davelin315 January 7, 2008 Share January 7, 2008 While cleaning out a cabinet I came across multiple containers of Alum powder, used in cooking, that I used to make play dough when I was teaching 2nd grade. I know that it is used to create jellied foods, but I am not sure if it's safe for a marine aquarium. It's obviously food grade, but since it's made of aluminum among other things, I am trying to figure out if I can use it to gel foods together that I blend. Here's a link to the actual product: http://www.mccormick.com/productdetail.cfm?id=6408 I was hoping someone with some chemical expertise could chime in here. Obviously since agar is made from red sea weed it is preferable, but since I have all of this stuff, I thought I'd ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhoch January 7, 2008 Share January 7, 2008 Why would you want to jel it? So you wouldn't freeze it? How long would it keep? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davelin315 January 7, 2008 Author Share January 7, 2008 I would freeze it, but the alum would hopefully hold the mixture together in clumps so that the fish could eat the whole thing rather than have it all fall apart when it is added to the tank and thaws. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhoch January 7, 2008 Share January 7, 2008 Hmmm I've never really found that to be much of an issue (but maybe you grind your food more than I do) Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandy7200 January 7, 2008 Share January 7, 2008 (edited) the reason agar works is that it can be frozen without breaking down. Ever freeze jello? If you did, you would find it breaks down, not that collagen is a real good thing to be feeding your fish. never used alum, but I wouldn't start, agar is cheap and I don't know if it alum breaks down in the freezer or not.. Edited January 7, 2008 by dandy7200 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davelin315 January 7, 2008 Author Share January 7, 2008 Thanks Dan! I was hoping you would respond! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ward January 7, 2008 Share January 7, 2008 If you're interested. ALUM is hydrated aluminum potassium sulfate: KAl(SO4)2.12H2O Potassium Alum is the common alum of commerce. They are soluble in water; have an astringent, acid, and sweetish taste; react acid to litmus. When heated they liquefy; and if the heating is continued, the water of crystallization is driven off, the salt froths and swells, and at last an amorphous powder remains. Unless you're a chemist, I'd stick with the seaweed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fry_school101 January 8, 2008 Share January 8, 2008 The gentleman that initially helped me get my tank set up feeds his fish with jellied fish food that he makes. He says it's much better and doesn't cause so much waste or deteriorate the water quality as quickly since there is no "dust" when feeding. He freezes the cubes for storage. . . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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