For unique tab:
Dosing in WaterRemove all invertebrates - these are extremely sensitive to medication. Turn off UV filters, ozone filters, and remove chemical filtration like MatrixCarbon™ and Purigen®. Use 1-2 measures (included) per every 40 L (10 US gallons). Repeat this dose every 48 hours for up to 3 weeks or until symptoms disappear.
Dosing in FoodFeed the medicated food mix (recipe below) every day until the infection clears or up to 3 weeks. This medicated food can be refrigerated or frozen between feedings. 1 scoop MetroPlex 1 scoop Focus™ 1 tbsp food (preferably pellets or frozen food) A few drops of water if using a dry food To enhance palatability use with GarlicGuard™ or Entice™.
After TreatingWhen the treatment period is over, MetroPlex™ can easily be removed using activated filter carbon like MatrixCarbon™. It does not linger in the substrate or filter media of the tank..
Can I use MetroPlex™ with invertebrates in my tank?A: Though none of our medications are 100% “reef” safe, we would not hesitate to use and/or recommend MetroPlex™ in a medicated food mix with Focus™ and GarlicGuard™. By using it in a medicated food mix, the fish are directly ingesting the medication and very little is getting into he water column.
How much medication does the included scoop hold?A: 125 mg
Hexamita spp / Spironucleus vortensSymptoms include a loss of color, erosion or lesions on the face, head, and body, and stringy white feces. This condition is often caused by an internal parasite, but factors like poor diet, poor water quality, and lack of trace elements will all contribute to this issue.
Suggested Treatment Period:14 days
Special ConsiderationsIn freshwater this condition is called Hole in the Head. Research your fish’s preferred diet and water chemistry to ensure they are being properly duplicated in the aquarium. Consider using a nutrient soak for the food to provide essential vitamins and nutrients to the fish. In saltwater this condition is called Marine Head and Lateral Line Erosion. It can be caused by an internal parasite, but more often these symptoms are connected to nutrient deficiencies or poor water quality. Duplication of the natural environment, proper filtration, and a nutrient-rich diet are all essential to curing this condition in saltwater.
Ichthyophthirius (freshwater) / Cryptocaryon (saltwater)Looks like salt sprinkled on the fish’s body and fins. Usually accompanied by twitching, flashing, and other signs of stress and irritation. Several parasites are grouped under this name, but the symptoms are almost identical. Ich is among the most common infections of fish, and is entirely treatable with diligence and attention to water quality.
Suggested Treatment Period:14-28 days
Special ConsiderationsIt is very important with this parasite to continue dosing for the full treatment period. A break in the medication allows the parasite to multiply and reinfect the fish. Due to the nature of this parasite, it is normal for the visible signs of infection to get worse before they get better. The medication is still working, but it takes some time for the salt-like cysts on the fish to clear out. Keep up the treatment and the visible spots should clear soon!
MetroPlex™ is appropriate for treating a variety of protozoan and anaerobic bacterial diseases of fish. Below are some of the more common diseases treatable with MetroPlex™. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite..
MetroPlex™ is an effective and safe treatment for several protozoa and anaerobic bacterial diseases of fish (Cryptocaryon, Hexamita, Ichthyophthirius). It does not adversely affect the filter bed and is easily removed with carbon. It can either be dosed into the water or combined with Focus™ in a medicated food mix. It will treat both internal and external infections regardless of the delivery method. When used in a medicated food mix, it is excellent for treating parasites in tanks that contain invertebrates. MetroPlex™ is gentle and there is little danger of overdosing. Active ingredients: metronidazole (70%) Inactive ingredients: excipients (30%))
Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS) WARNING! Do not eat, drink, or get into eyes! In case of eye exposure, promptly & thoroughly wash eyes with water & seek medical attention. Aquarium Use Only. Keep Away from Children. For ornamental fish only. Not for human consumption. Not to be used in conjunction with animals used for human consumption.
Piscinoodinium (freshwater) / Amyloodinium (saltwater)Similar to Ich, but smaller and grey-gold. Most often seen in saltwater, but can occur in freshwater as well. Velvet is less common than Ich, but the treatment is almost identical. We see it more often in saltwater than freshwater.
Special ConsiderationsVelvet is a photosynthetic parasite - it will help with treatment if you can turn off the lights while the fish are infected.
DosingRemove all invertebrates from the tank as well as any chemical filtration. Use 5 mL (1 capful) of ParaGuard™ for every 40 L (10 US gallons). Repeat this dose daily as required as long as fish show no stress. ParaGuard™ can also be used as a medicated dip. For 1 hour dips, use 3 mL per 4 L (1 US gallon) in a container separate from your main tank. Dips may be extended if the fish show no evidence of stress. Keep in mind that many diseases linger in the water as well as on the fish. Giving a fish a dip treatment does no good if they go right back into infected water.
QuarantineThis is a tank set up in order monitor and medicate new fish before they go into the main tank. ParaGuard™ is gentle enough to use prophylactically (without visible symptoms) if needed. Quarantine times vary, but we generally recommend 2 weeks of treatment with ParaGuard™ to clear out any possible external infections.
Sensitive FishSome fish are more sensitive to medications than others. Eels, loaches, rays, sharks, and many others are well known for their sensitivity to all kinds of medications. If you suspect that your fish may be sensitive to medications, it is just fine to start with a partial dose and build up to the full dose over several days.
Not recommended for reef aquaria. As an alternative, use Seachem’s MetroPlex™.
Is ParaGuard™ safe for use in marine reef tanks with invertebrates and soft corals?A: We do not sell or market ParaGuard™ as invert safe because it would be impossible to test it with every available invert under every potential water parameter. We have had people use it with invertebrates with no problems, but we have also had people encounter problems. If you decide to use it we stress caution; dose at 1/4 to 1/2 dose and observe how your inverts and soft corals react. If they seem to tolerate the dosing, increase slowly up to no more than the prescribed dose as long as they are tolerating it. If you need to get rid of the ParaGuard™quickly, just turn your skimmer back on.
Is there copper in ParaGuard?A: No, there is no copper in ParaGuard
Is it safe to use ParaGuard™ in planted aquarium? Can my plants survive?A: We do not sell or market ParaGuard™ as invert/plant safe because it would be impossible to test it with every available invert/plant under every potential water parameter. It has been my personal experience that it is generally safe to use in planted aquaria and would not hesitate to do so.
Do I need to remove Purigen® from my filter while medicating with ParaGuard™?A: While the primary active ingredient in ParaGuard™ is unaffected by the presence of Purigen®, the malachite green does have potential to be removed by the media. Since the product is most effective when both of these components are present to perform synergistically, we do recommend that the Purigen® (as well as any other chemical filtration media) be removed while treating. If removal of waste is of primary concern in the treatment tank, then Purigen® may be left in place, but the medication will not be as effective.
Is ParaGuard™ safe for Loaches or scaleless fish?A: You can use any of our medications with scaleless fish, but as they can be more sensitive, we would recommend that you begin with a 1/4 to 1/2 dose first and slowly build to the recommended dosage.
Bacterial infectionFins appear shredded, frayed, or decaying. Fin Rot is frequently mistaken for damage from fin-nipping fish. Contrary to the name, this is actually caused by bacteria, not fungus.
Suggested Treatment Period:7 days or until infection clears
Special ConsiderationsFin Rot is often found as a secondary infection (that’s an infection that started because the fish was already sick). Make sure to check for additional infections.
Dactylogyrus trematodes (skin) / Monogenenean trematodes (gills)Fish appear sluggish, flash against rocks, and often gasp and show other signs of stress. Flukes are difficult to diagnose because the parasite itself cannot be seen until the advanced stages of infection. Look for gasping, irritated or red gills, excessive mucus production, twitching and flashing, and translucent spots (advanced infections)
Suggested Treatment Period:14 days or until infection clears
Special ConsiderationsDip treatments with ParaGuard™ are helpful in treating and preventing flukes, but keep in mind that this parasite spends part of its life cycle living in your water and substrate - the entire tank needs to be treated in order to clear the infection.
Suggested Treatment Period:14 days in freshwater, up to 28 days in saltwater
Special ConsiderationsIt is very important with this parasite to continue dosing for the full treatment period. A break in the medication allows the parasite to multiply and reinfect the fish..
ParaGuard™ is appropriate for treating a variety of parasitic infections of exotic fish. Below are some of the more common infections treatable with ParaGuard™. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite.
ParaGuard™ is the only fish and filter safe aldehyde-based (10% by weight) parasite control product available (for parasites on fish). Unlike highly toxic and difficult to use formalin based medications, ParaGuard™ contains no formaldehyde or methanol and will not alter pH. ParaGuard™ employs a proprietary, synergistic blend of aldehydes, malachite green, and fish protective polymers that effectively and efficiently eradicates many ectoparasites (e.g. ich, etc.) and external fungal/bacterial/viral lesions (e.g., fin rot). It is particularly useful in hospital and receiving tanks for new fish and whenever new fish are introduced to a community tank.
Suggested Treatment Period:14-21 days
Before TreatingRemove all invertebrates - these are extremely sensitive to medication. Turn off UV filters, ozone filters, and remove chemical filtration like MatrixCarbon™ and Purigen®. Ensure that your tank is fully cycled and stable; poor water quality is the root cause of most fish diseases, and adding medication will do no good if the water chemistry is still bad.
DosingUse 1 measure (included) per every 40 L (10 US gallons) of water. Repeat this dose every 72 hours for a maximum of 2 weeks. Repeat every 3 days for up to 2 weeks or until symptoms disappear. Use whenever introducing new fish.
After TreatingWhen the treatment period is over, PolyGuard™ can easily be removed using activated filter carbon like MatrixCarbon™. It does not linger in the substrate or filter media of the tank.
Most medications I have used require a daily dosage. Your directions, "repeat every 3 days for up to 2 weeks." My understanding is to skip 2 days between dosages for a total of 4 doses in 2 weeks. Is this correct?A: You are correct on the dosage of PolyGuard™.
Is it safe to continue to use Melafix while administering PolyGuard™?A: As a general rule of thumb, I would not mix medications. If you feel you must, please watch your fish closely. Water exchanges should be performed after the complete 2 week dosage (4 total doses) before continuing with another 2 week dosing of PolyGuard™.
How does PolyGuard™ compare with ParaGuard™?A: PolyGuard™ is different from ParaGuard™ in the fact that PolyGuard™ contains antibiotics and ParaGuard™ acts more like a disinfectant/antiseptic and does not contain antibiotics.
Cotton-like tufts of white fiber. Almost always a secondary infection (appears when fish is already infected with a disease). True fungal infections, while unsightly, generally do not pose an immediate danger to fish.
Suggested Treatment Period:1 week or until fungus clears
Special ConsiderationsFungus is relatively easy to treat and almost never fatal on its own. However, it tends to appear as a secondary infection, meaning there is a more serious disease causing the fish to be susceptible to a fungus.
Aeromonas hydrophiliaReddish streaks in the fins near the body or under scales. Common in goldfish. Associated with overcrowding and stress, particularly in goldfish and koi. It can also be caused by a virus.
Suggested Treatment Period:1 week
Special ConsiderationsThis infection is strongly linked to crowding and poor water conditions. Make sure your fish have clean water and plenty of space.
Special ConsiderationsIt is very important with this parasite to continue dosing for the full treatment period. A break in the medication allows the parasite to multiply and reinfect the fish.
PolyGuard™ is appropriate for treating a variety of bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases of exotic fish. Below are some of the more common diseases treatable with PolyGuard™. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite.
ColumnarisDamaged fins, ulcers and yellowish patches on gills, tissue on head and mouth eaten away. This infection appears gruesome, but is entirely treatable. It is common to see fungus-like tufts around the face and mouth in addition to deterioration of tissue. It is essential to catch this disease early to prevent long-term damage.
Special ConsiderationsColumnaris is very contagious. If possible, remove the infected fish to treat separately in a hospital tank.
PolyGuard™ is the single most effective medication to keep freshwater fish free of disease! It is an effective treatment and safeguard against all prevalent bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases of exotic fish. For use in freshwater or marine aquaria. When our pets are sick, we immediately want to reach for the most powerful medication on the shelf. However, sometimes the right choice to prevent stress is to opt for a gentler medication at first, especially with less severe infections. PolyGuard is among Seachem’s strongest medications and is best used when you are unsure what disease you are treating or when the fish is suffering from multiple infections. Active ingredients: sulfathiazole (36%), malachite green (1.9%), nitrofurantoin (0.14%), nitrofural (0.14%), quinacrine dihydrochloride (0.27%). Inactive ingredients: excipients (61%)
50 gram Use 200 mg of Safe™ (included scoop) per each 200 L (50 US gallons) as needed to reduce chlorine and chloramine or per 50 L (13 US gallons) for ammonia. NOTE: These directions supersede all other prior packaging. All other sizes: Use 1.25 g (1/4 tsp.) for every 1,250 L (300 US gallons) as needed to reduce chlorine and chloramine or use 1.25 g (1/4 tsp.) for every 300 L (75 US gallons) for ammonia. For precise dosing, use the Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. NOTE: These directions supersede all other prior packaging. May be added to the aquarium directly, but better if added to new water first. If adding directly to aquarium, base dose on aquarium volume
The directions on the package I have are different than the ones on your website. Which ones are correct?A: The directions on your package are correct for the formulation in the bottle. We have simplified them for the web and the formulation in our newest packaging.
How much Safe™ should I use to regenerate Purigen® in the 2nd step?A: If you are using Safe™ instead of Prime®, you should use about 16 grams of Safe™ per cup of water.
Can I mix Seachem Safe™ with water and store the solution to use later on? So instead of using the dry powder, I can use it pre-dissolved.A: Safe™ does not have the stabilizers, like Prime®, to keep it stable in liquid form. We do not recommend mixing it and storing it for future use.
Safe™ is the complete and super-concentrated dry conditioner for both fresh and salt water. Safe™ removes chlorine, chloramine and detoxifies ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. It is non-acidic and will not impact pH. A further bonus for the reef hobbyist—Safe™ will not over-activate skimmers. Safe™ may be used during tank cycling to alleviate ammonia/nitrite toxicity. It contains a binder that renders ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate non-toxic, allowing the biofilter to more efficiently remove them. Use at start-up and whenever adding or replacing water. When transporting or quarantining fish, use Seachem StressGuard™. When adding new fish, use Stability®. Both are ideal for use with Safe™. Sizes: 50 g, 250 g, 1 kg, 4 kg
Download Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Use 1 capful (5 mL) for every 200 L (50 US gallons) daily or as needed to reduce ammonia. ADVANCED: If you have an Ammonia Alert® that is reading “Alert”, then use 1 capful (5 mL) for every 400 L (100 US gallons) daily. If it reads “Alarm”, then use 1 capful for every 200 L (50 US gallons) daily. If it reads “Toxic”, then use 1 capful for every 80 L (20 US gallons) daily. EXPERT: If using a Seachem MultiTest™ Free & Total Ammonia test kit, use 1 capful (5 mL) for every 40 L (10 US gallons) to remove 1 mg/L (ppm) of free ammonia. Alternatively you may employ the following formula for a variety of ammonia and water levels: 0.125AV=m (for volume in liters) or 0.5AV=m (for volume in gallons). A=ammonia concentration in mg/L, V=the volume of water being treated and m=the volume of AmGuard™ to use in mL. For example, to remove 1 mg/L of ammonia in 100 gallons you would use 0.5*1*100=50 mL. If water temperature is above 30 °C (86 °F) do not use.
When dosing Stability™, how long should I turn off my UV filter or my ozone?A: The UV and/or ozone should be kept off for the 7 days you are dosing if you are cycling or for at least 24 hours if it is for Stability™ additions of new fish or water changes. The reason both should be turned off is because UV and ozone break down and kill bacteria.
If AmGuard™ is removing ammonia from the system, won't that starve the beneficial bacteria?A: The bacteria should be able to find a suitable home within 24 hours.
I just finished cycling my new tank, but i made a mistake of introducing many fishes at the same time. i was wondering if i could use Stability™ to increase the bb's for the increased bioload?A: Yes, Stability™ will prove very helpful in removing ammonia and nitrite, including nitrate, as a result of the increased bioload. If your ammonia level is not at zero, a combination of Stability™ and AmGuard is very useful and great in reducing ammonia toxicity on the bacteria blend as the bacteria consumes the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate in the aquarium
Is it possible to overdose AmGuard™?A: AmGuard is very safe and quite difficult to overdose to the point of harming tank inhabitants, but a large enough dose can start to deplete the system of oxygen. The standard dose of 5 mL per 50 gallons of water is recommended for general ammonia control, and higher doses can be calculated to deal with elevated ammonia levels (always dose according to a known level of ammonia in the system). There are a few situations where caution should be taken with elevated doses though: Your tank is already low in oxygen A tank with an exceptionally high bio-load, high temperature, or poor circulation is likely quite low in oxygen, so reducing the oxygen any further may be dangerous to tank inhabitants. In this case, using a half dose of Prime or increasing the oxygen content of the tank is recommended. You are using another product that also reduces oxygen Most conditioners that clear away chlorine and chloramine, products that detoxify ammonia and nitrite, as well as some medications will reduce oxygen levels in the tank.
Will AmGuard affect my pH, KH, or GH?A: No, AmGuard™ will have no impact on the pH, KH, or GH of the typical aquarium.
Use 1/2–1 capful (2.5–5 mL) to every 40 L (10 US gallons) daily until signs of stress have abated or healing is complete. Dose may be safely doubled.
Is StressGuard™ plant/reef/invert safe?A: Yes, as long as StressGuard™ is dosed according to the instructions, it is safe to use in a reef or planted aquarium containing invertebrates.
Can StressGuard™ be used in conjunction with other medications?StressGuard™ is compatible with all medications, EXCEPT those that are copper based, including Seachem Cupramine™.
How often can StressGuard™ be dosed to an aquarium?A: When used as directed, StressGuard™ can be dosed safely every 24 hours (the active ingredient dissipates in a 24 hour period).
Is it true that StressGuard™ works by being an irritant to the fish, the irritation being the cause of increased slime coat production?A: No. StressGuard™ does not contain anything to "irritate" fish into producing more slime. What makes StressGuard™ very successful at healing is the fact that it contains protein active colloids. This protein active colloidal agent actively seeks out any wounds, abrasions, or places where exposed proteins are and attaches to this area to help directly deliver the disinfectant in the product and start the healing process. This protein active colloid, because it binds to the exposed proteins, also acts like a liquid bandage to the abrasion.
Do I need to remove carbon or other chemical filtration media when using StressGuard™?No, chemical filtration does not have a significant impact on StressGuard™.
Should I turn off my protein skimmer when dosing with StressGuard™?Yes, it is best to turn off your protein skimmer when dosing with StressGuard™.
StressGuard™ is the premium slime coat protection product. StressGuard™ will reduce stress and ammonia toxicity whenever handling or transporting fish. StressGuard™ binds to exposed protein in wounds to promote healing of injured fish and to reduce the likelihood of primary and secondary infections. StressGuard™ is compatible with all medications except those that are copper based. StressGuard™ is not amine based and will not interfere with Purigen®; or HyperSorb™ regeneration. StressGuard™ does not coat resins or clog filtration like competing “slime coat” type products can. What makes StressGuard™ very successful at healing is the fact that it contains protein active colloids. This protein active colloidal agent actively seeks out any wounds, abrasions, or places where exposed proteins are and attaches to this area to help directly deliver the disinfectant in the product and start the healing process. This protein active colloid, because it binds to the exposed proteins, also acts like a liquid bandage to the abrasion. Some products are marketed to be squirted in the bag when a fish is purchased. Those products are generally acidic, with some brands being a very strong acid. Putting such a product in a small, enclosed container with a fish often does more harm than any intended good. StressGuard™ has a pH of 7.0. It will not affect the pH of an aquarium, even at large doses. There are no other products on the market that can compare to the effectiveness of StressGuard™. Sizes: 50 mL, 100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 4 L
Dosing in WaterRemove all invertebrates - these are extremely sensitive to medication. Turn off UV filters, ozone filters, and remove chemical filtration like MatrixCarbon™ and Purigen®. Use 2-3 measures (included) per every every 40 L (10 US gallons). Repeat this dose every 72 hours for a maximum of 3 weeks.
Dosing in FoodSulfaPlex™ is most effective when used in the water, but it can also be added to the food. Feed the medicated food mix (recipe below) every day until the infection clears or up to 3 weeks. 1 scoop SulfaPlex™ 1 scoop Focus™ 1 tbsp food (preferably pellets or frozen food) A few drops of water if using a dry food To enhance palatability use with GarlicGuard™ or Entice™.
After TreatingWhen the treatment period is over, SulfaPlex™ can easily be removed using activated filter carbon like MatrixCarbon™. It does not linger in the substrate or filter media of the tank.
Suggested Treatment Period:3 weeks or until infection clears
Discoloration of tissue, development of grey or brown “fur” growing on body, listlessness and loss of appetite. This is an unsightly infection that most often appears in bettas.
Special ConsiderationsThis infection progresses rapidly and must be treated immediately if you expect your fish to recover. It is very strongly linked to poor water conditions and low temperature in betta bowls.
SulfaPlex™ is appropriate for treating a variety of bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infestations. Below are some of the more common diseases treatable with SulfaPlex™. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite.
Mouth Rot - ColumnarisDamaged fins, ulcers and yellowish patches on gills, tissue on head and mouth eaten away. This infection appears gruesome, but is entirely treatable. It is common to see fungus-like tufts around the face and mouth in addition to deterioration of tissue. It is essential to catch this disease early to prevent long-term damage.
SulfaPlex™ is an effective and safe treatment for many bacterial, fungal and protozoan infestations in the aquarium. While it can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, it is particularly effective against the common bacterial and fungal infections of freshwater fish. It is also among the gentler antibiotics, and great for treating fish that are already stressed. It is easily removed with carbon and does not impair nitrification. Active ingredients: sulfathiazole (69%) Inactive ingredients: excipients (31%)