Nathan Hill checks out two new clicker dispensers for feeding tropical and goldfish food.
The concept of the clicker isn’t new, but whether it’s been about for just one year or 50 it’s still a good idea — on two counts.
The first is better hygiene. I’ve often been feeding my fish and moved on to something else — like having a snack — only to realise that I’d not washed my hands in between.
The second bonus regards food quality. One of the fastest killers of dried fish foods is dampness, especially the kind that finds its way in when you’re putting your fingers back in the pot for the second or third pinch of food.
Once damp, then moulds, aflatoxins, and other nasties soon follow.
Each 'click' of the feeder produces about 10-15 small tropical pellets, so there’s little risk of an overfeed with one serving. If smaller quantities are required, the lid of the feeder can be opened accordingly.
Two foods currently sit in my lap: tropical and coldwater versions. The coldwater pellets are double the size of the tropical, and there’s a different make-up between the two.
The tropical version is fish-heavy and has a protein level of what I consider a high 47%. The goldfish pellets are lower at 37% and appear more cereal based, with wheat featuring highly in its composition.
However, the pellets seem determined to float, regardless of what I do, which will be fine for most fish, but could cause a little trapped wind in goldfish.
Verdict
Give me a faster sinking version and I’ll be all over it. As it stands for now I’m too dubious to feed it to goldies.
Prices: For tropical £3.99, goldfish £3.49.
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