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Indo-Pacific Tarpon
Size: Approx 3-4"
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Water Conditions: 71-82° F, KH 8-10, pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size: 60”
Color Form: Silver, Olive Green
Diet: Tarpon are aggressive feeders, but despite their size, they will often eat surprisingly small prey, including shrimps, crabs, and worms.
Compatibility: Only fishes that are bigger in size
Origin: Found in marine, brackish and freshwater from the Red Sea to Africa, India, Madagascar, Taiwan, Japan and Australia
Family: Megalopidae
Lifespan: 40 Years
Aquarist Experience Lever: Beginner
Seachem Focus
- Antibacterial, antifungal medication
- Treats fish internal infection
- Can use alone or mixed with other medications or food
- Freshwater or marine use
Reasons for Medicated Food Mix
These are some of the reasons why we recommend dispensing Seachem Focus mix in food:- Your fish has an internal infection.
- Bloating, abnormal stools, loss of appetite, and weight loss are all signs of a potential internal infection.
- You are already treating with a medication in the water.
- Sometimes fish will develop several infections at the same time, requiring multiple medications.
- We do not recommend dosing two medications into the water, but it is possible to put one medication in the food and the other in the water.
- There are corals, plants, or invertebrates in the tank.
- Using a medicated food mix will prevent damage to delicate plants or invertebrates from medication.
Indications
Seachem Focus is appropriate for treating a variety of internal infections of fish. Below are some of the more common diseases treatable with Seachem Focus as part of a medicated food mix. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite.Popeye
Eyes protrude or appear to be popping out of the head. Popeye is caused by a buildup of fluid behind the eye and is often seen in conjunction with Dropsy. Suggested Treatment Period: KanaPlex blend: 1 weekIch (White Spot)
- Ichthyophthirius (freshwater) / Cryptocaryon (saltwater): Looks like salt sprinkled on the fishs 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: MetroPlex blend: 14-21 days
- Special Considerations: It is very important with this parasite to maintain the copper concentration for the full treatment period. A drop in the copper concentration will allow 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: MetroPlex blend: 14-21 days
- Special Considerations: In freshwater this condition is called Hole in the Head. Research your fish 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.
Hemorrhagic Septicemia
- Aeromonas hydrophilia: Reddish 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: KanaPlex Blend: 1 week or SulfaPlex Blend: 3 weeks
- Special Considerations: This infection is strongly linked to crowding and poor water conditions. Make sure your fish have clean water and plenty of space.
Dropsy
- Symptom of internal damage: Fish appears bloated, scales stick out in a pinecone-like manner. Dropsy is a result of damage to the liver, causing fluid to build up in the fish. It often starts as bloat and progresses to Dropsy over time.
- Suggested Treatment Period: KanaPlex blend: 1 week
- Special Considerations: Dropsy is a sign of severe internal damage, not a symptom of a specific disease. It is treatable with KanaPlex if caught early, but sometimes the damage is too severe to respond to medications. The best defence is to catch internal infections early, before they progress to this stage.
Mouth Rot
- Columnaris: Damaged 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.
- Suggested Treatment Period: KanaPlex Blend: 1 week
- Special Considerations: Columnaris is very contagious. If possible, remove the infected fish to treat separately in a hospital tank.
Seachem Gold Salt
- Conditions water for goldfish
- Prevents nitrite poisoning
Total Gold Fish Care
- For pH control, use Seachem Gold Buffer.
- For nitrite poisoning prevention, use Seachem Gold Salt.
- For dechlorination, use Seachem Gold Basics.
- Use Seachem Gold Trace to restore the proper level of trace elements.
- Use Seachem NutriDiet Goldfish Flakes for thriving, healthy goldfish.
Directions
Use 18 g (1 tablespoon) for each 40 L (10 US gallons). Use when setting up an aquarium and when making water changes. To add salt to an established tank, do so gradually. It is best to dissolve the salt in a small amount of freshwater before use. Avoid using salt when replacing evaporated water.
Seachem Metroplex
- Treats protozoan parasites and anaerobic bacterial diseases
- Low risk of overdose
- No impact on bio-filter
- Can mix with food
Indications
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 fishs 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 to 28 days
- Special Considerations: It is very important with this parasite to maintain the copper concentration for the full treatment period. A drop in the copper concentration will allow 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 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 to 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.
Seachem Alkaline Buffer
- Adjusts pH to 7.2—8.5
- Increases alkalinity
- Contains no phosphate
Description
Alkaline Buffer™ is a non–phosphate buffer to raise pH and alkalinity (KH) and buffer with Acid Buffer™. These buffers are designed for the planted aquarium or for very hard water where phosphate buffers may pose an algae or cloudiness problem. Alkaline Buffer™ raises pH and buffers between 7.2 and 8.5. It is gentle, safe, and enhances the freshwater environment.
Directions
To increase pH, use 1 teaspoon (6 g) for every 80 L (20 gallons) daily until desired pH is reached (this dose raises alkalinity by about 1 meq/L (2.8 dKH)). For precise dosing, use the Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. In order to adjust pH gradually, use Alkaline Buffer™ with Acid Buffer™. When using Alkaline Buffer™ & Acid Buffer™ together to target a specific pH, utilize the suggested ratio chart.
This chart is based on use in RO or RO/DI water and ratios may need to be adjusted for use in tap water.
HINT: First determine the amount of Alkaline Buffer™ needed for the volume of water. This should be determined based upon your desired alkalinity (KH). Then, divide by the number in the middle column to obtain the correct amount of Acid Buffer™ required.
| Acid Buffer | Alkaline Buffer | pH |
| 1 | 1.3 | 6.5 |
| 1 | 2.0 | 7.0 |
| 1 | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| 1 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
Seachem Malawi/Victoria Buffer
- Buffers to pH of 7.8 - 8.4
- Raises KH and pH
- Does not affect GH
Directions
Use 6 g (one level teaspoon) for each 40 to 80 L (10 to 20 US gallons) of water each day until desired pH is attained and maintained. Thereafter, use as required to maintain pH, usually no more than once every two to three weeks. For precise dosing, use the Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. TIPS: It is best to dissolve the buffer in freshwater before use. Use when setting up an aquarium or making water changes (preferably after the addition of Seachem Cichlid Lake Salt) and between water changes as needed to maintain pH. Seachem Malawi/Victoria is formulated to maintain a pH between 7.8 and 8.4, depending on the amount used. To attain a lower pH than 7.8, you may use Seachem Acid in combination with Malawi/Victoria. To attain a higher pH than 8.4, use Tanganyika.
Seachem Reef Buffer
- Raises pH to 8.3
- Raises pH and carbonate alkalinity together
- pK (8.6) allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only system
Stable pH - Thriving Reef Tank
Seachem Reef Buffer lets you safely raise the pH of reef system to 8.3 without danger of overdosing. It stabilises the pH, ensures a thriving reef tank.pH and pK
The pK of a buffering agent is equivalent to the pH around which that buffer most strongly buffers. One would presume, then, that the pK of a saltwater buffer should be 8.3; however, the multitude of organic acids produced by the inhabitants of a reef system forces pH downward to a much greater degree than in a non-reef, marine system. A buffer with a pK of 8.3 would end up yielding a pH more in the range of 8.0-8.2. Seachem Reef Buffer has higher pK (8.6) which allows for greater pH stability in a reef system where the bioload is significantly more than in a fish only system. Competing products are not designed specifically for the reef environment, so their pK is too low (in most cases, pK 8.3). At this pK, the proper pH can never be reached in saltwater. Seachem Reef Buffer will also raise carbonate alkalinity; however, when pH is not an issue, Reef Builder or Reef Carbonate should be your first choice for a carbonate alkalinity supplement.Directions
Check pH and alkalinity before use (use MultiTest Marine pH and Alkalinity to test ph nd alkalinity levels). Use 5g (1 level teaspoon) for every 150L (40 US gallons) to raise pH by about 0.1 pH units (this will also raise alkalinity by about 0.5 meq/L). For precise dosing, use the Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. Dissolve in at least 250 ml (one cup) of freshwater, then add to the tank. The pH of natural sea water is 8.258.30. In a well established reef system pH adjustment may be necessary biweekly to semiweekly. Dosing requirements will vary, but do not exceed the recommended dose without checking your pH and alkalinity (alkalinity should not exceed 6 meq/L). If an alkalinity of 6 meq/L has been reached and a pH of at least 8.20 has not been attained or substantial cloudiness that does not clear within 15 minutes is encountered, then the system is not ionically balanced. To restore ionic balance perform a water change or adjust the magnesium and calcium levels to approximately 3:1 Mg:Ca. DO NOT OVERDOSE: Excess alkalinity may enhance the loss of calcium, magnesium, and strontium. Do not directly mix with any calcium, magnesium, or strontium supplement. Best if calcium and carbonate additives are added on alternate days or at least 30 minutes apart.
Seachem SeaGel
- Removes phosphate, silicate, organics, metals, acids, and more
- 50/50 blend of MatrixCarbon and PhosGuard
- More convenient than two separate bags of media
Description
SeaGel™ is a blend of MatrixCarbon™ and PhosGuard™. MatrixCarbon™ is an ultracapacity carbon for the removal of organic and color impurities. PhosGuard™ is a powerful remover of phosphate, silicate, toxic metals, and acids. Both components are bead shaped for optimum water flow characteristics and penetration. The components enhance each other and are ideal for reef and marine use. SeaGel™ may also be used in freshwater that is not phosphate buffered. Although MatrixCarbon™ has the lowest detectable leachable phosphate content of all major carbon brands tested, some phosphate is still released. Adding PhosGuard™ to the mix compensates for this. Both components are bead shaped for optimum water flow characteristics and penetration. The components enhance each other and are ideal for reef and marine use.Directions
Use 250 mL for each 150–225 L (40–60 US gallons). Use in a filter bag such as Seachem’s The Bag™. Rinse in freshwater before use. Use caution, since product will fizz and heat on initial wetting. SeaGel™ will function 3–4 months.Sizes
100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L, 100 L
Seachem Acid Buffer
- Adjusts pH to 5.0—8.0
- Converts alkalinity [KH] to CO2
- Contains no phosphate
Description
Acid Buffer™ is a non–phosphate buffer to lower pH and buffer with Alkaline Buffer™. Both buffers are designed for the planted aquarium or for very hard water where phosphate buffers may pose an algae or cloudiness problem. Acid Buffer™ lowers pH and buffers between 6.0 and 8.0 when used with Alkaline Buffer™. As Acid Buffer™ lowers pH it converts carbonate alkalinity (KH) into available CO2.
Directions
To lower pH, use 1/4 teaspoon (2g) for every 80 L (20 US gallons) daily until desired pH is reached (this dose lowers alkalinity by about 0.2 meq/L (0.6 dKH)). Larger doses may be required in very hard (KH) or alkaline waters. For precise dosing, use the Seachem Digital Spoon Scale. In order to adjust pH gradually, or if water is soft or not well buffered, use Acid Buffer™ with Alkaline Buffer™. When using Alkaline Buffer™ & Acid Buffer™ together to target a specific pH, utilize the suggested ratio chart.
This chart is based on use in RO or RO/DI water and ratios may need to be adjusted for use in tap water.
HINT: First determine the amount of Alkaline Buffer™ needed for the volume of water. This should be determined based upon your desired alkalinity (KH). Then, divide by the number in the middle column to obtain the correct amount of Acid Buffer™ required.
| Acid Buffer | Alkaline Buffer | pH |
| 1 | 1.3 | 6.5 |
| 1 | 2.0 | 7.0 |
| 1 | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| 1 | 4.0 | 8.0 |
CAUTION: Causes serious eye irritation. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin.
Seachem Renew
- Phosphate-free carbon substitute
- High pore # for maximum organic removal
- Ideal to use in planted tank or marine tank - does not leach phosphate
- No impact on trace minerals and important nutrients
Description
Renew™ is ideal for use in systems where phosphate released from all activated carbons poses a problem. Renew™ is also less aggressive than carbon, making it well suited for reefs and planted aquaria. It is also beneficial for use in soft water aquaria where the pH-raising property of many carbons is not an asset. Renew™ will remove organics and particulates in the sub-micron range; it will also help control ammonia, nitrates, and phosphates.Directions
Renew™ should be used in exactly the same manner as activated carbon. Use 250 mL for each 120–160 L (30–40 US gallons). Use in a filter bag only. Although Renew™ is clean, it is advisable to rinse before use. It lasts about the same as carbon (4–6 weeks).Sizes
100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L, 100 L
Seachem Purigen
- Highest organic removal capacity
- Possesses enhanced capacity owing to its vast surface area; both spherical and macroreticular
- Helps control ammonia/nitrite/nitrate
- Color changes as it exhausts; easily regenerated
Description
Purigen® is a premium synthetic adsorbent that is unlike any other filtration product. It is not a mixture of ion exchangers or adsorbents, but a unique macro-porous synthetic polymer that removes soluble and insoluble impurities from water at a rate and capacity that exceeds all other competing products by over 500%. Purigen® controls ammonia, nitrites and nitrates by removing nitrogenous organic waste that would otherwise release these harmful compounds. Purigen’s impact on trace elements is minimal. It significantly raises redox. It polishes water to unparalleled clarity. Purigen® darkens progressively as it exhausts, and is easily renewed by treating with bleach. Purigen® is designed for both marine and freshwater use. Selectivity: Purigen® is the highest capacity organic filtration resin on the market. No other products can compare to its ability to clear haziness and polish water to unparalleled clarity. Unlike other products on the market which are simple ion-exchange resins, Purigen® is specifically designed to be an organic scavenging resin. When ion-exchange resins are filled to capacity by metals and other contaminants, Purigen® has barely begun to reach its potential. Purigen® generally ignores simple elemental compounds, having an extreme affinity for nitrogenous organics. The primary source of nitrogenous compounds in an aquarium is waste. Fish, corals, even plants produce nitrogenous waste. Purigen® removes that waste faster and more completely than anything else on the market. Capacity: Purigen’s™ possesses enhanced capacity owing to its vast surface area. All other resins on the market are purely spherical extruded beads. These beads remain smooth even under a microscope. Purigen® is both spherical and macroreticular. It has microscopic pores that increase its usable surface area to many times that of a purely spherical resin. Regeneration: Purigen® can also be regenerated. As it adsorbs waste products, Purigen® will change color from a pale blonde to a dark brown, almost black. Once it is exhausted, it can be regenerated with a solution of bleach and water. The bleach will literally “burn off” the organics that have been removed from the tank. Watch out for products that claim to be regenerable with a brine solution. That is the regeneration procedure for ion-exchange purposes. A brine solution will not remove organics. While such resins have a limited capacity for organic adsorption, a brine regeneration process only replaces removed ionic compounds. It does not destroy large organic molecules that were removed, which is the primary function of organic adsorption resins.Directions
Rinse before use. Use in a fine mesh (180 micron or less) filter bag such as Seachem’s The Bag™. Each 250 mL treats up to 1,000 L (250 US gallons) for up to six months. Exhaustion is indicated by a pronounced discoloration of the beads to dark brown or black. REGENERATION: Soak in a 1:1 bleach:water solution for 24 hours in a non-metallic container in a well ventilated area and away from children. Use regular 8.25% hypochlorite household bleach (non-scented, no dyes, do not use a splash-less bleach). Rinse well, then soak for 8 hours with a solution containing 4 tablespoons of Prime®, or equivalent dechlorinator per cup of water. Rinse well. For freshwater use, soak for 4 hours with a solution containing 2 tablespoons of buffer per cup of water (Discus Buffer®, Neutral Regulator®). Original color and full activity should now be restored and Purigen® is ready for reuse. Caution: some slime coat products may permanently foul Purigen® and render regeneration difficult. Do not reuse if odor of bleach/chlorine is detectable. In case of doubt, soak beads in small quantity of water and test for residual chlorine with a chlorine test kit.Sizes
100 mL, 250 mL, 500 mL, 1 L, 2 L, 4 L, 20 L
Seachem PhosGuard
- Removes silicate and phosphate
- Spherical for optimal hydrodynamics
- Irreversible binding
Description
PhosGuard™ rapidly removes phosphate and silicate from marine and freshwater aquaria. It is not recommended for phosphate buffered freshwater. PhosGuard™ is highly porous for high capacity and bead-shaped for optimum water flow.
Aluminum Oxide, Soluble Aluminum, and Coral Toxicity
In recent years, there has been speculation that aluminum oxide based phosphate removers like PhosGuard™ release aluminum into the water and subsequently damage corals. The evidence to support this claim was largely anecdotal. So, through a series of controlled experiments in both freshwater and saltwater, we intended to address both the question of aluminum solubility and aluminum toxicity. The results of these experiments show that under reef conditions (pH near 8) there is no detectable soluble aluminum released from alumina. Under conditions of low pH and high dosage levels, soluble aluminum can be released from alumina; at three times the label dosage rate, we detected 0.2 mg/L aluminum at a pH of 5.3. Additionally, aluminum oxide is not easily absorbed into the cell to cause negative reactions. Even at three times the dose of PhosGuard™, soft-bodied corals such as Sarcophyton remain unaffected. For the full report on this study, click here.Directions
May generate heat on initial contact with water. Pre-wet by adding to a double volume of freshwater, followed by a rinse. For best results, PhosGuard™ should be rinsed before use and placed so as to maximize the flow of water through it but not so that it tumbles against itself in flow. It may be used in a canister filter, media chamber, box filter, or any high flow area of a trickle filter. Use of a filter bag is recommended. Use 85 mL (1/3 cup) for every 200 L (50 US gallons) saltwater or 400 L (100 US gallons) freshwater. Leave product in place for 4 days, then test phosphate or silicate concentrations with either MultiTest™: Phosphate or MultiTest™: Silicate. If the concentration of the component you are trying to decrease has not dropped to around 0.02 mg/L, then replace the PhosGuard™, otherwise leave in place until levels begin to climb again. As long as concentrations remain under control, the product is not exhausted. Over treating is not recommended. PhosGuard™ is not an exchange resin and does not release anything into the water. It does not leach phosphate or silicate back into the water and may be removed, dried, and returned to service until exhausted. Continuous use of small quantities is better than intermittent use of larger quantities.| Comparing Seachem Phosphate Removers | |
|---|---|
| PO4 bound | |
| PhosGuard (Alumina Oxide) | 0.87 mg/g |
| PhosBond (GFO and Alumina Oxide hybrid) | 1.19 mg/g |
| PhosNet (GFO) | 1.41 mg/g |
