Feeding and Nutrition :: Better container for Reptomin

[Chrisbarnett]

I picked up a Snapware container today for my Reptomin. I don't know if Reptomin goes stale, but I was getting annoyed with reaching with 2 fingers to get out the pellets from the canister. Anyway, I dumped all the Reptomin from the canister into the container, and it's so much better for ease of getting pellets out. I then peeled off the label of the Reptomin container, cut it to size, and stuck it on the lid.
It's pretty cool, because I got another Snapware container for my Crested Gecko's food powder(Repashy CGD) and I can tell the two apart quickly because of the labels on the lids, even if they are stacked.

For anyone who doesn't know what Snapware is, it's basically a higher quality version of rubbermaid. They come in all shapes and sizes. It has 4 latches and a Gasket around the rim making it Waterproof and airtight. (Perfect for keeping my geckos powder fresh.)
Heres a pic:

[meltedspork]

Neat idea. I keep meaning to find something to put my Reptomin in. I have to break up the sticks for my frogs and I usually break up a whole bunch at once and put it in a little plastic baggie but I'd rather get a container for it.

[BullDog]

Cool idea!
Wow, I can't believe I never thought of something like that! I put my extra reptomin in a freezer baggy last time, but the cat got into it

[RESnTX]

I actually cut my finger once trying to dig pellets out of the dang canister thing that Reptomin comes in. Putting it in another cantainer...hmmm...why didn't I just do that. lol

[TheComputerGremlin]

I keep mine preportioned in a pill box so that I don't have to worry about digging around first thing in the morning. I tried a couple other containers, but they've all annoyed me.

[Daniel3507]

i havent ever switched containers but i too have wondered if turtle food goes stale

[mat012]

Thats a good idea. The lids on the regular bottles dont really screw on well. My kids feed the turtle (it actually helps them count) but they never ptu the lid back on tightly. We have had so many spills. THis would help.

[SpotsMama]

Very nice!

[Raphulk]

now that's just handy haha

[littlecakes]

Snapware! I am going to go look and see if I can find bigger versions for the dehydrated raw dog food I feed my dog. This will be perfect.

[Chrisbarnett]

Thanks!

I put my extra reptomin in a freezer baggy last time, but the cat got into it

That happened to me to! I had an entire sandwich sized ziplock bag full of Trout chow pellets for my axolotl, that I was going to put in my room, but when I came back my dog had gotten into the bag and ate them all! Good thing I still had the equivalent to another sandwich bag of pellets. She had the WORST gas for a few days after....

[marisa]

Pellets can go stale after a while (wish they would put expiration dates on the containers) and they can get bugs after a while, especially if they're kept in a really warm room (heat and humidity are enemies of pellets). This is not really a problem if the pellets are being used up quickly.

It's an interesting idea and if it works for you that's great, but if the pellets are going to be around for a while, it would be better to have a container that doesn't let light in (light aids in deterioration and therefore can affect quality). This is one reason why I like the Reptomin containers. My turtles are on 3 different floors when they're inside, and I actually use the Reptomin containers to break up larger containers and keep some near each set-up.

As for cutting yourself trying to get the pellets out, why do you stick your fingers into the container to get them? If I'm going to use the pellets from the container, I cut a small area out of the seal (the seals are really good) when I buy the container so that I can shake out out what I need without spilling them. I shake them on the the lid, use what I want and put the rest back in the container.

[Chrisbarnett]

Good points marisa.

My pellet container is kept in an opaque storage bin under my tank stand, so it is constantly very dark. They only come in contact with light when I bring it out for feeding time.

Cutting a small hole in the seal is a good idea. I meant to do that when I got my reptomin, but forgot and ripped off the seal.

[Chrisbarnett]

Oh and after how long is a good time to assume they have gone stale?

[zoologist]

Good idea Chris. i do this already with my box turtle pellets but i have them in a normal rubbermaid container made for index cards. airtight, hm. never thought of that!

i also use one of those empty "big-e" containers of gum for my RES food. i mix haraki pellets, rep-cal, reptomin and the last remains of a small can of dried krill and voila, instant turtle pellet medley.