Site news
Date added: Mar 5, 2013 Peach, Mango and NOW Banana Crested Gecko Diet returns, Exclusively at Northern Gecko in Canada!
We have great news! For those of you who have missed the Crested Gecko diet in flavours, we are now carrying CGD in Peach, Mango and now BANANA. No one else in Canada can offer you these flavours. If you gecko misses these flavours, pick some up today. Available in 4 oz., 16 oz. and 64 oz. bag sizes.
Date added: Nov 6, 2012 Shopping Cart Upgrade and your Points.
Our shopping cart has been recently upgraded. While most users information and points associated with thier accounts have been transfered to the new cart, some of our most recent customers might not have made the transfer and you may find your account is missing. If you fall into this catergory and you find that your account is no longer on the site, please create a new account for yourself and contact us to let us know you had a previous account with points from a previous sales. We will be able to verify and look up the amount of point you had and credit them to your newly created account.
We are sorry for the disruption this may have caused to your shopping experience as we work to better your interaction with your shopping system.
The Management @ Northern Gecko!
Date added: Sep 7, 2012 Pet-Tech Maganturals & Habi-scape Products now Exclusively Distributed in Canada by Northern Gecko!
Northern Gecko is proud to announce the return of Magnaturals and Habi-scape products from Pet-Tech! We are the only authorized wholesale distributor for Pet-Tech in Canada. If you have seen these products before, you know how unique and amazing they are as cage accessories. Magnaturals allow you some very unique applications for your Reptiles, Amphibians and Invertebrates. Habi-scape products at first might seem redundant with some of the other lines we carry, but the material they use, in my opinion, is far superior. They look more realistic, are light-weight and virtually unbreakable. Have a look at the complete line of Pet-Tech products here
Date added: Jul 6, 2012 Two NEW Repashy Fish Food Gel Products announced!
Now Available in Canada! Check the Repashy Fish Food Gel Section for purchase info!
Spawn & Grow
Conditioning Gel Premix
Our growth and conditioning formula for freshwater and marine omnivorous, insectivorous, and carnivorous fish.
INFORMATION: This formula is designed for Broodstock conditioning and the initial raising of fry. It contains high levels of fat (>14%) and Protein >45%, which gives fish that extra source of energy and nutrients they need to build the reserves required for spawning and fast growth. It is also quite suitable as a “recovery formula” for the acclamation of freshly imported fish that have become malnourished due to the stress of capture and lack of food during holding and transportation. It is designed to be used for conditioning only in most species of omnivores and piscivores . It is not recommended for strict Herbivores. Carnivorous species that specialize in eating insect larvae, eggs, and other high fat food sources, may find this a good staple diet.
It contains high levels of essential fatty acids and a balanced ratio of EPA to DHA. It also contains additional Arachidonic Acid (ARA), which is considered by many to be an essential fatty acid in Marine fish who are not able to synthesize it from the conversion of Alpha Linolenic Acid. ARA has been shown to increase spawning activity, fertility, and fry survival. It has also shown to be valuable in reducing stress. The formula also contains the amino acid Taurine (directly supplemented as 1% of crude protein) , which is now considered by many to be an essential amino acid for many species of carnivorous freshwater and Marine fish . Taurine is a free amino acid that, because it is also has high activity as an anti-oxidant, can quickly be depleted in processed meals. We have doubled the amount of Vitamin C in this formula compared to our regular diets, and we use the highly stable form Ascorbic Acid Phosphate. We also include high amounts of the phospholipid lecithin, (5%) which are essential in the transport of fat throughout the body, aiding in absorption and potentially reducing fatty liver issues.
Super Green
Vegan Algae Gel Premix
Our Formula for Obligate Algae Eating Herbiverous Freshwater Fish and Invertebrates. Contains no animal products.
INFORMATION:
This formula is specifically designed for freshwater green algae grazing species of fish and invertebrates. It contains moderate levels of protein and the first two ingredients are Chlorella and Spirulina Algae. This formula contains no animal based ingredients and is Vegan. This makes it quite different from our “Soilent Green” formula which also contains high levels of green algae, but contains whole fish, squid, and krill ingredients.
True herbivores and algaevores have longer digestive tracts in order to break down plant cell walls and extract the nutrients they encapsulate. Specialized feeders like this can have difficulty processing animal proteins and fats, and they are by no means a large part of their natural diet. Tropheus, Petrochromis, Ancistrus, Otocinclus and many other species of fish, as well as specialized algae eating Shrimp and Snails, should find this an excellent staple diet. Omnivorous species will also enjoy this as part of a varied rotation.
Date added: Jul 6, 2012 Crested Gecko Diet Verson 3.0 now in Canada
Date added: Apr 1, 2012 Seven New Repashy Products Launched in 2012 first quarter in Canada!
Date added: Jan 20, 2012 Repashy Introduces New Line of Fish Food Gels in Canada!
Repashy Press Release
Repashy would like to announce the introduction of a completely new type of fish food for the Hobbyist and Breeder market. This new line is the culmination of several years of research and development that started life as an amphibian diet, and evolved into a fish food line during the course of testing and development.
Repashy has adopted its proprietary gel technology from its reptile line to develop this new line of gel diets. These products are sold as powders that are quickly and easily made into firm gels. The gelling agents are plant-based and there is no need for refrigeration to solidify the gel after preparation.
Repashy’s proprietary gel technology uses soluble algae and plant fibers in a combination that optimizes the gel’s firmness and durability while taking up only 5% of its weight. Typical flake and pellet formulas contain up to 20% binders, and often contain additional fillers, meaning Repashy formulas allow the inclusion of much higher levels of high quality ingredients.
Repashy Gels do a better job of locking in nutrients than flake, pellet, or powdered diets. Water soluble vitamins and other nutrients are locked in the gel matrix and remain stable until broken down in the digestive tract.
Repashy uses Stabilized Vitamin C in all of its formulas.
Repashy uses only the highest quality, whole-animal ingredients available; no “fish meal” or other ingredients that are industry rejected byproducts. We use whole fish, whole squid, and whole krill as the backbone of our fish food except in our vegan formulas.
Repashy Gels use no fillers, added starches, or binders such as wheat middling, wheat gluten, wheat flour, corn meal, corn starch, or other cereal starches. All Repashy formulas are gluten free.
Repashy Gels contain no gelatin, which requires refrigeration to set, and is made of the poorly digestible protein collagen. Gelatin levels in other gel feeds can reach 20% of the total formula. Gluten, which is the most commonly used binder in flake and pellets, is also a poorly digestible protein. Both proteins affect the nutritional analysis and misrepresent the amount of high-quality, bio-available protein in a product. These poorly digestible proteins, as well as starch binders, can contribute to water fouling, can cause intestinal blockage, prevent the absorption of other nutrients, and can promote to the occurrence of bloat.
Repashy Gels use no terrestrial animal proteins. We use only high quality aquatic animal proteins and in combination with highly digestible plant and yeast proteins.
Repashy Gels contain no soy products. Soy contains high levels of trypsin inhibitors (an enzyme necessary to absorb proteins) and isoflavones, which are estrogen-like compounds.
Repashy Gels all contain a combination of more than six high carotenoid ingredients (in the form of our famous “SuperPig” premix) providing a full spectrum of carotenoids. Levels range from 250 ppm to over 500 ppm total carotenoids and are the highest in the industry.
Repashy Gels will remain stable in water for 24-48 hours, which promotes natural grazing compared to the “binge and purge” environment created using once or twice a day feeding with flakes or pellets. Slow feeding permits a naturally slow digestion process which is not possible when feeding large amounts and allowing the stomach to empty between feedings.
Repashy Gels use no artificial food colorings or flavors. Repashy Gels utilize low temperature gelling agents and does not require a full boil for long periods like gelatin or agar. It requires about 85 degree C for only a few minutes to induce gel formation. This prevents nutrient degradation, especially compared to the typical high-heat processes of pellet extrusion or hot drum flaking, which produce the very high heat/steam required to activate starch and gluten based binders.
Repashy Gels are thermo-reversible, meaning if you don’t get a firm gel due to insufficient temperature, you can just reheat and set it again.
Repashy Gels are a very effective way to orally medicate fish. The gel can be heated to the required temperature, and the medication can be mixed in as the gel cools, before it becomes firm. This reduces temperature damage to medications. The medication will remain locked in the gel as long as the gel remains solid. This permits direct intestinal delivery, which is vastly superior to absorption through medicating the water.
Repashy is launching this new line with the first four of a dozen products. Many of the formulas will work equally well for fresh AND salt water fish. We truly believe that this line will change the way that people look and think about fish feeding. We do not believe that this new line will replace flake or pellet food for all applications, but we think you will find it a great compliment, and believe there are applications where it will become the number one choice. We welcome your feedback and are continually working to further develop our products.
Cheers,
Allen Repashy
Date added: Dec 10, 2011 Exo-Terra Brand Products have been added to the site!
Date added: Jul 16, 2011 Vitamin A Plus Released in Canada!
Below are the release notes from Allen regarding this new product that can now be found in the Shopping cart under the "Other Supplements" Category
Hello Everyone,
I am proud to announce the release of an important new product. This product is called "Vitamin A Plus" and it is the first and only powdered Vitamin A supplement for the pet trade
This product provides preformed Vitamin A (Retinol) in the form Retinyl acetate. It also contains Spirulina and Chlorella algae as carriers, which provide beta carotene.
This product is designed to be used similar to calcium/D3 powders and dusted onto insects, or sprinkled onto veggies.
It was primarily designed for therapeutic use in treating Vitamin A deficiencies, and can be used once a week or so as a regular supplement.
Vitamin A deficiency has been shown to be responsible for many herp related ailments. In frogs, poor tadpole development, eye problems, and tongue's that don't work properly have all been shown to be signs of Hypovitamintosis A.
Herbivores are quite susceptible to Vitamin A deficiency because they do not get preformed vitamin A in their vegetarian diets, and most captive diets are not high enough in carotenoids to allow sufficient conversion to usable Vitamin A in the body (Retinol)
Vitamin A deficiency can also can cause a poor immune system response, which can be materialized in sinus and respiratory problems. Swollen eyes and diminished eyesight are also symptoms.
Shedding issues such as stuck or sticky sheds have also been shown to be symptoms of Vitamin A deficiency and can be corrected with therapeutic dosages of Retinol.
I have also been looking into tongue problems in Chameleons that create an inability to extend the tongue normally and my hypothesis is that this could also be a symptom of Vitamin A deficiency.
I have added this product to the store and it is in stock and ready for delivery.
I have also now added the Superfly, Bug Burger, and Hydro-Load products in Jars to the available product list.
Cheers, Allen
LABEL
VITAMIN A PLUS
MICRO-FINE VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENT
NET WEIGHT 5.3 OZ / 150 GR
Our Micro Fine Vitamin A Supplement for Reptiles and Amphibians. Contains Preformed Vitamin A as well as natural ingredients which provide beta carotene.
INFORMATION: Preformed Vitamin A (Retinol) is an essential fat soluble vitamin that in nature comes from animal sources only. Plant sources of Vitamin A such as Beta Carotene and other Carotenoids must be converted into this active animal form to be utilized by the body. Carotenoids can be converted into Retinol by some species given optimal conditions but it has been shown that deficiencies can develop if Preformed Vitamin A is not directly provided in the Retinol form. This Supplement provides Preformed Vitamin A in the form of a spray dried water dispersible Retinyl Acetate powder in combination with natural sources of Beta Carotene derived from algae.
INGREDIENTS: Calcium Carbonate, Fructose Powder, Cellulose Powder (as carriers), Chlorella Algae, Spirulina Algae, Calcium Propionate, Retinyl Acetate, Rosemary and Mixed Tocopherols (as preservatives).
Guaranteed Analysis: Vitamin A (as Retinyl Acetate) 2,000,000 IU/lb.
DIRECTIONS: This product contains high levels of preformed Vitamin A (Retinol). As a regular supplement, it should not be used more than once per week by “dusting” insects, or sprinkling on vegetables at a level of one teaspoon per pound. It can be used therapeutically in higher or more frequent doses to reverse Vitamin A deficiency (Hypovitamintosis A) under Veterinary prescription. Retinol and other fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin D3 can build up in the body. Prolonged over supplementation can lead to toxicity (Hypervitamintosis A) and overdose or kill your specimens.
Date added: Jun 10, 2011 Repashy SuperGel Line Launches in Canada!!!
Welcome to the first two SuperGel Line Products to be launched: HydroLoad and Bug Burger! Check these new products out in the Insect Culturing Supplies Section. Allen has done it again, and created a whole new line of awesome products for your reptiles and amphibians. These products will be available in Canada next week and we are very excited to be offering them for the first time! For those that want to understand the science behind this new SuperGel podcut line, here is some reading info to chew on while you wait for it to land in Canada:
Repashy SuperGel Line.
Development, Product Descriptions, Instructions and Tips.
DEVELOPMENT
This project started in late 2009 with the intention of developing and releasing a line of premade gel formulas. After two years of research and development for reasons explained, it has evolved into a line of “ready to make” gel products.
Stability: Making a stable and high quality gel product is no easy task. It takes extensive research into hydrocolloid stabilizing systems, preservatives, and antioxidants, which requires much trial and error and shelf life testing to gather usable information. The combination of gelling agents is nearly infinite, and must be chosen based on requirements such as viscosity when first mixed, temperature required to fix, temperature stability, pH compatibility, firmness, brittleness, elasticity, rebound, shear, solution concentration, compatibility with proteins, preservatives, the list goes on.
Making a basic gel formula is not a difficult task, but making a shelf stable product that contains decent levels of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats is another matter. After researching current market offerings and extensive testing, I realized that there is quite a compromise between making a product that would be shelf stable for a year at room temperature, and making a formula that has nutritional levels of a complete diet.
To understand this dilemma, we must break down stability into three definitions, physical stability, preservative stability, and nutrient stability.
Physical stability is what makes the gel hold its form. In order to make a gel product that can be cut into a small cube and hold its form while being handled, stacked, or shaken in a container, requires a large amount of gelling agents, such as carrageenan, agar, gelatin, and locust bean gum. The amount of gelling agent required to do this is at minimum, 10-15% of your total formula on a dry matter basis. So much, that you will often see this as the first ingredient listed in the ingredients list (it is required to list ingredients in order of their inclusion levels). Using a large amount of gelling agent means there is less “room” for other ingredients.
Preservative stability is the ability of the gel to resist the growth of mold, fungus, and bacteria. In order to create a product that is shelf stable for a year at room temperature, the amount of chemical preservatives, such as potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, calcium propionate and methylparaben, are extremely high and I question the long term health effects products using these kinds of levels have on animals that eat large amounts of these products. Many preservatives are salts of an acid, which is the active ingredient of the preservative. Some acids, such as citric acid, are available in dehydrated non salt forms and also act as preservatives. The effectiveness of most of these preservatives is highly influenced by the pH of the product. The lower the pH, the more effective most preservatives become. Having a low pH, creates its own problems when it comes to preserving formulas because its byproduct can be a taste that becomes unpalatable to many species, and more importantly, low pH and protein don’t mix well together. Acid is what curdles milk, which is a byproduct of the reaction between the low pH and the proteins. Thus, any combination of low pH and protein can become an issue that requires additional stabilizers, such as pectins and cellulose gums to stabilize even low levels of many proteins.
Nutrient stability is the ability of nutrients to resist oxidation, and the additives that are used to fight oxidation are called antioxidants. Oxidation happens when the food ingredients are exposed to oxygen and moisture, which breaks down these nutrients and destroys their nutritional value and effectiveness. Fats and vitamins are the first to be effected, so most gel formulas contain little, if any fat. Vitamins can quickly oxidize in solution and become of little or no value in any high moisture product in a very short period of time. Vitamin C can oxidize to the point of being immeasurable in a matter of hours in such environments.
After months of research, development, and testing, I came to the conclusion that it would not be possible to create a quality soft gel product that would be nutritionally complete, yet have enough stability to sit on a store shelf for a year’s time. Adding a large amount of preservative to achieve that goal was a compromise I was not willing to make.
One alternative was to resort to pressure canning, which is the only viable long term method to guarantee product stability of high meat and protein products stored in a hydrated form. The process of pressure canning consists of sealing a product in a can and cooking under high pressure and temperature for an extended period of time. Pressure is needed to heat the cans far beyond the boiling point without rupture. This process kills all fungus, mold and bacteria by sterilizing everything in the container and preventing any possibility of contamination via the seal. Failure to reach a high enough temperature for the correct amount of time can cause the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium botulinum to grow, which causes the illness botulism.
Properly canned products can last decades without spoilage due to contamination, but the very process that creates this ability has its own downfalls. The high temperatures required to sterilize the container and its product, can negatively affect many nutrients. More importantly, the pre-canned product in its hydrated form, can quickly begin to oxidize and breakdown. Many canned products that contain fats and proteins, still contain high levels of preservatives that have been used to keep the product from spoiling prior to canning.
After all this hard work, it was a bit of a letdown to come to the realization that I couldn’t make the product I wanted..., but instead of failure, I looked at it as an opportunity to take what I learned and create a different kind of product.
There are many benefits to a gelled product. You can create a gel that has the palatability of a piece of fresh fish or meat, but you can balance and fortify the product with essential ingredients that are not found in a slab of meat. The palatability of gel formulas far surpasses that of dry extruded feeds, rehydrated dry feeds, and powdered feeds. Dry products mixed into a slurry can be good for some species, but they have a tendency to be very messy, and don’t have the mouth feel that some species require.
I decided that if I couldn’t long term stabilize the formulas that I worked so hard to develop, that I wouldn’t compromise and change the formula. I had no desire to put out a product that was shelf stable, but lacking in nutrition, and chock full of preservatives, even though, there clearly is a market for these products, as evidenced by the existing lines that have long been selling in stores.
In my quest to be able to offer a highly nutritious product in a gel form, I came to the conclusion that there was only one way to do it, even if it required a little extra work on the part of the consumer. A few minutes of work I am betting the educated consumer is willing to do. Repashy Superfoods have always been geared toward animal keepers who have taken the time to educate themselves to properly care for their animals. I believe that as caretakers for our charges, it is our responsibility to learn all we can about how to provide the best care and nutrition possible. It is this no-compromise philosophy that I have used to research and developed all my products.
Given the fact that our dry formulas have excellent stability, I decided that the answer to making ideal diets would require that consumers mix the dry formulas with water to convert them into a gel. Although the formulas contain preservatives and antioxidants to keep the products stable for a number of days or even a few weeks at room temperature (depending on fat and protein content), once made into a gel, they should be treated like a fresh food product and be refrigerated just like your chicken casserole needs to be.
Creating the gel is a simple process. On a small scale, all it takes is mixing some simmering hot water. This is easily done by mixing the powder with water in a cup and putting it in a microwave for 1-2 minutes until it begins to bubble. Single feed quantities can easily be made down to a half an ounce. Once removed from the microwave, the mixture needs to be stirred a bit, and then set to cool to room temperature to gel. In the instructions section, I detail the gelling, feeding, storage, and provide several options and tips.
The Repashy Superfoods Gel products are no-compromise formulas that are nutritionally complete. Unlike premade gels, these formulas use minimal amounts of preservatives, no artificial color or flavor, and are high in protein and essential fats. They are vitamin fortified and include ingredients high in carotenoids.
INSTRUCTIONS
I have worked hard to make the gelling process as simple as possible so that the consumers will not find it a major inconvenience to prepare the formulas for feeding. I believe that consumers will see the value in a fresher, more nutritious product, and be willing to spend an extra few minutes preparing the product. There are many ways to prepare the gels, depending on available tools, amount needed, and storage ability. I will break it down based on simplicity and volume required. The product can be mixed easily and quickly by volume, and more accurately by weight.
For most consumers who require a small amount of product at a time, the simplest way to prepare the product is by using a microwave oven. All of the products work well mixed at a similar ratio of dry powder to gel. The starting ratio is one part dry powder, to three parts water.
Basic Instructions: To make one cup of product, simply scoop 3/4 cup of water into a suitable microwavable container, then add ¼ cup of powdered premix, thoroughly mix the product until blended, then microwave until it begins to bubble. A full boil is not necessary. Depending on the microwave and setting, this typically takes between two and two and a half minutes. Then remove cup, stir one more time, and let sit at room temperature until cool. The whole process can be done in less than three minutes. Once cool, the product can be cut into cubes, or used as a whole slab. Whatever is not used immediately should be stored in the refrigerator, and if long term storage is required, it can be frozen.
The firmness or softness of the gel can be adjusted by using more or less water to better suit customer preference and requirements. For example, some consumers will want to make a product that is pourable, so they may find that certain formulas require a little more water to make a pourable product.
Tips and Tricks.
As soon as the product starts to cool, it begins to thicken, so work quickly, especially if you plan on mixing and pouring the product prior to gelling.
What to make: Candy and cookie molds can be used to conveniently make small portions that are easily fed and stored. The product can be used in a block, or cut into cubes depending on your requirements. For example, BUGBURGER works great as a one or two cup size block added to a tub with a thousand crickets or roaches. If you are going to cut it into cubes, the easiest way is to let it gel in a pan or container about 1/2” in depth before cutting it into cubes. If you want small cubes to be more firm, you can simply reduce the amount of water. A little trial and error will easily give you the results you are looking for.
You can also make a dried product that will extend shelf life and offer other ways to feed the formulas. Simply pour the freshly mixed and simmered product onto a shallow cookie pan so that it spreads on its own and forms a thin film across the pan. Once gelled, the pan can be sun dried, put into a dehydrator, or dried in the oven for several hours at about 150ºF. This will result in a dry sheet that has the consistency of a thin beef jerky or fruit leather. This product can be cut and stored in the refrigerator for extended periods of time due to its low moisture content. You can also precut the sheet with a sharp knife to produce dry, bite-sized pieces. You can also make a kibble by pouring the product to about a half inch in depth and pre cutting the gel before drying. Drying thicker pieces can take considerably longer, but it makes a great product. These sections can be rehydrated at a later date and have unique properties compared to the regular gel.
Using a stove to simmer water and making larger quantities.
Consumers who have larger usage requirements than just a cup or two can easily prepare larger quantities using a stove. Simply bring the water to a simmer or light boil, turn off heat, and slowly add powder while whisking. Make sure product is thoroughly mixed and then pour or scoop product into desired containers and set to dry.
Important Notes.
Boiling water will not have any effect on the making of the product. The only reason to not use boiling water is the fact that boiling water can degrade some nutrients. Humans have spent their lifetimes eating cooked and boiled food, so there are arguments on both sides of the subject. Using boiling water can increase shelf life of the product by doing a better job of sterilization than simmering water. The choice is yours. The important thing to note is that the gelling agents I use do not require boiling water. They require about 175ºF (80ºC) to trigger the gelling mechanism. Using a stove to simmer water makes it much easier to avoid boiling than using a microwave. In personal testing however, when the products begin to bubble in the microwave, they are still below a boil, so as long as they are removed promptly, boiling will be avoided.
Failing to reach the required temperature to induce gelling will result in a slurry rather than a finished gel. Sometimes this will just be in certain “cool spots” in your block that you find when you cut into it or release it from the mold. If this happens, simply reheat the mixture to the proper temperature, and the gel will reset.
For those of you that are more scientifically minded, the volume formulas are of course a compromise to make mixing easier for home consumers. The formulas were actually based on creating solutions of 15%-20%, so if you want to use a scale, start with 175 grams of product per liter of water and adjust from there. Using weights will give you more exacting and reproducible results, and make mixing larger volumes much easier.
Date added: Jun 5, 2011 ATTENTON: Canada Post Mail Strike
During the Canada Post Mail Strike we will be shipping all orders out using FedEx Ground service. This will offer the same type of delivery standard guarantee times as Canada Post Expedited Service. Please ensure you select FedEx Ground Service at check-out, as we will NOT be sending anything out using ANY Canada Post shipping method during the strike. Your order will be shipped as usual but you can expect it to arrive via FedEx and you will be provided with a FedEx tracking number. Thanks, The Management.