blanching veggies??

**meggysb** · 08-06-2011, 09:55 PM

hey, for my oto cats ive been considering giving them cucumber. wherever i read on how to prepare it, it says to blanch (sp) it. how do i do this though??

**Strider199** · 08-06-2011, 10:18 PM

I'm not sure how others do it but when I slice off a piece of cuc or zucchini I lightly cut shallow lines in the veg., stick a toothpick into it's side and boil my coffee kettle. When the water is boiling I simply pour the boiling water over the veggie while I hold the toothpick. I let it cool and than I stick the toothpick into the gravel in the tank.

**DylanisHawttt** · 08-06-2011, 11:28 PM

My way was similar to Strider199's way. I would boil water and then put the slices of cucumber in for 30 seconds, take them out and put them in a bowl of ice and water. Just keep repeating until all slices are done and then put them in a ziplock bag.

**Lady Hobbs** · 08-07-2011, 02:22 AM

I give raw. Last longer and doesn't get all mushy. I stick a fork in a slice of cuke and just drop it in the tank and remove it within 24 hours. If you blanch it, it's mushy in just hours.

**meggysb** · 08-07-2011, 04:02 AM

ok, thanks for all of the great tips!

**Strider199** · 08-07-2011, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by Lady Hobbs

I give raw. Last longer and doesn't get all mushy. I stick a fork in a slice of cuke and just drop it in the tank and remove it within 24 hours. If you blanch it, it's mushy in just hours.

I used to feed mine raw as well Lady Hobbs but for some reason my pleco, rtbs, and green fire tetras like it mushy. It does need to be pulled out in the morning when it's blanched. Mine is usually in the tank from 7:00pm until 6:00am.

**evilstench** · 08-07-2011, 07:43 PM

A 30 second blast in the microwave oven for a one inch slice is quick and easy. The cucumber stays reasonably firm.

**dmagerl** · 08-07-2011, 08:14 PM

You can freeze the veggie for the same effect. Just let it thaw before putting it in the tank or else it wants to float really bad.

**bignellm** · 08-07-2011, 10:15 PM

My platies seem to respond to blanched peas like it's crack. I put them in a bowl (5-9 peas) add a little water and blast them in microwave for 1 min. I don't ever see the Oto's touch them, nor the snails. I assume they do, as there is no remnants by morning.