For all of you wanting to make your own beefheart, this is the way I make it. Since I now only feed it to the pairs, I don't make a large batch anymore. I purchase 2-3 pkgs. of beefheart(3-4lbs) at the local supermarket. At the meat or deli section, I purchase 1-1 1/2lbs of large shrimp (this acts as a binder and keeps all the mix together), 1 can of spinach(8oz), paprika(for color), liquid vitamins, small jar of wheat germ (great for getting the males fertile, vit e), and freeze dried krill. Optional: banana, apple.
You must defat the beefheart. All fat, gristle is removed from beefheart. So 3-4lbs of beefheart will now be 1 1/2-2 lbs. Shrimp is deshelled. I then add this to a food processor with spinach(drained) and mix well. From here I use a large bowl and add 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp vitamins, 1 tbl spoon of wheat germ, and 3 tbl of krill to the beefheart and shrimp mix. Mix this all well adding a little water to the bowl to get it moist. Now I use large baggies and place the beefheart mix in them. For a small "mix" such as this I would use about 3-4 baggies. When you add mix to baggies, spread it out so you have a thin layer of mix in the baggies about 1/4" thick. From here you place in freezer laying flat and let harden for about 6 hours before using. When feeding Discus, I use a knife and cut a thin piece of heart and add to tank. I do not thaw heart mix before using. This works well for me. Hope this helps. I have used "HORMONE" free and with hormones added beefheart, and have not seen any difference in my Discus Appearance,spawning etc.
Frank Bailey (Bailey Discus)