How to Program Imagitarium Fish Feeder | Setup in 5 Steps

Programming the Imagitarium AF-66 feeder takes about five minutes using the Mode, Adjust, and Set buttons to configure the clock and up to four daily feeding times.

Learning how to program Imagitarium fish feeder correctly is the difference between a stress-free vacation and returning to hungry fish or a clogged drum. The AF-66 model runs on two AAA batteries, stores up to four feeding times, and uses a simple three-button interface. Here is exactly how to set it up, what to avoid, and how to test it before you rely on it. If you are still shopping for a unit, our roundup of the best automatic feeder for fish compares the top options on the market.

What the Imagitarium AF-66 Offers

The Imagitarium Automatic Fish Feeder model AF-66 is a budget-friendly, battery-operated feeder sold at Petco and on Amazon for about $23. It works on both open and hooded aquariums and accepts dry flakes or pellets only. The table below covers the key specs you need to know before programming.

Programming Your Imagitarium Fish Feeder: The Button Sequence That Works

The AF-66 uses three front-panel buttons — Mode, Set, and Adjust — and a Manual button on the side. Follow these steps in order every time.

Step 1: Install the Batteries

Slide off the bottom battery flap. Insert two AAA batteries — one facing up, one facing down — then close the flap. The display lights up immediately. A reversed battery is the most common reason the unit stays dead on arrival.

Step 2: Set the Current Clock Time

Press Mode until the right-side clock (the current time display) starts flashing. Press Adjust to set the hour, then press Set. Press Adjust again to set the minutes, then press Set. If you skip this step, your feeding times will fire at the wrong actual hours.

Step 3: Program Each Feeding Time

Press Mode to switch to the left clock — that is Feeding Time 1. Press Set and the hours flash. Use Adjust to pick the hour (for example 8:00 AM), then press Set. Press Set again and the minutes flash — use Adjust to set them, then press Set. Now the rotation arrows appear: one arrow means one drum spin, two arrows mean two spins. Press Adjust to choose, then press Set to lock it in.

Step 4: Add More Feedings or Stop

Press Mode to move to Feeding Time 2, 3, or 4 and repeat the same hour/minute/rotation sequence. To skip any slot — for example if you only want three feedings — press Mode past it until the display returns to the clock.

Step 5: Fill the Drum and Mount

Pour dry flakes or pellets into the drum. Rotate the drum so its tab aligns with the marker on the feeder body, then press it into place and secure the clamp. Mount the feeder directly above the area where your fish gather at feeding time.

Step 6: Test With the Manual Button

Press the Manual button on the side of the unit. The drum spins once and releases food. If the portion looks too large or too small, adjust the drum tab position before your first scheduled feeding. A successful test run tells you the feeder is ready to operate on its own.

Common Mistakes That Break the Feeder

A few errors account for nearly every failure with the AF-66. The table below shows what to avoid and what happens when you do it wrong.

The official manual is available on Imagitarium’s AF-66 product page, which also lists compatible accessories and mounting parts.

How Much Food Does the AF-66 Dispense Per Spin?

One rotation of the drum drops roughly a quarter-teaspoon of standard fish flakes, depending on flake size and how tightly you packed the drum. Two rotations drop about double that. Test the portion using the Manual button and adjust accordingly — your fish’s species and size determine the right amount, not the feeder’s default.

FAQs