1. Product Overview
The NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder is designed to provide consistent and reliable feeding for your aquatic pets. It features an LCD display for easy programming, a moisture-proof system to keep food fresh, and a versatile design suitable for various types of fish food and aquariums.
Key Features:
- 200 ml Capacity: Ensures sufficient food supply for extended periods.
- Multiple Feeding Times: Supports up to 4 daily feeding times, with up to three rotations per feeding.
- Adjustable Food Portions: An adjustable slider allows precise control over the dispensed food quantity.
- LCD Digital Panel: Simplifies programming and displays current settings.
- Dual Installation Options: Can be freestanding or rim-mounted on aquariums up to 0.9 inches thick.
- Moisture-Proof System: Integrated fan helps prevent food from clumping or getting wet.
- Versatile Food Compatibility: Suitable for flakes and pellets, accommodating various fish species.
2. Component Identification
Familiarize yourself with the different parts of your NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder.
Image 1: Overview of the feeder components, including the feed drum, LCD display, battery cover, and control buttons.
- Feed Drum Cover: Protects the feed drum and allows access for refilling.
- Feed Drum: Holds the fish food.
- Portion Control Slider: Adjusts the opening size to control food quantity.
- Battery Cover: Located on the side, houses two AA batteries.
- Feeder Clamp: Used for rim-mounting the feeder to the aquarium.
- Active Screw: Secures the feeder clamp.
- LCD Display: Shows current time, feeding schedules, and battery indicator.
- Rotating Indicator: Displays when the feeder is dispensing food.
- Battery Indicator: Shows battery level.
- Power Button: Turns the feeder on/off.
- Setting Button: Used to enter and navigate programming menus.
- Manual Release Button: Dispenses food instantly outside of programmed times.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1. Battery Installation
- Locate the battery cover on the side of the feeder.
- Open the battery cover.
- Insert two AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
- Close the battery cover securely.
Note: It is recommended to use high-quality batteries for optimal performance and longevity. Replace batteries when the battery indicator on the LCD display shows low power.
3.2. Filling the Feed Drum
- Slide open the feed drum cover.
- Fill the feed drum with your desired fish food (flakes or pellets). Do not overfill.
- Close the feed drum cover securely.
Image 2: The feeder is compatible with various types of fish food, including flakes and pellets.
3.3. Mounting the Feeder
The feeder offers two installation methods:
Image 3: Illustration of the two installation methods: rim-mounting with the clamp and freestanding on the aquarium lid.
Method 1: Rim-Mounting (Using the Feeder Clamp)
- Attach the feeder clamp to the bottom of the feeder.
- Position the feeder clamp onto the rim of your aquarium. Ensure the feeder is directly above the water surface where food will drop.
- Tighten the active screw until the feeder is securely fastened. The mounting bracket fits aquariums with top widths up to 0.9 inches.
Method 2: Freestanding Installation
- Place the feeder on a flat, stable surface, such as the aquarium lid, ensuring the food outlet is positioned over an opening in the lid.
- Ensure the feeder is stable and will not fall into the water.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Setting the Current Time
- Press and hold the Setting Button until the hour digit flashes.
- Use the Up/Down Buttons (Manual Release Button and Power Button) to adjust the hour.
- Press the Setting Button again to move to the minute digit and adjust.
- Press the Setting Button one more time to save the current time.
4.2. Programming Feeding Times
The feeder allows up to 4 daily feeding times. Each feeding time can have up to 3 rotations (food dispensations).
Image 4: The LCD display shows options for setting up to 4 meal times per day, with multiple rotations per meal.
- Press the Setting Button briefly to enter the feeding program mode. The first feeding time (indicated by '1') will flash.
- Use the Up/Down Buttons to set the desired hour for the first feeding.
- Press the Setting Button to confirm the hour and move to minutes. Adjust minutes using Up/Down Buttons.
- Press the Setting Button again. Now, the number of rotations (1, 2, or 3) for this feeding time will flash. Use Up/Down Buttons to select the number of rotations.
- Press the Setting Button to save the first feeding time and move to the second feeding time ('2').
- Repeat steps 2-5 for up to four feeding times. If you do not wish to set all four, simply press the Setting Button to skip to the next program or exit.
- To exit programming mode, press the Setting Button until the display returns to the current time.
4.3. Adjusting Food Portion
The portion control slider on top of the feed drum allows you to adjust the amount of food dispensed per rotation.
- Slide the Portion Control Slider to the left for a smaller opening and less food.
- Slide the Portion Control Slider to the right for a larger opening and more food.
Recommendation: Observe your fish during the first few feedings and adjust the slider as needed to prevent overfeeding or underfeeding.
4.4. Manual Feeding
To dispense food instantly outside of programmed times:
- Press the Manual Release Button (triangle icon). The feeder will rotate once and dispense food.
5. Maintenance
5.1. Cleaning the Feeder
- Turn off the feeder and remove it from the aquarium.
- Empty any remaining food from the feed drum.
- Wipe the exterior of the feeder with a damp cloth. Do not submerge the main unit in water.
- The feed drum can be detached and rinsed with water if necessary. Ensure it is completely dry before reattaching and refilling with food.
- Clean the food outlet regularly to prevent blockages.
5.2. Moisture Control
The feeder includes an integrated fan to help keep food dry. Ensure the feeder is placed in an area with good air circulation to maximize the effectiveness of the moisture-proof system.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder does not turn on or operate. |
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| Food is not dispensing or dispensing too little. |
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| Food is spilling outside the aquarium. |
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| Feeder makes no sound during operation (as noted in reviews). | This is normal operation. The NICREW feeder is designed to be quiet. | Regularly check the battery indicator on the LCD display to monitor battery life. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | N15160 |
| Brand | NICREW |
| Material | Plastic |
| Capacity | 200 Milliliters |
| Operation Mode | Automatic, Manual |
| Power Source | 2 AA Batteries (Included) |
| Target Species | Fish |
| Mounting Options | Freestanding, Rim-mountable (up to 0.9 inches width) |
| Max Daily Feedings | 4 |
| Max Rotations per Feeding | 3 |
Image 5: Dimensional overview of the NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder.
8. Warranty and Support
Specific warranty information for the NICREW Automatic Fish Feeder N15160 is not provided in this manual. Please refer to the product packaging or the manufacturer's official website for detailed warranty terms and conditions.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or inquiries regarding replacement parts, please contact NICREW customer service through their official channels. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the NICREW website.
