Repashy Super Foods Discussion thread!

[msjinkzd]

Please post any discussion here.

I will be receiving my first shipment of food in the next few days. Keep in mind, I can get any diet from the SuperFoods line (herp diets as well). Sizes larger than 4 oz I will have to special order, as I got in the smaller bags to start out. I am happy to do this, just let me know!

Packages can be shipped first class or priority.

[msjinkzd]

Here are some examples of different sized fish eating the foods.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736603&d=1326673684&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736603&d=1326673684)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736602&d=1326673682&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736602&d=1326673682)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736604&d=1326673686&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736604&d=1326673686)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736605&d=1326673688&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736605&d=1326673688)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736606&d=1326673691&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736606&d=1326673691)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736607&d=1326673693&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736607&d=1326673693)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736608&d=1326673695&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736608&d=1326673695)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736609&d=1326673697&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736609&d=1326673697)
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736610&d=1326673757&thumb=1 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=736610&d=1326673757)

I use it in many ways beyond just blocks. I paint it onto driftwood for plecos to graze on, dip terra cotta discs into it for aufwuchs grazers, and fill snails shells with it for some other fish.

[TL1000RSquid]

Another thing to add to what I want to order when the temps go up. Heard any feedback from puffer owners about the meat gel? So far my new dwarf's only want live food.

[msjinkzd]

the onlly fish in my vast collection that has refused the foods are Rhinogobious zhoui, who are totally prey driven.

[happypoet]

Rachel,
I may have missed this in your big post, but when will you have them available to sell?
Edit: Whoops! Next few days! Nevermind :) I'll pm ya to give it a try.

[msjinkzd]

yup! Thanks :) I can order any of the reptile diets as well, or supplements, found at the repashy site.

[Lab_Rat]

How messy is it with larger fish? I can just picture some of my bigger guys washing a lot of it out through their gills and the ensuing mess. Right now I feed smaller pellets to avoid this problem.

[toddnbecka]

When it's available I'd like to try a small package of all but the shrimp formula. Even in the largest size it's still twice the price of NLS pellets, and those seem to be a great staple diet for my fish. Is there any advantage in feeding them gel foods that are 75% water?

[msjinkzd]

How messy is it with larger fish? I can just picture some of my bigger guys washing a lot of it out through their gills and the ensuing mess. Right now I feed smaller pellets to avoid this problem.

I have not fed it to my full-sized cichlids. I am still using pellets for them. It would be invaluable for cichlidfry.


When it's available I'd like to try a small package of all but the shrimp formula. Even in the largest size it's still twice the price of NLS pellets, and those seem to be a great staple diet for my fish. Is there any advantage in feeding them gel foods that are 75% water?
Well, this question came up on another thread, where Allen himself answered, so I am going to quote his answers, if you don't mind.

Hi Everyone,

I would just like to clarify a few things since I personally developed the formulas......

First, as far as nutritional analysis, with, or without water. The water content is irrelevant. All scientific comparisons are made using DMB "Dry Matter Basis" Products that are sold premixed with water are required for labeling purposes to report the moisture content of the product. Dry products must report on their labels the nutrient levels "As sold" Mazuri provides both levels in their secondary publications for convenience so that it can be compared to hydrated meat products.

Most living organisms are 80-85% water.

Saying that water reduces the level of protein in a food is silly. That is like saying if you have a glass of water with your meal, that you are reducing your protein intake. The water level is irrelevant. it does not effect digestion of nutrients and is actually a lot more natural than feeding something that is dehydrated because it has to pull water from whatever is eating it saturate it before it can be digested. A naturally hydrated product is much easier to digest for this reason.

A dried flake food, a second or two after it hits the water, is saturated to the same level as the gel. A pellet is slower to absorb water, but quickly will also be 2/3 water. The fact that pellets do not absorb water quickly is one of the negative things about pellets. Consuming dry food is not natural for fish, reptiles or even us.

Secondly, I do not use gelatin in my formulas. Gelatin is primarily collagen, a poorly digestible protein. Gelatin also has to be refrigerated to "set" the gel. My formula uses a combination of soluble plant fiber gums and I have come up with a combination that is less than 5% of the formula. This allows me to use no glutens, starches, or any other poorly digestible ingredients in my formulas.

I am actually finishing up my press release tomorrow, as well as updating my website, so a lot more information about the products will be available very soon. The official release of the line is February 1st, so Ted jumped the gun as far as me having much information online, or having the final formulas and analysis on my site. I worked with quite a few breeders and hobbyists developing the line and using their useful feedback to fine tune the formulas and it was a big help. Those of you who might know me from the reptile hobby will already know how important real world breeder and keeper feedback is to me. I spent a lot of time working on this new line, and think that if you guys give it a try, you will find it has a lot to offer. I do not claim that it will replace flake or pellet foods, but I do believe that in many situations, it is better than either.

It really is easy to make, and am quite interested in hearing feedback of all kinds, from anyone who tries it. I wouldn't have moved forward on this project if it wasn't for the encouragement of the people who tested it. I never rest, and consider my products under constant development, I have spent considerable time researching and sourcing my ingredients and have a no expense spared philosophy when it comes to selection.

Thanks for listening! Allen RepashyIf you wanted to read the different arguments and responses that have come up about the water and binders, the full thread can be found here: http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?455488-Repashy-Superfood-%28for-cichlids%29/page3
The full nutritional values and breakdowns can be found in my sticky

[msjinkzd]

Please note, I just realized I can reduce pricing a little. Anyone who had ordered will get a partial refund to show the adjusted rates http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/images/smilie/icon_smile.gif
2 oz packet $7 = $4/oz = ~makes approximately 1 lb of food
4 oz packet $10 = $3/oz =~ makes approximately 2 lb of food
8 oz packet $18 = $2.5/oz = ~makes approximately 4lb of food
16 oz packet $28 = $2/oz = ~makes approximately 8 lb of food
64 oz packet = $60 = $1.09/oz =~makes approximately 32 lb of food[/B]

[msjinkzd]

few more pics:
blueberry and assassins
189847
bumble bee shrimp
189851
ember tetras nad pygmaeus
189848
yellow shrimp
189849
amano shrimp
189850
meteor minnows and cruciatus
189852
roseline barbs
189853
Otos and S. barbatus
189854

[TL1000RSquid]

What are the Oto's eating Soilent?

[msjinkzd]

yes

[biotopeguy]

Hi Rachel,

I am interest in trying these food out for micropredator fishes like dario dario. Have you tried out any them on the various dario species? If so which one and how do they like it? Thanks.

[msjinkzd]

You know, I offered it to them yesterday. I am not really sure why i had not tried it previously. Unfortunately, I got busy with life, nd didn't see if they directly ate it. That being said, all the food was gone today. I offered meat pie.

[happypoet]

I just want to add what I have observed so far.
The following have eaten soilent green:
Panda Garras (they LOVE it), Stiphodon (rainbow, orange-fin, atratus), Aussie Desert Gobies, blue pearl shrimp, reticulated hillstream loaches.

This food will be the primary staple of my river tank.

[vwill279]

I see that you have to make it. Does it come with instructions? Also, does it go bad before and/or after it has been "made"? I only have the one oto right now and though I plan to get a few more buddies for him, I am waiting for James' tank raised ones to be ready since my LFS cant seem to get good oto stock in right now. I dont want to buy a pound worth of food for him if its just going to go bad.

[happypoet]

It's a powder, you so only make as much as you need. It's very easy to make and does come with instructions.

[msjinkzd]

I see that you have to make it. Does it come with instructions? Also, does it go bad before and/or after it has been "made"? I only have the one oto right now and though I plan to get a few more buddies for him, I am waiting for James' tank raised ones to be ready since my LFS cant seem to get good oto stock in right now. I dont want to buy a pound worth of food for him if its just going to go bad.

It can be refrigerated for a few weeks, or frozne for up to 6 months. You can make as little or as much as you want, just follow the basic ratio. 2 oz makes about a pound of food, but the food is stable dry for at least a year, then could be made then frozen for another 6 months. I also sell otos, and am VERY proud of my success rate upon importation (over 99%) and shipping rate (almost 100%).

It's a powder, you so only make as much as you need. It's very easy to make and does come with instructions.
Yup! It comes with instructions for sure :)

[tomany]

I had tried Wadley, ken's, just fish stuff,and hikari algae and spirulina wafer for my plecos, with no luck. They are all over the soilent green. The shrimp love it too.
Great stuff:)

[msjinkzd]

Wonderful!

[amyjod2]

Hi Rachel...

This food is really awesome. Just received it yesterday and within an hour everyone in the tank was eating it. Was wondering, have you found that you are now feeding this only? Are you still supplementing with other fish food?
I will be sending you another order for more of the food because this seems to be the best way to feed.

Amy

[msjinkzd]

I feed this exclusively to any grazer/herbivore. I use some frozen and live still, mainly for wild caught fish that need to be fattened up asap, then transitioned to prepared foods.

[bushynoseburton]

Rachel,
This food is awesome!! Everyone in the tanks are eating it!! Not sure if I want to feed them everyday with it but they will get there 1-2 portions a week.... I am also glad to see that you out of all the people selling the product is far cheaper!!! Before you even did your price drop you still was cheaper than anyone else.... I will be ordering more when my supply slowly runs low... Once again thank you for what all you do!!!

[msjinkzd]

My pleasure! Spread the word :D

[kianna]

I was considering trying some. Seems like the same concept as snail jello. I have a couple of questions though.

1. How long does it take to set up?

2. How long does it stay in its stable form after placed in the tank?

3. Does it cloud up the water at all?

4. What are the mixing directions? Just curious if it can be easily mixed up in small portions.

[msjinkzd]

I was considering trying some. Seems like the same concept as snail jello. I have a couple of questions though.

1. How long does it take to set up?just a few minutes

2. How long does it stay in its stable form after placed in the tank?at least 24 hours, i have left it up to 72 hours.

3. Does it cloud up the water at all?Not in my experience

4. What are the mixing directions? Just curious if it can be easily mixed up in small portions.
Basically three parts water to 1 part powder

[amyjod2]

Hey Rachel,

What do you think about using Rapashy Calcium plus in one of your cookie recipes for snails.

Amy

[MisaHasTheEyes]

Warning: I found that Repashy is great for getting fish in the mood to spawn.

This is a good thing if you have both genders or nonaggressive fish. Hoplos apparently don't fall into the latter category when sex is on the brain. Unfortunately my zebras haven't taken the same stance, but a friend of mine has fed Repashy to all of his fish and found even SAEs and otos spawning after a few weeks of this diet.