent the ingress of moist air. On aquariums without a hood the feeder should normally be mounted on the two tank clamps supplied after pulling out the two rear rubber feet. Screw the clamps to the top edge of the aquarium in the required position so that the feeder may be placed on this mounting. Check security of clamps before use. The F14 feeder is not designed for use outside on fishponds.
2. Operation
a. Turn upside down, remove timer cover, insert AA battery and switch on timing mechanism. Check battery operation by visible movement of gearwheel. Replace timer cover.
b. Place unit in required position and lift the lid. Align hole in the rotor with the food exit spout. Ensure the rotor is the correct way up.
c. Insert mealtime pegs in the required locations in the timer knob. (Note: 4 mealtime pegs are supplied, but extras are available.) Set the time on the inner dial by rotating the timer knob anti-clockwise until the current time lines up with the indicator arrow. The food is dispensed gradually over a period of approximately 2 hours, as this is better for the fish.
d. Fill the required number of compartments in the rotor, starting clockwise from the food exit spout for the first meal. Close the lid.
3. Testing your F14 feeder before use
Your FISH MATE feeder is manufactured from top quality materials and is assembled to comply with rigorous quality standards. Consequently, it should give you many years dependable use. However, before using for the first time, we recommend you to supervise its correct operation over a fourteenday period when you are present. Problems of food clogging or not falling out may occasionally be experienced where condensation occurs inside the feeder. Some foods are more likely to clog. (If clogging occurs, try pellet food). The clogging may be due to the spray produced by an air pump. If so, try moving the airstone to a location remote from the feeding hole, and/or reducing the air flow rate. You may also try raising the feeder 25-50mm (1"-2") above the feeding hole, and leaving the lid of the feeder open. In extreme cases, it is possible to connect an air pump to the small connector marked “AIR” under the feeder, thus pressurising the feeder and preventing the ingress of moist air.
4. Cleaning
We normally recommend that you remove the rotor after 14 days’ continuous use and dust off any remaining food fragments from underneath the rotor and from its seating face on the body. In practice, you may find this unnecessary due to the patented self-cleaning action of the rotor but much will depend on the type of food being used.
5. Batteries
We recommend an alkaline battery size ‘AA’. This battery should last 12 months in continuous use. It is recommended to remove the battery when the feeder is not being used for prolonged periods.
