Ahhh! I didn;'t even know my post got nuked.
I have X10 appliance modules automating the lights andair on 2 aquariums. Both lights are plugged-into one module, and one large air pump is plugged into another. The pump provides air for both tanks. The two hoses from the air pump go through a control valve before being connected to the powerheads of my undergravel filters. I found it neccessary to use the valves becuase the powerheads did not provide enoigh back pressure to allow the air pump to run quietly. Using the valves also allows me to adjust the air so that the powerheads emitt a fine mist of bubbles.
I have the lights and the air come on 40 minutes before sunrise and go off 20 minutes before sunset. I also have the ability, of course, to manually control them in case I want them on or off for another reason (off for tank maintenance or movie watching).
Anyway, as far as feeding goes....'
I have electronic feeders on each tank, They were $10 each at Wal-Mart. One of the first pair was faulty and was exchanged for another. Beyond that, they work very well. The only thing is that you have to ensure that flake food is relatively small (I'd say at least half the diameter of the feeder opening) to ensure it runs unclogged. The technique I use is to put 2 parts flake and 1 part pellet food in each feeder, then shake the feeder. The pelleted food crushes the flake food into proper sized flakes, and also provides mass that helps the food mix pass through the feeder efficiently. It's also important to keep the feeders away from aquarium air sources, because they'll intoduce tiny bits of water into the feeder and cause it to clog.
Currently the feeders work off of 1.5v batteries (1 each). I eventually plan to adapt them to share a wallwart, that I may have to use a resistor on or something to get the power just right.
I'd also like to modify them to make them more accessable. Currentyl the clamp on the back of the tank and hang over the back opening. The drum that contains the food canbe removed, as can be the motor/battery case, leaving only the clamp attached tothe tank. Unfortunately, my tanks are so close to the wall, that I cannot remove the motor housing without also removing the clamp (undergravel tanks let you put the tanks right up against a wall). The feeders can also be used without the clamp, as the motor housing can rest on the back side of a tank with the drum hanging over an opening, but then the cat can knock it into the tank....
