Glossary

Acclimatization
 Equalizing water parameters prior to introduction of livestock to the tank
Aerobic Bacteria Oxygen requiring bacteria that break down wastes ultimately to Nitrates
Anaerobic Bacteria Oxygen hating bacteria that break down nitrates
Cyanobacteria Red/Green Slime that forms when phosphates get too high
Denitrator Device for the reduction of nitrates
External Filter A filter that sits outide (usually underneath) the aquarium
Filtration Removal of waste - Mechanical,Biological,Chemical
GH General Hardness
Hair algae An unwanted algea that can literally take over an aquarium - usually due to too high nitrates
Internal Filter A Filter that sits in the aqurium
Kelvin Measurement of light temperature
KH Carbonate Hardness
LFS Local fish store
Live Rock Rock containing natural organisms. Highly porous and the perfect method of filtration in a marine tank
LPS Large Polyped Stoney Coral
Macro algae Higher form of algae - can be grown to remove nitrates/phosphates, eaten by many fish.
Nitrate Cycle The waste breakdown cycle (ammonia/ium -nitrites-nitrates)
Peristaltic Pump Rollers squeeze liquid throug a tube - useful for precise or small volumes
PH Potential (of) Hydrogen - acidity/alkalinity on a scale of 1-14 with 1 acidic, 7 neutral and 14 Alkaline
Powerhead A pump that can be used for water circulation - can also power an undergravel filter
Protein Skimmer A device that passes millions of air bubbles through the water removing waste in the process
Quarantine Period in isolation for observation prior to placement in main tank
Reactor A container containing media (eg Phosphate Adsorption Resin or Aragonite) through which the aquarium water passes
Refugium A sectioned-off or separate area
Reverse Osmosis The process of forcing water through a membrane thus removing vast majority of pollutants
RO Reverse Osmosis
SG Specific Gravity
Specific Gravity In simple terms, a way of measuring salinity of water - actually it's weight compared to that of the same volume of pure water
SPS Small Polyped Stoney Coral
Sump A separate tank (usually underneath the aquarium) where filtration and unsightly equipment can be kept
T5 Flourescent lighting - 5/8" diameter
T8 Flourescent lighting - 1" diameter
Tank cycle The period when a new tank is maturing - wild fluctuations in ammonia/nitrite/nitrate. Needs to have stabilized before adding livestock
UV Ultra Violet - used to sterilize water
Zooxanthellae A form of algea that forms a symbiotic relationship with many corals/anenomes - it's photosynthesis provides them with nutrition.

 

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