Fishmate P7000 koi pond fish autofeeder review

If you are looking for an auto feeder for your koi pond the Fishmate P7000 may be just what you are looking for. The P7000 is a budget feeder with some handy features, particularly the frequent feed mode which improves on the standard 3 feeds a day that the normal feeding mode provides.
The main issue with previous feeders I've looked at is that the minimum feed amount is way to big for smaller sized ponds but the Fishmate potentially overcomes this problem with a claimed low minimum feed volume of 3 teaspoons.
In this review I put it through its paces and tell you everything you need to know to decide if this feeder is right for you and your koi.
Check out my website at www.dazzlekoi....
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[@richardiasparo5026]

Thanks for explaining the manual feed. I could never figure it out on mine. I used it 2 seasons on the same battery. The 3 feeds work for me because I like to manually feed 2 times a day to keep an eye on who is eating and who is not.. The manual feed will be good to set up when I go on vacation to make up the 2 feeds im losing. No problems with mine. Thanks for the review.

[@DazzleKoi]

No Problem mate, thanks for the feedback. good to hear people who have them are still happy after a couple of years to 👍🍻👍🍻👍🍻👍

[@danielhaggerty2343]

Used these feeders now for 5 years excellent value for money in my opinion. Frequent feed is superb using 50 feeds a day works like clockwork. Same amounts on mine 10g a feed. At 50 feeds the batteries still last a year. Only down side is I have had some slugs get in the feeder through the tiny joins or battery lid and they lay across the circuit board and short it never works probally again after that. I found if you tape all the seams with slug copper tape you won't have a problem. But all in all excellent feeder if you want to feed a lot over the course of a day.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Daniel and thanks for your feedback. Good advice with the slug proofing too 👍👍 I'm still only using the 3 feeds at the moment but I do plany to use the frequent feed properly soon 🍻🍻

[@2010wembley]

I use this feeder. Battery life is good. Build quality is suitable for the use. Rain doesnt necessarily stop it from working however i have massive issues with slugs climbing all over it and getting into the chute

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Gary, I'm hearing a lot of people who are having issues with slugs. Some saying using metal tape around the spout stops them. I've have to look at that as I get loads in my garden here.

[@thekoigarden8341]

Not particularly related to this video but find you an invaluable mine of information for koi keeping in general. Thanks so much, it’s all very educational 👍

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks a lot mate, I really appreciate that 🍻🍻🍻

[@dannycurrie1]

Interesting review. Thanks for sharing daz. Definitely a complicated feeder. I've got one of these. This is my 3rd season with it, including using it over winter on the grow on. Only on 2nd set of batteries. I used that frequent feed mode. 12 feeds over 24 hours. But I use mostly sinking and a bit of floating, I find it means some of the smaller fish still get a look in. Ends up being 16grams when using sinking as it's alot more dense. Good reliable feeder, I've not had an issue with it

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, good to hear from someone who has some experience with it over a longer time. Sounds like reliability may be good on them as well then 🍻🍻🍻

[@JMacFlyFishing]

Thanks Daz, very helpful. Its a shame it doesn't have more than 3 programmable feeds. Think I will stick with the Aquaforte 😎👍🏼 Keep up the great content and take care 🐟😎👍🏼

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks mate, yeah I agree, if it had say 10 feeds I think it would be a cracker. Its good for keeping your koi and filter ticking over but its not great if you want to get maximum growth from them

[@9113tim]

Thank you for an excellent and informative review, as always. You mentioned in the earlier video the Velda Pro. Do you know if that model is capable of delivering 10 grams or less of food at a time like you demonstrated with the Fishmate P7000? I have not been able to find these stats anywhere. If you are able to help that would be much appreciated.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, sorry for the late reply. To be honest I don't know for sure as I had a large pond with a lot of big koi at the time so I didn't test how little it could feed. I do remember that it had various different screws that changed how much it fed. From my memory and experience I would be very surprised if it wasn't able to feed very small amounts as it is a really high quality, well engineered feeder. There is a manual here for the one I used www.pondkeeper.co.uk/ProductPDF/3317.pdf

[@9113tim]

@@DazzleKoi Thank you very much for replying and sending the link to the manual. I decided to follow you and have ordered the P7000 for now. Your videos have been very useful in improving my Koi keeping knowledge and I think that I am doing okay at present. My two year olds are full of energy and practically jump out of the pond when they see me approaching (I did not expect that!). I hope that you can keep making the videos. It must take up a lot of your time, but it is much appreciated.

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks very much mate, yeah it does take a huge amount of time but I really do enjoy it so its all good. Keeps my mind busy 👍👍 You wont be disappointed with the P7000, particularly not considering how little it costs compared to the other feeders out there.

[@mirola73]

Useful as always. Thank you

[@DazzleKoi]

Thank you very much 🍻🥂🍻🥂🍻

[@georgecromar4094]

Great video Mr Dazzle! May ask about the size of food pellets fed. I have goldfish and was told by my supplier to feed pellets just big enough to fit into the mouth of the largest fish in the pond. Something to do with taking in less air feeding at the surface? Is this cobblers, as I notice many Koi keepers feeding very small pellets to large fish? Thank you,

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers George 🍻🍻 I don't know is the sort answer. I've never heard that before but that doesn't make it wrong of course. I tend to just use the largest pellet that the smallest koi can eat. I expect to be able to go up a size next spring maybe. I'll definitely dig in to this more though, the answer may be in commercial fish growing 👍👍

[@Crazyforkoiandgoldfish]

Are you still using this feeder And what is your opinion? I’m thinking to go for this one

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi hi, I still use it but only occasionally. This is due to my circumstances and not due to the feeder. When I do use it it is still working perfectly and I'm still really happy with it, no problems at all so far 👍

[@Crazyforkoiandgoldfish]

@@DazzleKoi Thank you for your reply I think I will go for this one ☝️

[@richardbrunton2068]

Cheers daz👍

[@DazzleKoi]

No problem mate 👍👍

[@martingage5323]

I had one of these for a few years worked a treat to start with, as time went on I noticed the hopper started to get moisture in it. This turned out to be condensation from the sun we believe. Then we noticed the spout clogging up. This turned out to be slugs and snails getting into the spout as this holds pellets. Some copper tape wrapped around base stopped that. The final point was the plastic on the rear of the worm broke and no spare part available. Great in-depth video.

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers Martin. Its good to hear from someone whos had long term experience of it as that's something I can't comment on at the moment. You're the second person to mention slugs and copper tape so I think I'll get hold of some and do that as I see a lot of slugs in the garden at night 🍻🍻🍻

[@sandypollard562]

👍👍👍😊 perfect explanation

[@DazzleKoi]

Thank youuuuu. Did you get to grips with yours?

[@Peakabike]

Thanks for the review. Too bad you can't set it to feed one minimum dose every 2 or 3 days for small ponds. A 5 gram minimum dose would be even better !

[@DazzleKoi]

Definitely mate. I spoke to them and they assured me they where making changes to bring the feed size down but I haven't heard anything back from them.

[@antmiddle]

I have one and both the flaps on the lid have Brocken off!

[@DazzleKoi]

Yeah that doesn't surprise me at all mate really. Are you able to still use it or is it scrap?

[@antmiddle]

@@DazzleKoi Yes - But with a bungee clip round it top to bottom.

[@DazzleKoi]

Not ideal then. I bet they don't sell a replacement.

[@michaeldurrans316]

Can it be secured down anyway ?

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Michael, it has 4 spikes that fit to the bottom which you can stick in to the ground and there are also 2 screw holes that you can use to screw it down. You could screw it to a board of some form to give it more stability. Tp be honest though, mine has just been perched on the side of the pond and its been fine. We have has some strong winds to and it didn't move 👍👍👍

[@Zeamus634]

Guess they've stopped sending them in a fancy box, mine have basically come in a brown cardboard box with a blue stripe round it and "closer pets" printed over it 🤷‍♂️

[@DazzleKoi]

Hopefully they haven't compromised the product as well then. Have you had it up and running yet?

[@Zeamus634]

@@DazzleKoi yes, it took some getting my head round but I now have it set up for frequent feeding (8am-8pm) for 12 feeds, it doesn't do it at equal times (8, 9, 10, 11 etc) but seems rather random 🤔

[@DazzleKoi]

Its definitely not the most intuitive 😁 In theory it should divide a number of hours/minutes by the number of feeds and feed accordingly so they should be equal distances apart. Strange that they aren't 🤔

[@IcenI_Koi]

I'd get some re-chargable batteries if I were you Dazzle, I had one of them and it ate batteries. Apart from that it was a good feeder. done exactly what it said on the box. Stay safe & well.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, I did think about rechargeable batteries but a few people have said they get 2 seasons out of a set. I suspect they have updated this model quite recently as a couple of people have also said they had an older one and it fed way to much. I'll see how long these batteries last and then decide. I did pay a small fortune for Duracell so they should last longer in theory 👍👍

[@mykoiobsession]

Thanks for the great review. Stefen from Koi TV recently reviewed a different feeder (quite a bit more expensive than yours) that also feed multiple feeds per day. To reduce the koi's ability of 'learning' when each feed would happen and be waiting as per your Karashi example, a couple of times a week he would change the main clock time by an hour or so, but not the programmed feed time. This would feed the same amount, the same number of times per day just an hour earlier or later. While the koi could potentially anticipate feeding times because they varied from week to week and day to day hanging out waiting to be first in line to eat was almost emlimiated. Might be worth a try if using the multiple feed option. Just a suggestion. Cheers.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate and thanks for that, that's a great idea. I'll definitely give that a go and also have a watch of the video 👍👍👍👍

[@beast8623]

You brought up a good point. I currently use the Fishmate p7000 fish feeder and I have a greedy Chagoi and Kohaku and they eat the majority of the feed that comes out. However, I do feed around 20 feeds in 12 hours so the growth of my fish have not been stunted by these two greedy koi. Nonetheless, great video as always.

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers mate, much appreciated. Yeah I think the secret is to pile it in and fill the pigs up so the others get a chance 😁

[@smreviews6259]

Hi, Are you still using this feeder and if so how is it doing? Thanks

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, due to my personal circumstances I've not been able to run a feeder this year up to now. I do still have it and it still works great but its not running on the pond at the moment. Funnily enough I have been talking recently with the guys who make this feeder about improving it functionality. They are in the process of adding the ability to do more feeds per day and will have a new version for me to review soon so watch this space 👍👍

[@StokeKoiAdventures]

Great informative video. Thank you. Just what I was looking for.

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers Neil, I can definitely recommend it. I'm 3 or 4 weeks in now and its still going great 👍👍👍

[@richd-koi]

I've had this for two seasons. I think its great although I've never had any other feeder to compare it to. The lid is flimsy n on mine the plastic clips have broken so its cable tied on backwards for easy access. My batteries have last two seasons so far. Good review I would agree 👍🐟

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Rich and thanks. Cant complain at getting 2 seasons out of one set of batteries. I was thinking of getting some rechargeable batteries but if they are going to last that long its probably not worth bothering. I agree about the lid, I expect mine to break before long, particularly when its cold in winter and the plastic becomes brittle 🍻🍻🍻

[@richd-koi]

@@DazzleKoi yeah apart from the build in places its a good unit for the money. Defo needs screwing down into something heavy too but once screwed down its secure enough 👍🐟

[@anthonywatkins2783]

Completely agree with you, I have this feeder which has proved reliable, definitely do need to read instructions before attempting programming 👍

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks Anthony. Had a few weeks now and its not missed a beat so far. Definitely good value up to now 🍻🍻

[@jonathanramirez2962]

Thank you for the help! I've been looking for a feeder that could handle larger pellet food without overfeeding and clogging for a while now. Thanks to your video I believe I have found the right one for me.

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks mate, thats good to hear. Still really happy with mine, working great 👍👍👍

[@charles29cc]

Glad you liked it mate! I love mine! How many grams you feeding total in a day?

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, I think monday to friday its around 80 or 90g but at the weekends when we are home all day and out in the garden I wouldn't be surprised if they got well over 100g. I cant seem to fill them at the moment 😲😲

[@CATANDEYEKOI]

Very good breakdown. Thanks

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers mate, much appreciated 🍻🍻🍻

[@edlesboroughkoipondstevech3546]

Hi, I've just bought a Jebao FD-55 off of ebay and apart from it's a bit of a monster size wise no complaints. i have a mixture of round 3mm high protein, 5mm wheatgerm and 5mm high protein sinking pellets mixed with no problems dispensing as yet(after a week). 230vac transformed down on a plug top transformer power supply so no battery hassles although i had to install the transformer in a waterproof housing but done and forgotten. i haven't measured the amount dispensed but using 4 of the 6 available feeds during the day when at work seems to me doing the trick for my 16 koi 30 to 70 cm, 2 huge carp and 2 sturgeon nothing left uneaten! i put the instructions somewhere safe and haven't seen them since but managed to program it without the only peculiarity is it can only be programmed to work on the hour.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Steve, I did look at the Jebao but to be honest I was a bit skeptical as it appears to be the same as the aqua forte model at half the price. I may well get hold of one for a review. Is it the same as this one? www.cotswoldkoi.co.uk/product/aqua-forte-koi-feeder-battery-mains-power/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjJmIBhA4EiwAQdCbxjkPm-ewTs1n9FJtgcWbd53DLZ7Mv6vb8HJAJiUxg56aXvytJheIIRoC4PUQAvD_BwE Companies seem to just buy them in and put their own names on them I think.

[@edlesboroughkoipondstevech3546]

@@DazzleKoi Hi This is a completely different modelwww.ebay.co.uk/itm/114293550792?var=414548004630

[@DazzleKoi]

ah yes, not the one I was thinking of. I'll have a look at that one, looks promising 👍👍👍

[@adamjohnson9148]

I have been thinking about an auto feeder and may give this a try.

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi Adam, its definitely good value and definitely worth a go in my opinion. Still very happy with mine 👍👍

[@paulcowan7096]

Enjoy this video Very good Review 👍🏼

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers Paul, thanks for taking time to comment mate, much appreciated 🍻🍻👍👍🍻🍻

[@philiphastings8999]

There all made in China 😂😂😂

[@DazzleKoi]

Most things are these days. You can still get a wide range of qualities across products though.

[@allthingsfishuk8926]

Another great tutorial Daz. Are you keeping the Karashigoi now?

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, the karashigoi was always a keeper, are you thinking of the soragoi? Thats gone off to a new home now. Or maybe the small Chag? I have someone who was meant to take the Chag 2 months ago but he still hasn't collected it and I'm starting to get attached to it now (and its finally grown a bit) so I may keep that as well now 😁😁 Got a little grow and show sanke in there at the moment to which will be off once the competition is finished in September.

[@allthingsfishuk8926]

@@DazzleKoi is that the chagoi you got off Tim?

[@DazzleKoi]

No mate, the one from Tim is coming along really well, that's a keeper to. When I got my koi last June Tim had no Chag so being impatient I bought one from elsewhere against my better judgment. That one has never grown (to be fair it was a very cheap fish) and was meant to be replaced by the one from Tim but the guy hasn't collected it. Now its grown a bit and is quite a character so I may end up keeping it.

[@sandypollard562]

👍👍👍😊😊😊😊👍👍

[@DazzleKoi]

Do you use yours or did you give up with it?

[@atsuminaoki9910]

You can set it up like 6 times a day... ministry! Everyone should buy it, should do it, to keep KOI healthy and strong!!!

[@DazzleKoi]

Hi mate, do hobbyists use auto feeders in Japan?

[@atsuminaoki9910]

@@DazzleKoi It is always better to do it by hand, but not everyone has the time. This old man wakes up at 3am to do his first feeding and does it at least six times a day.　kzbin.info/www/bejne/a37LnpqEZtykodk The effectiveness of the automatic feeding is discussed here. This is not the textbook version you usually see, but a practical and realistic explanation that we agree with. siotaniyourijyou.blog3.fc2.com/blog-entry-23.html If you use DeepL instead of Google translate, you will get an almost perfect English translation! I'm sure you'll find it useful. I've checked!

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks mate, its great to see how its done in other parts of the world. Very interesting indeed 👍👍👍

[@atsuminaoki9910]

@@DazzleKoi Thank you very much. Finally, I would like to show you the ultimate example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaisg2pjhdeCftk This is an event where the most famous dealer in Japan was asked by a customer to grow jumbo TOSAI during the summer and compare their KOI in the autumn. This was achieved by feeding the 4400 gallon pond with an automatic feeder 12 times a day from 4am to 8pm.

[@DazzleKoi]

Great video again mate. I would swap my wife for any one of those kohaku 😁😁

[@alanminshall1824]

Great review. I have this, and it does what it says on the tin. What I like is the spout, because of it's shape the food cannot get wet and stick inside like on many others. Also it will dispense many different sizes of food, from micro pellet upwards. There are also videos on youtube showing how to put it together and set it up.

[@DazzleKoi]

Cheers Alan, good to here you're happy with it. I'm about 3 or 4 weeks in now and still cant fault mine. Great value for money 👍🍻👍

[@peterkoczkowski5000]

Daz 👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@DazzleKoi]

You not happy with this one Peter ?

[@carollycett1329]

Nice update Daz on the feeder I've never been interested in Auto feeding my fish but for some would be very useful

[@DazzleKoi]

Thanks Carol, I can definitely recommend this one if you ever decide to give one a go 👍👍👍