Brightwell Aquatics GarlicPower
Brightwell Aquatics GarlicPower
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Technical Background
Brightwell Aquatics Garlic Power consists solely of the preserved extract of raw garlic. Garlic has long been believed by many to have medicinal properties, and clinical research is beginning to support some of the claims that have been made by garlic’s supporters. It was once thought that the active component in garlic was a compound called Allicin, which is formed by the combination of the amino acid Alliin with the enzyme Alliinase that occurs when the garlic is damaged (i.e. cut, processed, bitten, etc.). Research has shown that allicin is unstable and has a very short life, beginning to degrade immediately after formation (a process sped up by exposure to heat; conversely, refrigeration prolongs the life of allicin, though not likely enough to ensure its presence in a garlic extract product); the result of this degradation is a number of compounds called Diallyl Sulphides. These compounds also exhibit beneficial properties, and though not as effective as allicin, their use in medical treatments, and the exact nature of the benefits provided, are the subject of ongoing research.
In aquaria, the use of garlic is often associated with improving the health of fishes, particularly in systems experiencing difficulty with parasites. As noted on the opposite panel, this product is not intended for use as a medication. Garlic has also been shown to motivate newly-added and/or finicky fishes to feed; this is accomplished by soaking food in a small amount of garlic extract for several minutes and then feeding, and the results are often very gratifying. Note that while garlic may increase the palatability of foods, this approach should not be thought of as a means to circumvent avoiding the purchase of fish species known to have poor survival records in captivity due to their dietary requirements (i.e. various species of coralivorous butterflyfishes, spongivorous angelfishes, etc.). Always research the dietary and environmental needs of fishes before purchasing and introducing them into an aquarium.
Instructions and Guidelines
To fortify prepared food (recommended): Shake product well before using. Place food in a clean container such as a small bowl or cup and add only enough Garlic Power to saturate. Allow at least 5 minutes to elapse before feeding, enabling adequate time for the product to become thoroughly absorbed by the food. Liquid food suspensions may be fortified by adding 1.0 ml (approximately 8 drops) Garlic Power per 10 ml of food suspension; stir to mix and allow 5 minutes to elapse before feeding. Maximum benefit of any liquid food suspension is achieved when the food is target-fed to the intended organisms rather than poured into a stream of water and allowed to disperse randomly throughout the aquarium. Over a period of several months, the dosage may be increased by 50% if so desired as long as water quality is monitored and maintained to within the required ranges. Observe water quality carefully at all times, making adjustments as needed.
If adding directly to aquarium: Shake product well before using. Add 5 ml (1 capful) of product per 50 US-gallons of aquarium water every other day, or add ½ that dosage daily. When used in this fashion, 125 ml treats up to 1,250 US-gallons (4,732 L). Observe water quality carefully at all times, making adjustments as needed.
No medicinal claims are made for Garlic Power, however fishes showing signs of ectoparasites may benefit from the addition of garlic to their diet. If ectoparasites are present, Garlic Power may be added to food as recommended and dosed directly into aquarium at ½ the recommended dosage. It is generally recommended that Garlic Power be utilized either as a means of fortifying prepared food or to provide benefit by direct addition to the water, but not both except as noted above.
Boosting the nutritional profile of any food: It is always a good idea to add vitamins, minerals and amino acids to any foods your are feeding. You can also add garlic or other healthy nutritional ingredients.
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