Homemade mush..Is it safe?

[Woodstock]

I make my own homemade mush and have for a long time. I use many different types of FRESH ingredients (salmon, red tuna, white tuna, scallops, clams, shrimp, cyclopeeze, nori and freshly pressed garlic). Since I am using fresh fish flesh in it, is it safe to use? When I freeze the mush, is it indeed killing any disease or parasites that may be present?

[mps9506]

I'd honestely be suprised if you had any problems after freezing the stuff.

BTW, your tank is getting fed well. The only place tuna ends up in my house is on the grill or seared before getting baked
We used to use frozen restraunt quality squid and frozen mullet from the local seafood places. Lot cheaper, although the squid requires lots of cleaning.

[Craig Manoukian]

Freezing will not kill all pathogens, think of the arctic poles. However, mush is widely used and I haven't seen a lot of discussion of problems when feeding homade meaty food preparations.

[Woodstock]

Thanks for the replies

I'm just trying to figure out why my large CBB seems to be suffering from gill flukes. I have not added anything new in a loooong time.... except chocolate chip stars for my harlequin shrimp. I wonder if the smaller CBB is stressing out the larger one.... hummm... they don't fight but the little one is a spaso and swims circles around the big one which would get on my nerves...

[Craig Manoukian]

Hope these help Doni!

http://www.fishdoc.co.uk/disease/flukes.htm

http://www.geocities.com/steevward/dactyls.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_or_Gill_Flukes

http://www.fishbase.org/Diseases/Dis...cfm?discode=32

[Woodstock]

Thanks Craig.. karma to you for great links but I already know about flukes; I was trying to determine if the mush was introducing parasites/eggs

[Rougiem]

Woody:

Craig is correct in freezing pathogens. In many cases it just puts them in a preserved state much like the food your making. When the conditions become favorable to them they can come to life. Many species of bacteria and parasites (one celled -more complex organisms) are able to survive extreme conditions. And the marine environment is teeming with them.

My question to you is this: Have you changed the source of any of your ingredients lately? Bought them from another store ect... That is one place I would begin if you are concerned this is the cause. If is one or 2 items that would certainly be easier. A little detective work on your part but may provide you with the answers you seek.

Hope that helps...

Cheers!

[Woodstock]

Thanks Rodger. Bummer... I was afraid of that ...


(same store, same types of ingredients)

[Sharkbait]

I remember being told by a marine biologist once that even with the best intentions homemade food(s) are very risky.All hobbist marine food goes through a radiation process to take care of pathogens.He also said salmon wouldn't be a good choice due to thier oils in the tissues,and its effects on H20 quality, but any white fish like,Halibut or Sole would be more suited for feeding.I use to do the mush thing myself until I had met him and discussed it at length.

[Cougra]

It is also possible the flukes come in with the stars that you are feeding to the shrimp is they were held in a tank that had flukes in it as well.

[Witfull]

and to add one more twist. gill flukes, like any other pathogen, can remain in a tank. but given a stressor, they will multiply. (ie. Ich) are you sure its just Fantasia that has them? this i would doubt. due to parasitic infestations rarely limit themselves to only one host, unless that host is contantly weakened.

another concern involving treatment. copper is the best was to readicate flukes, BUT it is also Known for gill damage.

but im seriously doubting the mush as an introducer. some how flukes got in, and are maintaining.

tell your evil thieving shrimp to get to work,,LOL

[mojoreef]

Shark bait can you share some of the concerns my friend??

Mike

[Woodstock]

This answer to this is very important to me. If homemade mush offers potential parasite introduction, I will have change their feeding regimen

[Woodstock]

Originally Posted by Cougra

It is also possible the flukes come in with the stars that you are feeding to the shrimp is they were held in a tank that had flukes in it as well.

Very possible..... Thanks!

[mojoreef]

I am not sure Doni, I have been feeding mush for a couple of decades, and to be honest I have never had any parasites?? not even ich in my tank??


Mike