{"product_id":"repashy-bottom-scratcher","title":"Repashy SuperFoods Bottom Scratcher — Invertivore Gel Premix","description":"\u003cp\u003eRepashy Bottom Scratcher is one of the most carefully-formulated specialised foods available for invertivorous aquatic species — a meal replacement gel premix designed specifically for fish and invertebrates that naturally feed on aquatic invertebrates in the wild. Where most commercial fish foods rely on fish meal as their primary protein source, Bottom Scratcher takes a fundamentally different approach: \u003cstrong\u003eall proteins and fats come exclusively from invertebrate sources\u003c\/strong\u003e, with no fish meal whatsoever. The result is a clean, nutrient-dense formula that genuinely matches what invertivorous species eat naturally — krill, insects, mussels, and squid rather than processed fish trimmings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes Bottom Scratcher particularly worth seeking out is the combination: an authentic invertivore profile (45% protein, 10% fat) paired with the gel-forming versatility that lets you customise feeding format. Mix the powder with boiling water and you have soft gel for immediate feeding; dry the resulting gel and you have slow-release jerky that holds together on the substrate while bottom-dwellers graze naturally. This dual format flexibility, combined with the carefully-selected ingredient list, has made Bottom Scratcher a hobbyist favourite among serious aquarists keeping corydoras, plecos, loaches, freshwater puffers, dwarf crayfish, and caridina\/neocaridina shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor PostPods customers, Bottom Scratcher fits naturally alongside Repashy's terrestrial range (\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eBug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eMorning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-solient-green\"\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/a\u003e) as the specialist option for keepers who also maintain aquatic invertebrate setups — particularly relevant for dart frog enthusiasts running combined terrestrial\/aquatic bioactive systems, axolotl keepers, and shrimp breeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Bottom Scratcher?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Scratcher is an \"invertivore gel premix\" — a precise category that deserves explanation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInvertivorous species\u003c\/strong\u003e are fish and invertebrates whose natural diet consists primarily of aquatic invertebrates: small crustaceans, insect larvae, worms, molluscs, and similar organisms. Many popular freshwater aquarium species fall into this category — corydoras catfish, kuhli loaches, weather loaches, dwarf crayfish, bumblebee catfish, freshwater puffer fish, and shrimp species. In the wild, these animals don't eat fish meal-based commercial foods; they eat insects, snails, small shrimp, and aquatic invertebrate larvae.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe \"gel premix\" format\u003c\/strong\u003e means you receive Bottom Scratcher as a fine powder that you reconstitute with boiling water before feeding. This isn't a flaw — it's a feature. Pre-made gel foods spoil quickly in transit and storage. Powder-form premixes have dramatically longer shelf life and let you make exactly as much gel as you need at any given time, ensuring maximum freshness for every feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe invertivore-only formulation\u003c\/strong\u003e is genuinely distinctive. The four largest protein components are Krill Meal, Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal, Mussel Meal, and Squid Meal — followed by a further 40 supporting ingredients including dried brewer's yeast, seaweed, kelp, watermelon, rose hips, hibiscus flower, calendula flower, marigold flower, paprika, turmeric, stinging nettle, garlic, and comprehensive vitamin and mineral additions. No fish meal anywhere in the formula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein:\u003c\/strong\u003e 45% — high-protein formulation matching invertivore dietary needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10% — appropriate for active invertivorous species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFibre:\u003c\/strong\u003e 12% — supports digestive health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary protein sources:\u003c\/strong\u003e Krill Meal, Insect (Black Soldier Fly Larvae) Meal, Mussel Meal, Squid Meal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupporting ingredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried Brewer's Yeast, Dried Seaweed Meal, Lecithin, Dried Kelp, Locust Bean Gum, Taurine, plus 30+ botanical and vitamin additions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree from:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fish meal, artificial colours, unnecessary fillers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Animals Benefit Most from Bottom Scratcher?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Scratcher is designed for specific invertivorous species. It's particularly well-suited to:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom-dwelling catfish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Corydoras, plecos (particularly omnivorous and carnivorous species), pictus catfish, bumblebee catfish, and similar bottom-feeders thrive on Bottom Scratcher. These fish forage at the substrate level in nature, eating insect larvae and small invertebrates. The gel holds together on the substrate while they graze, mimicking their natural feeding behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e Kuhli loaches, clown loaches, weather loaches, and dojo loaches all have invertivorous dietary leanings. Bottom Scratcher's slow-sinking gel matches their feeding patterns and provides nutrition that fish meal-based foods can't match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater shrimp.\u003c\/strong\u003e Caridina shrimp (CRS, CBS, Tiger varieties) and Neocaridina shrimp (cherry, blue dream, yellow, etc.) accept Bottom Scratcher readily. The slow-sinking gel format means shrimp can graze at their own pace without competing aggressively with tankmates. The invertebrate-based protein profile suits shrimp dietary needs perfectly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDwarf crayfish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mexican dwarf crayfish and similar small crayfish species thrive on Bottom Scratcher. The substantial protein content supports moulting and growth, while the gel format prevents the rapid water fouling that pellet foods can cause.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshwater puffer fish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Many freshwater puffer species (pea puffers, figure 8 puffers, etc.) have specialised invertivore diets that struggle with fish-meal-based foods. Bottom Scratcher provides appropriate nutrition without compromising on protein quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAxolotls.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mexican axolotls have invertivorous dietary preferences similar to their fish counterparts. Bottom Scratcher can supplement their primary diet, though axolotls typically need additional whole-prey items for complete nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquarium gobies.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bumblebee gobies, knight gobies, and similar small predatory gobies appreciate Bottom Scratcher's small particle size and invertebrate-based protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Bottom Scratcher Over Fish-Meal-Based Foods?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe decision to feed Bottom Scratcher versus standard fish meal-based foods comes down to matching the natural diet of invertivorous species:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthenticity matches nutrition.\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild corydoras don't eat other fish. They eat insect larvae, small worms, and aquatic invertebrates. Fish meal-based foods don't replicate this nutritional profile, which is fine for omnivorous species but suboptimal for genuine invertivores. Bottom Scratcher provides the protein profile these species actually evolved to eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBetter health outcomes for sensitive species.\u003c\/strong\u003e Many keepers report better long-term health, improved colouration, and more natural behaviour in invertivorous species fed appropriate invertebrate-based diets. While fish meal foods will keep animals alive, they may not optimise welfare and breeding success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo fish meal means no fishy odour.\u003c\/strong\u003e Gel foods made from fish meal can produce strong odours, particularly during preparation. Bottom Scratcher's invertebrate-based formulation is notably less odorous, making it more pleasant to prepare and feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for specialist breeders.\u003c\/strong\u003e Caridina shrimp breeders, dwarf crayfish keepers, and serious corydoras breeders consistently report better breeding outcomes when feeding appropriate species-specific diets. Bottom Scratcher is part of that specialist approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Prepare Bottom Scratcher\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Scratcher is straightforward to prepare. You'll need: the powder, boiling water, a heatproof bowl, and either a mould\/container for setting or a flat dish for sheet preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAs Gel (Standard Preparation)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring water to a rolling boil (kettle, stove, or microwave all work)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour boiling water into a heatproof bowl\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImmediately add powder at a ratio of \u003cstrong\u003e1 part powder to 2–3 parts boiling water\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir vigorously until smooth and fully combined (no powder lumps remaining)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into a mould, container, or flat dish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow to cool and set at room temperature — typically 10–20 minutes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce firm, cut into appropriate-sized pieces for your feeders, or shred for shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAs Jerky (Slow-Release Format)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrepare gel as above\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into a deep container or onto a flat dish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOnce cool and set, cut into ¼ inch (6mm) thick slices of desired size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompletely dry in oven or dehydrator at 65°C (150°F) until firm and dry\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore in airtight container at room temperature\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jerky format is particularly useful for keeping food available longer in shrimp tanks — the dried slices break down slowly over hours, allowing shrimp to graze continuously rather than competing for a brief feeding window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage and Shelf Life\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnopened powder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in original sealed packaging at room temperature. Long shelf life — check expiry date on packaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOpened powder:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seal the bag tightly and store in a cool, dry place. Use within 12 months for optimal freshness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepared gel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Treat as fresh food. Seal in container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 6 months for longer storage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepared jerky:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store in airtight container at room temperature for several months once fully dried.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSize Variants — Which Should You Buy?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Scratcher is available in three sizes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e85g (3oz):\u003c\/strong\u003e Trial size — perfect for trying Bottom Scratcher before committing to larger quantities. Makes approximately 250–340g of gel after preparation. Suitable for small aquariums or testing acceptance with picky feeders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e170g (6oz):\u003c\/strong\u003e Standard size — the mid-range option that suits most regular feeders. Makes approximately 500–680g of gel. Reasonable balance of cost and supply for most aquariums maintaining 3–6 month feeding regimens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e340g (12oz):\u003c\/strong\u003e Value size — bulk option for serious breeders, multi-tank setups, or large aquarium maintenance. Makes approximately 1–1.4kg of gel. Most cost-effective per gram for keepers who feed Bottom Scratcher regularly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe powder-to-gel ratio means each gram of dry product produces 3–4 grams of finished gel — significantly more feeding volume than the powder weight suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Repashy SuperFoods Range\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottom Scratcher is part of the broader Repashy SuperFoods range — a series of specialised gel premixes formulated for specific dietary needs. Other Repashy products you might consider:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBug Burger\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — A complete diet for insects and invertebrates, widely used as supplementary feed for isopods, crickets, and similar invertebrate cultures. Different formulation focused on terrestrial invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-solient-green\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — An algae meal replacement gel for fish, shrimp, and tadpoles. Particularly popular with pleco keepers and dart frog breeders. Often paired with Bottom Scratcher for balanced shrimp diets.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMorning Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — A calcium-fortified detritivore supplement designed for terrestrial isopods, millipedes, and similar organisms. The terrestrial counterpart to Bottom Scratcher's aquatic focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor shrimp keepers, Bottom Scratcher and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-solient-green\"\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/a\u003e are commonly used in rotation — Bottom Scratcher providing the invertebrate-based protein and Soilent Green providing algae-based nutrition. This combination gives shrimp the varied diet that supports healthy breeding colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Buy Bottom Scratcher?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquarium keepers maintaining invertivorous fish species (corydoras, plecos, loaches, puffers, gobies)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaridina and Neocaridina shrimp keepers wanting premium specialist feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDwarf crayfish keepers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAxolotl keepers seeking supplementary nutrition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecialist breeders requiring optimised dietary profiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBioactive setup builders running combined terrestrial\/aquatic systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDart frog keepers maintaining shrimp colonies for vivarium ecology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeepers wanting to avoid fish meal in their feeding regime\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePurely terrestrial isopod setups — try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eMorning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eBug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e instead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSurface-feeding fish (the slow-sinking gel suits bottom-dwellers, not top-feeders)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePure herbivorous species — try \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-solient-green\"\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/a\u003e instead\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMarine aquariums (designed for freshwater applications)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTips for Optimal Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStart small with picky feeders.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some fish species need time to recognise Bottom Scratcher as food. Start with small portions and increase gradually as acceptance develops. Most fish accept it readily within a few feedings, but some specialist species may need encouragement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatch piece size to mouth size.\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut gel pieces appropriately — smaller pieces for shrimp and small fish, larger chunks for axolotls and bigger catfish. Oversized pieces simply go uneaten and foul the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't overfeed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom Scratcher is dense nutrition. Feed amounts that get consumed within 1–2 hours and remove any uneaten portions. Excess food contributes to water quality problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVary your feeding regime.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom Scratcher works best as part of varied feeding rather than the sole food source. Combine with other appropriate foods (live, frozen, or other dry diets) for nutritional variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreeze portions in advance.\u003c\/strong\u003e Once prepared, you can freeze gel portions in small containers or ice cube trays for easy single-feeding access. Defrost as needed rather than preparing fresh each time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Scratcher is fundamentally an aquatic product.\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike Repashy's terrestrial range (Morning Wood, Bug Burger), Bottom Scratcher isn't appropriate for most terrestrial isopod cultures. If you're feeding terrestrial invertebrates, browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for appropriate alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Repashy Quality Matters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRepashy SuperFoods has earned its reputation through careful formulation and ingredient sourcing. Where many commercial fish foods rely on commodity ingredients and processed fish meal, Repashy formulations prioritise species-appropriate nutrition with specific, named ingredients. The Bottom Scratcher formula's commitment to invertebrate-only proteins (no fish meal anywhere in the ingredient list) reflects this philosophy — it's not just marketing positioning but actual ingredient selection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePractical Fishkeeping magazine's review noted that Repashy \"fills a massive gap in the market\" by formulating specialist diets for finicky feeders that mainstream food manufacturers have largely ignored. For keepers of corydoras, specialist plecos, freshwater puffers, and breeding shrimp colonies, the difference between commodity food and species-appropriate nutrition is genuinely significant for long-term welfare and breeding success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilding Your Repashy Range\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor comprehensive feeding across your aquatic and terrestrial setups, consider building a complete Repashy range — Bottom Scratcher for invertivorous fish and shrimp, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-solient-green\"\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/a\u003e for algae-eating species, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eMorning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e for terrestrial isopods needing calcium fortification, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eBug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e for general invertebrate supplementation. Browse our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the full range of Repashy products and other feeding supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Repashy","offers":[{"title":"85g","offer_id":57436317057406,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"170g","offer_id":57436317090174,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"340g","offer_id":57436317122942,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/repashy-superfoods-bottom-scratcher-invertivore-gel-premix-6874124.webp?v=1779202687","url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/repashy-bottom-scratcher","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}