questions on garlic guard & vita chem

So someone suggested I get these two products for my fishies. I was wondering are they okay to use for frogs?

I did water changes on everyone last weekend and added vita chem, but was hesitant to do so with the frogs since I know they absorb everything through their skin and I wasn't sure if it was safe. I'm pretty sure the bottle says it's for all aquatic animals but wanted to check with you guys.

The garlic guard I've actually used on the frogs twice. I soaked their frog & tadpole pellets in it, and they gobbled them up both times! I even found them in amplexus afterwards both times. My male has started calling again too, which he hasn't done since the warm months. Kinda weird!

I know frogbreeder and others have mentioned the frogs not eating the pellets, so maybe they can try soaking them in the garlic guard. Mine didn't usually eat all the pellets in the past, I would see them disintegrating the next day in the dish. I figured if they were hungry enough they would eat. They also get bloodworms which they never miss out on.

 

Good Questions. I too would be interested in hearing what our more experienced members have to say...

 

No help here, I haven't used either with my ADF's.

 

Good question, indeed. Certainly, such products can be very beneficial for fish. However, I have not tried using either of these products on frogs myself, so I don’t know and can really only offer my thoughts on the subject, for what they are worth: Since I’ve never tried feeding my frogs any garlic-flavoured foods before, I’m unsure whether they would find garlic as appealing as fish do, or whether garlic would offer the same immunological benefits, but I doubt it would hurt (I probably wouldn’t give them too much though, simply because they are obligate carnivores, perhaps, once a week or so as a treat, if they like it). I wonder if it acts as an aphrodesiac for frogs, very interesting. You’re right, it would be a great way to encourage the frogs to eat the HBH bites. I’ve even tried soaking these bites in bloodworm juice, but the frogs still refused to eat them.

As for Vitachem, I’d be a little more reluctant to try it. Although the manufacturer claims it is suitable for all aquatic animals, I’d have some concerns about using it with frogs and amphibians, which, as you know, are extremely sensitive to toxins and chemicals in the water because their skin is so absorbent. I would think it safer to use a supplement that is specifically formulated for frogs and amphibians, rather than one intended for use with fish, if you can find one. Even then, I’d still be very careful and only use it sparingly. I’m a little hesitant because many supplements, especially those intended for fish, contain relatively large amounts of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A. And, there is some recent scientific evidence to suggest that even moderate amounts of vitamin A might be toxic for frogs, but further research will be required to confirm this. I used to occasionally feed my frogs liver, which is very high in vitamin A, but stopped doing so, after learning about the possible risks of vitamin A toxicity in amphibians.

I have used Zoe (a product very similar to Vitachem) as a regular preventative in the past, but stopped using all supplements a few years ago, after learning that they might not be all that beneficial (provided an adequate and varied diet is being fed), and that the risks of using some supplements might actually outweigh the benefits, overall. So, now, I would only use such products as a treatment, if I suspect there’s a problem with malnutrition, and I would try to use a product that is formulated specifically for amphibians. Fortunately, thus far, my frogs appear to be just as happy and healthy without the weekly supplements as they did with them.

Now, I simply try to ensure that the frogs will get all the vitamins, minerals, amino-acids, and essential nutrients they require from the foods they eat, instead. That’s why I always stress the importance of variety in feeding. Each meal I feed my frogs consists of three or four different types of food. For example, I might feed them a combination of mysis shrimp, beefheart, and glassworms one day, and a combination of whiteworms, earthworms, talapia fish and a few bloodworms the next day, etc. I know this sounds terribly inconvenient, but the way I go about it actually requires no more effort than feeding a single type of food. Once a month or so, I spend half an hour in the kitchen preparing a whole bunch of froggy combo-meals, each containing a variety of foods. I wrap each meal in tinfoil, put them in an air-tight container, and store them in the freezer (much to my family’s dismay and horror). Then, at feeding time, I only have to remove, unwrap, thaw, chop into smaller pieces if necessary, rinse, and feed. Sort of like frozen tv dinners for frogs. Feeding more than one type of food also ensures that all of the frogs get something they like, because sometimes ADFs can develop individual tastes and prefer to eat certain foods. Anyways, that’s my four cents worth, for what its worth. Sorry I couldn’t provide a more definitive answer. Happy frogging. - frogbreeder
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I don't think I will use the vita chem on the frogs, and I don't think they really need it as they are perfectly healthy! I gave them the garlic soaked pellets again last night and they only ate a few this time. But since I got up this morning they have been in amplexus all day, and backwards! What the heck?

 

Silly frogs don't always get it right. lol

 

LOL I know I've seen them do it backwards before but not ALL DAY!! They do make me laugh though!! The girl is probably like "will ya get off of me already"!

 

Poor female. Sure sounds like garlic acts as an anuran aphrodisiac. ALL DAY, uh? Mmmmmm.

Sometimes, backwards; sometimes, upside-down; and even when they do get it right, sometimes, they still get it wrong. Very slow learners. Such silly little froggies. - frogbreeder

 

Thanks for those pics frogbreeder!

 

I just couldn't resist adding graphics to the conversation. These little guys really crack me up sometimes. Such amusing antics. Once he has amplexed the female, the male will not let go no matter what, only when he decides it's time to release and not until then. I've even caught them in a cup and transferred them to another container so I could clean their aquarium, and the male still wouldn't let go of the female. He remained oblivious. I don't think he even knew he had been moved. One-track mind. - frogbreeder

 

You sure are right. I guess he is not ready to let go! I just turned off the tank lights since I am going to bed and they are still at it. 14 hours and counting! Who knows what time they started after bedtime last night! Hopefully they are almost done. They still come up for air during this time right?

 

She will and drag him with her.
My gal would even eat with the male still hugging.

I think it's funny when she would cross her legs.

 

Yes, during amplexis, the female decides when they will surface to breathe, the male is just along for the ride. As long as the tank isn't excessively deep, they should be just fine. Admittedly, though, it can be very exhausting for the female. Excessive breeding behaviour is very common for juveniles, they tend to settle down a bit as they mature. But, then again, don't we all. - frogbreeder

Lucy, yes isn't it hilarious when they cross their legs and just lie there and twitch.

 

Haha okay well thank you for the info. I guess I should lay off the garlic guard for a while!