Garlic can act as an appetite stimulant and encourage picky fish to consume it. Furthermore, garlic fights internal parasites while providing tonic protection for sickly aquatic life.
As evidenced in a recent study, garlic can help eliminate Ich tomocysts from fish tanks by injecting them with garlic extract rather than feeding them food containing garlic-laced food products.
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Garlic-paste
Garlic paste is a blend of garlic cloves and oil used to add flavor and aroma to fish food, providing an efficient time-saving alternative to mincing fresh garlic cloves. A popular staple in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines alike, garlic-paste can also be purchased easily at supermarkets and grocery stores.
Some hobbyists report that using garlic enhances the appetite of fish; however, this claim has yet to be scientifically supported. The effect may be caused by its pungent aroma or simply because the fish were already hungry before encountering such strong-scented food additives as potential food sources.
Garlic paste should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or frozen in an ice cube tray for extended storage.
Garlic-water
Garlic-water is a concoction made by soaking garlic cloves in water for an extended period, purported to promote digestion by relieving bloating and indigestion, while also helping with weight loss by suppressing appetite and decreasing calories consumed.
However, these claims lack scientific backing; it could simply be that their strong aroma attracts fish. Other theories propose it may kill parasites or prevent disease outbreaks; many aquarists who feed New Life Spectrum Thera+A report seeing some parasites killed off and an decrease in disease outbreaks.
This product contains an effective combination of garlic extract, blue-green algae (Athrospira platensis) and stabilized vitamin C that have all been clinically shown to provide immune support. Furthermore, allicin is believed to act as both an antimicrobial and antibiotic agent – all ingredients which have proven beneficial properties when taken together.
Garlic-powder
Garlic powder is a dehydrated form of garlic that can be used to add flavor to food, often in place of fresh or reconstituted garlic. Granulated garlic often has uneven flavors while garlic powder provides more consistent tastes without burning off taste buds or dispersing unevenly into liquids like fresh garlic can.
Studies have demonstrated its ability to increase growth and decrease mortality rates of aquarium fish, while simultaneously stimulating appetite. Allicin, its primary component, has also been proven to kill parasites directly.
To use garlic powder effectively, mix it with water and soak your fish food before giving it to your fish. However, beware not to overfeed as overfeeding will kill your fish more quickly than underfeeding will.
Garlic-granules
Garlic-granules are created by dehydrating garlic cloves and grinding them into fine granules, thus retaining their natural flavors and aromas while prolonging shelf-life. Their coarse texture has a strong scent and more flavor than either garlic powder or minced dried garlic, making them suitable for liquid-heavy dishes such as soups, stews and sauces; marinades; rubs.
Garlic granules pair perfectly with salty snacks such as popcorn and homemade chips, while they darken slightly as they cook in dishes. Garlic granules can also be mixed with other spices to create flavorful spice blends which can be used to season meat, vegetables and even act as an alternative source of sodium in many recipes.
Cabbage
Garlic can be an effective appetite enhancer and can help get new fish eating. You can either use fresh-pressed garlic directly in their aquarium environment, or liquid garlic products designed specifically for aquarium use. Be mindful that too much garlic could result in contamination.
Garlic has long been touted as an effective natural treatment against parasites in fish. Unfortunately, its efficacy has never been proven scientifically. Crushed garlic contains allicin, which supposedly kills parasites; some food brands claim they have added this allicin into their recipes; however, heavy processing deactivates allicin. Therefore, raw garlic supplements would likely provide better results.
