MetroPlex is an effective and safe treatment for several protozoan 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 little danger of overdosing. Active ingredients: metronidazole (70%) Inactive ingredients: excipients (30%) 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. Ich (White Spot) 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 Considerations It 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! Hole in the Head/Head and Lateral Line Erosion Hexamita spp / Spironucleus vortens Symptoms 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 Considerations In 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. Velvet 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. Suggested Treatment Period: 14-28 days Special Considerations Velvet is a photosynthetic parasite - it will help with treatment if you can turn off the lights while the fish are infected Dosing in Water Remove 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 Food Feed 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 Treating When 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.
