Seachem NeoPlex is a broad spectrum antibiotic effective against most external infections of both marine and freshwater fish. Used as directed, NeoPlex will not discolor the water or damage the filter bed. It is well tolerated by invertebrates, although delicate species may be stressed. Minimal impact on bio-filter. Active ingredients: neomycin sulfate (43%) Inactive ingredients: excipients (57%) Indications NeoPlex is appropriate for treating a variety of external infections of both marine and freshwater fish. Below are some of the more common diseases treatable with NeoPlex. Be aware that many diseases and infections share similar physical and behavioral symptoms, e.g. clamped fins, lesions, loss of appetite. Bacterial infection Fins 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 Considerations: Fin 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. Bacterial Infection Open wounds or sores on the body or tail of the fish. Bacterial lesions appear on the body or tail of the fish. They often look like an open wound, sore, or deterioration of the skin and flesh of the fish. Suggested Treatment Period: Dose in the water 3 weeks Special Considerations: Bacterial lesions often start due to wounds on the fish, either from travel or from residence in a tank of aggressive fish. Using an antiseptic like StressGuard will help to prevent this. Bloat Symptom of internal infection: Fish’s belly appears swollen and may have trouble swimming. If the scales stick out, this is called Dropsy and is better treated with KanaPlex. Bloat is often caused by intestinal infections, but can also be a symptom of internal parasites or damage to the fish’s liver. Suggested Treatment Period: 3 weeks or until fungus clears Special Considerations: Bloat is a relatively common and easily treated condition in fish. If left alone, though, it can eventually develop into Dropsy, which is much more difficult to treat. NeoPlex is very effective against bacterial infections of the intestines, but if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, we recommend treating with KanaPlex. Mouth Rot 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: 1 week Special Considerations: Columnaris is very contagious. If possible, remove the infected fish to treat separately in a hospital tank. Seachem Medications for Medicated Food Mixes Focus™: Treats internal bacterial infections MetroPlex™: Treats internal and external parasites and bacterial infections KanaPlex™: Treats internal and external bacterial and fungal infections NeoPlex™: Treats bacterial infections of the intestines