algae gel food mix reviews & discussion

Got it last night! Stupid, kitchen-illiterate me decided to not check this thread first and dive in with the boiling water mix...didn't let it set long enough and poured it on one of my larger river rocks...bad idea. LOL.

Everyone still looks interested in the mix, but I don't think the consistency is right with what I did. Too powdery still.

I hope to get it right tomorrow so I'll keep you updated!
 
Got it yesterday! Thanks Megan! Have not made it yet, but will soon. Going to feed the snails in my W/D first. See how they do...

What was the initial measurement (weight) in the pouch?

Does it have agar agar or unflavored knox?

-Aaron
 
jpappy789 said:
Got it last night! Stupid, kitchen-illiterate me decided to not check this thread first and dive in with the boiling water mix...didn't let it set long enough and poured it on one of my larger river rocks...bad idea. LOL.

Everyone still looks interested in the mix, but I don't think the consistency is right with what I did. Too powdery still.

I hope to get it right tomorrow so I'll keep you updated!
Click to expand...

I clearly need to write better instructions. So many people have had problems getting it to set. I really appreciate everyone's patience and feedback while we sort it out!

tyler79durdan said:
Got it yesterday! Thanks Megan! Have not made it yet, but will soon. Going to feed the snails in my W/D first. See how they do...

What was the initial measurement (weight) in the pouch?

Does it have agar agar or unflavored knox?

-Aaron
Click to expand...

The samples were all 1 tablespoon, which should make about 1/4 cup of prepared gel.

I use agar, not gelatin, because agar is plant-based and sets at room (and tank) temperature.
 
It has agar, she got it from here:
http://www.bulkfoods.com
Just a note, unflavored gelatin would work and be much cheaper. For 20 oz of agar, it's about $32, for 22 oz of unflavored gelatin(e), it would be about $13.

Edit: Sorry, I tried Tiny URLing that link (which linked directly to the agar) but AC doesn't like Tiny URL it seems :(
 
platytudes said:
Just a note, unflavored gelatin would work and be much cheaper.
Click to expand...

It certainly would. I prefer agar (for the reasons previously mentioned), but I've thought about offering the mixes without agar so people can add their own gelling agent.
 
I know you prefer the agar, but have you (or anyone else) tried with the gelatin? Do the fish attack it with the same amount of gusto?
 
In my opinion about the instructions...

I make DIY foods, and one thing I am gonig to do with my batch is, mix the "mix" with one TBSP cool water of appropriate proportions, and slowly stir in the cool mix into the 3 TBSP boiling water while stiring constantly. I will then bring the entire mix to a low temp boil and stir for a few minutes. Once i have a consistent dissolved consistency, i will turn off stove and package into a container of my choice (like a beverage lid or pasted on a rock...) I have noticed that if you add a cool mix to boiling water you get a better "set".

I will try it soon and let you know my results using this method of preparation.

-Aaron
 
conbrio said:
I know you prefer the agar, but have you (or anyone else) tried with the gelatin? Do the fish attack it with the same amount of gusto?
Click to expand...

I have used gelatin, but I've never really done a comparison. I think I still have some unflavored gelatin at home. I'll try a side-by-side test tonight. Personally, I'm sticking with agar regardless, but I'll let you all know how it goes. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom