FRITZ Invertebrate Banquet Feedback

[miken]

How is everyone doing?

I'm currently working on the repackaging of Fritz Invertebrate Banquet, I know quite a few of the MAAST people have tried this product through Austin Aquariums and I am looking for some feedback on it. Good, Bad or Indifferent.

Thanks,
Mike Noce
Fritz Industries

[MikeP]

Mike - I like this product but a few things to make it better.

1. The top/dispenser is a PITA to use without clogging. I usually end up taking the screw top off and using a pipette to administer the food singe the spout clogs so easily.

2. Though it seems to work well with a wide variety of corals I found out that when feeding it full strength make sure it doesn't clump up and land on a coral - this happened to one of my brain corals (trachyphyllia geoffryoi?) a small glob of it fell on to the coral as I was basting it in the tank - I didn't think anything of it till next day the spot where the glob fell on it had 'burned' the tissue away leaving about a dime size area of skeleton. It healed upwithing a week or so but I tested it again just to make sure on a pearl coral and had same results - if it manages to toubh the coral full strength it seems to burn/eat the tissue for some reason.

Other than that I am very pleased with it and have made it the staple in my tank.

[Tim Marvin]

I had the same problem as Mike. I have not used it again, but would try it if you wanted to send me a sample of it in the new package.

[captexas]

I've never used it, but I think Jim Norris has used it and liked it if I remember correctly. I think he spoke highly of the Fritz products. The only place I have even seen it is at Austin Aquariums. Never here in San Antonio.

[Charley]

Hey Mike, good to hear from you again.

I too have noticed the issue with the globs on a coral, as MikeP has. I have not had this happen if I remove some tank water, and stir it up real well before dosing. It also seems to occur if directly dosed into a sump and allowed to be pumped in via return pump (Ben’s old OC 135).

As we have discussed in the past (and MikeP mentioned here) the new package will be a welcome change. You had spoken of a bottle type before, is there anyway we can get a sneak-peek of the new packaging?

In addition, as a retailer, I would love to have a nice looking label (one with a green Octo would be best chuckle).

Take care,
Charley

[Henry]

If I remember correctly I had seen a couple of bottles of this over at Fintique a while back but not recently.

[miken]

Thanks for the feedback. The product is going to be in a squeeze type bottle (like hand lotion) with a wider dispenser so there will be no more clogging. (I did not work here when the product was first introduced, so I'm unsure why they chose that bottle cap config for such a thick product.)

I'm going to have the product mixed and blended better so that there is a smaller, more uniform particle size.

From your feedback I am going to suggest in the directions that the product be mixed with a cup up tank water and then introduced.

I'll get a picture of the new packaging up early next week and will send the people who participated in this discussion a sample of the product once I have the new packaging complete.

Except you Charlie! :lol2:

Thanks!
MIKE

[TexasState]

I have never used Fritz, but other thick frozen bottle coral food(IA) warned of not dosing directly, it should be swirled in a cup of water instead. This allows for a more uniform spread after it's been put inside the tank.

[Ed]

Mike,

Glad to hear about the new packaging. I never had any clumping issues, but I always took the cap off and dumped a capful in front of a powerhead and let it swirl around the tank. Made the tank cloudy for a bit, but maybe my lazy approach worked this time. A squeeze bottle and finer mixture should defintely help. I'll try it again when the new packaging comes out.

-Ed

[Jimnorris]

Yes I use the Fritz Invert food. I works! Fritz by far is the best company for Aqua needs I have ever dealt with! One of their best products (they have many) is their chillers. The RA680 I have is the top of the line! The employees of Fritz always want to be the best, as shown here in this thread. You talk about a club meeting I would love to see their operation(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim

[georgetownreefer]

I also use the Fritz Invert food and it is great my animals go crazy when I put it in the water I use the cap to dose it.....I agree that the spout gets clogged I would love to see the new bottle....

Misty

[Charley]

I'll get a picture of the new packaging up early next week and will send the people who participated in this discussion a sample of the product once I have the new packaging complete.

Except you Charlie! :lol2:

Thanks!
MIKE

Be nice Mike! :scold: I know where you work. hehe

Will have to come see you guys once I am back in Dallas.

Charley

[1salt]

This product sounds really good, Is there a web link? I want to know more.

[Charley]

Fritz Saltwater Additives:

http://www.fritzpet.com/saltwateradd.html

Charley

[Sherri]

I also have never used it...I've never seen it here in San Antonio...

Sherri

[alexwolf]

i am also interested in some of this food.....

[texasranchers]

Mike, I just contacted Andy a few weeks ago and explained that I really got hooked on the Fritz Invertabrate Banquet. When I ran out I had a problem of finding it in San Angelo, Odessa, Midland, Abilene, and Dallas area. It is wonderful for my anemone. The only problem I can see are the ones already mentioned to you such as the cap and the clump. Good things do come in small packages. I wouldn't mind seeing a little bigger bottle. The other great thing I like about the Banquet is that you can store it in a cabinet. NO REFRIGERATION. Anymore my husband goes to the refrigerator and asks me if a container is ours or the fish. :lol: My goodness, I never should have started on Fritz Invertabrate Banquet. I'm usually sort of quiet.

[texasranchers]

One more thing...

You talk about a club meeting I would love to see their operation(s)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jim

I want to second that!!

[miken]

Wanted to let you guys know I have a picture fot he new packaging for Fritz's Invert Food. See pic at http://www.fritzpet.com/saltwateradd.html

I know Austin Aquariums will be carrying it. I'm not sure about stores in San Antonio. Ask your local stores to carry Fritz products and I will send out samples for them to try (or to give to their customers). We sell direct to dealer so stores can contact Fritz directly to purchase product without having to go througha distributor.

Tim Marvin, Joshua, captexas, Henry, texasranchers,alexwolf, Sherri, 1salt
georgetownreefer, Joshua, Jimnorris, Charley, MikeP

Send me you info and I will get you guys a sample.

Thanks,
MIKE

[Jimnorris]

Mike,
That is an OUTSTANDING package and new bottle design!
Jim

[texasranchers]

WOW!! I like that!
TR

[Henry]

Mike,
That new bottle looks great.

Thanks

Henry

[Sherri]

Looks easy to dispense....great look!

Thanks -

Sherri

[Tim Marvin]

You can send mine to Jim's place since I am close to there. That way you won't have the extra shipping. Thank you very much. Do you guys make fish foods also? I need to buy about $100 worth and just wondering before I go to my regular wholesalers. Your much closer than L.A.

[texasranchers]

miken, UPS just delivered my free Fritz Invertabrate Banquet. I've already used it. The bottle is easy to hold. Great idea to put a pin in the flip cap to keep the hole from clogging. New instructions for the user, just like you said you would do. Wow, a good thing just got gooder!!

[Sherri]

Mike...Just received mine also...ditto what texasranchers said. Also...I got an immediate reaction by a bunch of my polyps. I'll keep you updated. Really appreciate the opportunity to try it out.

Sherri :D

[1salt]

Mike got mine!!!! My tank loves this stuff...

[miken]

Thanks for the positive feedback. Mike at Austin Aquariums just ordered a case of the product so I know it is available there.

Thanks everyone.
MIKE

[alexwolf]

can you get someone to order it here in SA? I may order one to sell to the people if nothing else.....

[miken]

Alex,

You'll have to ask your favorite store to contact Fritz to order it.
1-800-955-1323

[1salt]

Fintique off of West Ave. sales it but they have the old bottles on the shelf... ;)

[Ed]

I know Austin Aquariums will be carrying it.


Austin Aquariums received the first shipment in the new packaging today.

It runs $10/tube.

-Ed

[Tim Marvin]

As usual top notch! Easy to use bottle and good delivery system. Anything that settles to the bottom and doesn't get mixed by shaking is right at the opening. Good idea to put the spout at the bottom! Just the right sized opening also. THANK YOU!

[Henry]

Thanks Mike, I was just looking at the bottle and just as Tim said great idea to put to opening at the bottom, love it looks great. By the way did I say THANK YOU!

Thanks

Henry

[Henry]

Does anystore in SA sell the new bottle? I'm about ready for some more. Has there been a sighting in san antonio?

Henry

P.S. Great product Mike..

[Ed]

Henry,

I'll be headed to Floresville for Turkey Day. Be glad to bring you (and anyone else that is interested) a bottle if you don't find it locally before then. We have the new bottle for $10 and a few remaining of the old style for $7.50 at AA.

HTH,

-Ed

[GaryP]

I'm currently usuing Zooplex. Does nayone have any comparitive experience with it vs. the Fritx product? The fact that it is thicker sounds like you are getting more bang for your buck. More goody and less water. I'm definitely all for that! I'd definitely be interested in trying it. I might make a run down to Fintique today and get some of the old package and give it a try. I've seen it down there and taken a look at it. I'm just about out of Zooplex and needed to get some new stuff anyway.

Gary