DIY programmable and adjustable koi feeder with large capacity

[Primitive]

I decided to build my own koi feeder for fun. It needed to meet a few criteria, such as being programmable for feeding up to 15x a day, it has to allow me to adjust the amount of food being dispensed, and it has to be easy to use and repair it case things break. The hardest part was finding a simple timer with the adjustments I needed. Namely, I wanted power on for just a few seconds to spin the auger. After researching on Amazon, I found the one most suitable and affordable for my needs.
This build is super simple, and can be done in a number of ways using whatever type of container you'd prefer. I just made my own for fun even though it required welding HDPE with a heat gun. Most people can just use a bucket or a blue plastic barrel with a lid.



This build requires very little technical skills and very basic tools. The timer is adjusted with buttons and super simple.
To start this build, decide on a container you will be using, I recommend a container with a sealed lid of some sort to protect it from the environment.

You will need the following tools.
- Drill with various bit sizes
- Hole saw bits for the piping and bulk head fittings
- Plastic heat welding gun if you decide to modify your own container housing
- Phillips screw driver, 2.5mm and 2mm allen hex wrench (to tighten the coupler)
- PVC cutter, and PVC glue

Let's get on with it.

A programmable timer: Attachment 614792
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LJPL8UG...roduct_details

8/10 rpm AC 110v motor that has clockwise and counterclockwise rotation wiring ability: Attachment 614793
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747457KR...roduct_details

1.9in x 14.5" garden auger bit: Attachment 614794
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BR7KMTY...roduct_details

7mm to 9mm shaft coupler: Attachment 614795
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C2CWZSY...roduct_details

2" bulkhead fitting:Attachment 614796
https://www.amazon.com/JT-Manufactur...%2C143&sr=8-15

Those are the primary components.
Then you will need a 2" pvc tee, 2" cap, and a small length of 2" PVC pipe. Steel bolts to mount motor, #8-32 about 1" long and some nuts for it.

And watch the video to help make it. The complicated part would be to understand how the programmable timer works. So the last 10-12 minutes of the video goes through the various settings.

[BWG]

[aquaholic]

Nice! I'm going to try your digital timer idea on an air mattress inflator/blower instead of a mechanical drive. That should provide a wide food spread with less chance of clogs and mych easier cleanout. I'm using an inverted 5 gallon water jug as main container.

[Primitive]

My auger bit never had any issues, going into 10 months and flawless.

[two_wheeled]

I always like to see DIY projects. Thanks for sharing.

[aquaholic]

I like several other forum members arent in the USA so the motor and auger isn't available and the voltage not suitable. I also want a wider pellet spread and reduce the costs much further.

I thought an air blower was a great original idea but looking at commercial aquaculture feeders, almost all of them use a blower underneath a funnel hopper so clearly not such original thinking but well proven at least.