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| A |
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Absorbing
To take in; assimilate.
 
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
 |
Absorption
The act or process of absorbing.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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AC
See Activated carbon.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Acid
A substance that when put in solution will yield hydrogen ions: A solution having a pH of less than 7.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Actinic
Lighting that is high in blue wavelengths. Usually used in saltwater reef setups.
(Category: General ) |
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Activated carbon 
Used in filters on the aquarium to remove compounds such as some ions organics and medications.
(Category: General ) |
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Adipose fin
A small fin located between the dorsal and caudal. Not all fish have this feature.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Adsorption
The accumulation of gases, liquids, or solutes on the surface of a solid or liquid.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Adventitious
A (plant) structure that develops from an unusual place.
Example: Java fern plantlets forming on the margin of leaves.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Aeration
Getting oxygen into the water, usually by disturbing the surface.
(Category: General ) |
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Aerobic
Biological processes that occur in oxygenated situations.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Aged water
Water that has been left to stand, usually at least 24 hours, and in which the chlorine has been outgassed.
(Category: General ) |
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Air pump
A pump which is used to deliver low pressure air to equipment in an aquarium.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Airstone
A porous diffuser used to diffuse air from an airpump in an aquarium. Usually made of glass, sand, plastic or even wood.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Algae
Photosynthetic organisms that lack roots, stems, leaves and a vascular system.
(Category: General ) |
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Algae eater
A wide class of fish and invertebrates that feeds primarily on algae.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Alien
Introduced, usually by man, to a specifc region.
courtesy of: Dino
(Category: General ) |
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Alkali
A substance having highly basic properties. A strong base.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Alkaline
Having a pH greater than 7.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Alkalinity
Measurement of the ability of a solution to neutralize acid without a change in pH.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Allelochemicals
Chemicals released by one species into the water to inhibit the growth of other species.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Allelopathy
The inhibition of growth in one species of plants by chemicals produced by another species.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Ammonia
NH3.
Released into the aquarium from fish waste, over feeding and other means. Very deadly to fish.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Ammonium
NH4+
Ionized form of ammonia.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Amphibious
A plant or animal that lives or is able to live on land and in water.
(Category: General ) |
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Amphipods
Small, shrimplike crustaceans, elongate and more or less compressed laterally.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Anabantid
Any of the labyrinth fish of the family Anabantidae. Characterized by the labyrinth organ which allows them to breathe atmospheric air.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Anaerobic
Biological processes that occur in anoxic situations.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Anal fin
Vertical fin below the fish just in front of the caudal fin.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Anions
Ions that have a negative electrical charge.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Anoxic
Devoid of oxygen.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Anther
The pollen-bearing part of the stamen.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Antibiotic
Medication that kills bacteria.
(Category: General ) |
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Anus
Opening at the posterior end of the intestinal tract where feces are passed.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Aphid
Any of numerous very small sluggish homopterous insects that suck the juices of plants. Usually found on floating plants in the aquarium. Eaten by most fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Aquaculture
Production of aquatic oranisms, generally for commercial purposes.
(Category: General ) |
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Aquarist
Person who designs or maintains an aquarium.
(Category: General ) |
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Aquarium
A tank fitted with equipment to support and house live aquatic creatures.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Aquascape
The design of the interior of an aquarium. Includes rocks, wood, plants and other objects placed in a way that will express a specific idea of the creator.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Aquatic
Living in water.
(Category: General ) |
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Artemia
Genus to which brine shrimp belong.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Arthropod
Any of numerous invertebrate animals of the phylum Arthropoda, including the insects, crustaceans, arachnids, and myriapods, that are characterized by a chitinous exoskeleton and a segmented body to which jointed appendages are articulated in pairs.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Asexual reproduction
Reproduction by means other than sexual. (Regeneration, splitting)
(Category: General ) |
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Atom
A unit of matter, the smallest unit of an element, having all the characteristics of that element and consisting of a dense, central, positively charged nucleus surrounded by a system of electrons.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Axis
The main part of a plant which includes the roots and stem.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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| B |
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Ballast
Device for starting and regulating fluorescent and metal halide lamps.
Available in electronic and electromagnetic varieties. Electronic ballasts are more energy efficient, smaller, lighter weight, operate cooler and typically have a longer warranty.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Barbel
Appendages located around the mouth of certain fish, such as catfish, that serve a sensory function.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Base
A substance that reacts to neutralize acid. A solution with a pH above 7.0.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Bicarbonate
A salt of Carbonic acid containing the anon HCO3, in which one hydrogen atom has been replaced
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Bioball
A spherical plastic object that serves as a place for nitrifying bacteria to colonize. Although called "bioballs", they are available in various designs and in many shapes and sizes. Bioballs are designed for use in biological filtration systems.
Also known as: bio-balls, media balls
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Biogenic
Any substance created as a result of the activities of living organisms.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Biogenic decalcification
The results of plants stripping the water of available CO2 and switching to using bicarbonate ions as a carbon source, causes a rise in pH and precipitates calcium carbonate from the water.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Bioload
The demand placed on the filtration system in an aquarium that is a result of all the living organisms within that aquarium.
(Category: General ) |
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Biological filtration
The process passing water over a colony of beneficial bacteria which processes the ammonia secreted by fish and other living things to nitrate.
(Category: General ) |
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Biomass
The combined weight of all living organisms within a specific area.
(Category: General ) |
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Biotope
A very specific aquarium design that attempts to recreate the exact conditions found in a specific geographic area in nature.
(Category: General ) |
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Biowheel
A rotating pleated wheel in a filter over which water flows and is intended for the growth of nitrifying bacteria.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Bisexual flowers
Flowers which contain both male and female sexual organs.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Bloodworm
Used as a food for freshwater fish. Larva of a gnat or mosquito, usually red in color.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Bog
An area having a wet, spongy, acidic substrate composed chiefly of sphagnum moss and peat in which certain wetland plants grow.
(Category: General ) |
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Brackish
Water that is less salty than full seawater and more salty than freshwater. Found in estuaries. Generally having a specific gravity of between 1.002 and 1.008.
(Category: General ) |
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Bract
A modified leaf or leaflike part just below and protecting an inflorescence.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Breeding
Spawning and raising fry of any aquarium inhabitant.
(Category: General ) |
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Brine shrimp
Crustaceans used as live or frozen food for both fresh and saltwater inhabitants.
(Category: General ) |
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Brood
A group of sibling fry that come from a single clutch of eggs.
(Category: General ) |
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Bubble nest
A floating assembly of bubbles in which eggs are placed by certain fish, most noteably Bettas.
(Category: General ) |
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Buffer
Chemicals that resist a change in pH when an acid or alkali is added.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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| C |
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CaCO3
Calcium carbonate. Sometimes used to raise both KH and GH.
(Category: General ) |
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CAE
Chinese Algae Eater. Usually Gyrinocheilus aymonieri and sometimes confused with the SAE (Siamese Algae Eater).
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Calcification
The process where calcium carbonate is integrated into the structure of a living organism: The deposition of calcium carbonate as a mineral through a chemical process.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Calyx
The portion of a flower that supports the petals.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Canister filter
Aquarium filter that is usually placed under the tank stand and filled with filter media. Connected to the tank via hoses.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Carbon Dioxide
CO2. Colorless, odorless gas that is sometimes injected into high light planted tanks. Absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, and respired at night. Also respired by fish. Can be outgassed by increased surface disturbance.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Carbonate
A salt or ester of Carbonic acid containing the anion CO3.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Carbonic acid
Formed when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Carnivore
An organism that feeds primarly upon animals.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Carpel
Leaf organs of the plant which produce the ovules.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Cation
An ion or group of ions having a positive charge.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Cation Exchange Capacity
A substrates ability to absorb and hold cation nutrients for later use by plants.
(Category: General ) |
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Caudal fin
The tail fin of a fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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CEC
See Cation Exchange Capacity.
(Category: General ) |
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Chasmogamy
Opening of a flower in order to be fertilized.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Check valve
A valve that permits flow in one direction only
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Chloramine
Often used in the treatment of water. Must be removed from water to be used in an aquarium. A chemical compound derived from a reaction between ammonia and chlorine. Can not be outgassed
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Chlorine
Cl. Often used in the treatment of potable water. Must be removed from water to be used in an aquarium. Can be outgassed.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Chlorophyll
Any of a group of green pigments that are found in the chloroplasts of plants and in other photosynthetic organisms.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Chloroplast
A structure that contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Chlorotic
A condition in plants where the leaf will turn yellow due to a lack of iron.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Clay
Native soil with a high amount of silicates and a small particle size. Tends to be sticky and hard to seperate.
courtesy of: Dino
(Category: General ) |
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Cleistogamous
See cleistogamy.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Cleistogamy
Self pollination in a closed flower.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Clutch
A group of eggs hatched together, another term for a spawn.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: General ) |
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CO2
See Carbon Dioxide.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Compact fluorescents
See power compact.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Copepod
Any of a variety of minute marine and freshwater crustaceans having an elongated body and a forked tail. Some are eaten by most aquarium fish, some are considered parasites.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Copper
Cu. An element that is required in trace amounts by many organisms. In higher concentrations can be deadly to fish, invertebrates, and plants.
(Category: General ) |
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Cosmopolitan
Plant species that is distributed over the entire world.
(Category: General ) |
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Crustacean
Any of various predominantly aquatic arthropods of the class Crustacea, including lobsters, crabs, shrimps, and barnacles, characteristically having a segmented body, a chitinous exoskeleton, and paired, jointed limbs.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Crypt
Short for Cryptocoryne, a genus of freshwater plants of the Araceae family.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Cull
To euthanize for the purpose of refining or strengthening a genetic line or to remove deformed offspring.
(Category: General ) |
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Cultivar
A variety of a plant that has been created or selected intentionally by man.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Current
One directional movement in a mass of water or air.
(Category: General ) |
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Cyanobacteria
Often called "blue green algae", it is not an algae at all, but a photosynthetic bacterium of the class Coccogoneae or Hormogoneae.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Cycle
The process of establishing a colony of beneficial nitrifying bacteria in an aquarium. Also known as the
nitrogen cycle.
(Category: General ) |
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| D |
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Daphnia
A water flea commonly used as food for fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Dechlorinator
A chemical added to water before or while it is added to an aquarium to eliminate chlorine.
(Category: General ) |
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Degrees
Unit of measure equal to 17.86 ppm. Commonly used to measure GH and KH.
(Category: General ) |
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Denitrator
A device used to remove nitrate from the aquarium.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Denitrification
The conversion of nitrite and nitrate nitrogen (after nitrification) to inert nitrogen gas.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: General ) |
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Dessication
Dehydration.
(Category: General ) |
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Detritus
Small particles of decomposing plant and animal matter that accumulates in an aquarium.
(Category: General ) |
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Diatom
Any of various microscopic one-celled or colonial algae.
(Category: General ) |
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Diatom filter
A filter used to remove very fine particles from aquarium water. Usually uses diatomaceous earth as a medium.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Diatomaceous earth
A powder made of the shells of diatoms, used as a filtering agent.
(Category: General ) |
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DIY
Do It Yourself. Items that you make yourself in whole or part.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Dorsal fin
The fin found on the center of the back of fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Drift
The varience in pressure on a regulator from a full tank to an empty tank.
(Category: General ) |
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Driftwood
Descriptive term for wood used in the aquarium, which isn't necessarily actual driftwood.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: General ) |
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| E |
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Ecosystem
All the components of a specific area and the interactions between them.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Electron
An elementary particle with a negative charge.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Emergent
Said of leaves and flowers that are above water surface by an aquatic plant.
(Category: General ) |
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Emersed
Growing above the water surface.
(Category: General ) |
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Endcap
A water resistant socket for fluorescent lamps.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Endemic
Native to or confined to a certain region.
(Category: General ) |
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Epidermis
Top layer of cells on the outer surface of higher plants and animals.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Epsom salt
MgSO4
Magnesium sulfate. Sometimes added to a planted tank as a magnesium suppliment.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Erythromycin
An antibiotic sometimes added to the aquarium to treat disease and cyanobacteria.
or blue green algae. It is toxic to nitrifying bacteria.
(Category: General ) |
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Estuary
An ecosystem formed where a river meets the ocean. Characterized by fluctuations in salinity due to tidal movement.
(Category: General ) |
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Euthanasia
The deliberate killing of an organism to spare it from pain or suffering.
(Category: General ) |
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Eutrophic
Rich in nutrients.
(Category: General ) |
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| F |
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FAAS
Federation of American Aquarium Societies. A service organization of and for aquarium societies of North, Central and South America.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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False pearling
False pearling will appear very similar to true pearling, but normally occurs right after a water change.
(Category: General ) |
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Family
A scientific order of taxonomy containing a group of related genera.
(Category: General ) |
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Fe
See iron
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Female flowers
Flowers which only contain carpels.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Fertilizer
Any material used as a source of nutrients for enhancement of plant growth.
(Category: General ) |
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Filamentous
Having a threadlike structure, such as some algae.
(Category: General ) |
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Filter
A device containing such a material, especially one used to extract impurities from air or water. Comes in many different kinds for an aquarium. (HOB, canister, sponge )
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Fishless cycling
The process of establishing colonies of Nitrifying bacteria using chemical ammonia rather than live fish.
(Category: General ) |
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Flashing
Fish behavior characterized by rapid, glancing contact with an object in an effort to remove an external parasite or other irritation.
(Category: General ) |
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Flocculant
A chemical compound used in water clarifiers. It causes fine particles to stick together to be more easily removed by the filter.
(Category: General ) |
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Fluorescent lamp
Lamp consisting of a tube coated on the inside with a fluorescent material. Mercury vapor in the tube emits ultraviolet radiation that is converted to visible radiation by the fluorescent material. Comes in several styles, and many sizes and wattages.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Fry
Recently hatched fish and some other animals.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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| G |
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General hardness
A measure of certain salts and minerals dissolved in the water - primarily calcium and magnesium. Measured in degrees or ppm.
(Category: General ) |
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Generative propagation
Propagation through sexual means.
(Category: General ) |
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Genus
A group of closely related species
Plural: genera
(Category: General ) |
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GFCI
See Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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GH
See general hardness.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Gill
The respiratory organs of fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Gill cover
A hard bony plate covering the gills.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Gonopodium
Particular to livebearers, the gonopodium is the pelvic fins of male fish that have been converted into genital organs.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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GPH
Gallons Per Hour.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
An electrical device that opens a circuit to prevent personal injury by comparing the current flowing on one side of a circuit with that flowing on the opposite side. Can come in "built in" models, such as in the picture, built into an extention cord, or ones that simply plug into an existing outlet.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Grounding
Providing a path for electricity to travel into the earth, usually to eliminate an unwated charge or to protect persons from injury.
(Category: General ) |
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Grounding probe
A metal probe placed in the aquarium and plugged into the ground of an electrical outlet. Helps reduce electrical interference in some electronic equipment.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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| H |
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Habitat
The area or environment where a species is typically found.
(Category: General ) |
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Hard water
Water that contains dissolved salts of calcium and magnesiumin at a concentration of 200 ppm or more.
(Category: General ) |
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Hatchling
Any organism that has recently emerged from an egg.
(Category: General ) |
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Heater
A piece of equipment for tropical fish, used to warm the aquarium water. Available as submersible, hanging, in-filter, inline and under gravel coils.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Herbaceous
Plants without woody stems.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Herbivore
Fish eating mainly plant matter.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Hermaphrodite
An organism having both male and female reproductive organs. Many snails fall into this category.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Heterocercal
Relating to, having, or being a tail fin in which the upper lobe is larger than the lower and the vertebral column extends into the upper lobe, as in sharks.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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HO
Short for High Output. Usually referning to lighting.
(Category: General ) |
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HOB
Short for Hang On the Back. Usually a type of external filter for an aquarium, but can also be applied to some types of heaters.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Homocercal
Type of caudal fin found in most bony fish, in which the vertebral column terminates at the fin base.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Hood
An enclosure housing light fixtures for an aquarium, usually includes a cover for the entire tank.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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HOT
Short for Hang on Tank. Similar to hob.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Hybrid
The offspring resulting from crossbreeding two different species.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Hybridization
The process of hybrid formation.
(Category: General ) |
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Hydra
Freshwater hydrozoan resembling a tiny sea anemone that is sometimes a problem in breeding tanks beacuse of it's ability to catch and eat fry. Can be a sign of overfeeding.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Hydrogen Sulphide
H2S. A toxic compound, which has an unforgettable rotten egg odour. Produced in anaerobic pockets in the substrate.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Hydrometer
Used to determine the specific gravity of a fluid. In fishkeeping, used to measure salinity.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Hydrozoan
Any member of the cnidarian Class Hydrozoa.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Hypoxic
When only very low levels of dissolved oxygen are present.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: General ) |
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|
| I |
|
ICH
A common disease found in freshwater fish. Short for Ichthyophthirius multfillis, the parasite which causes it.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Ichthyologist
Biologist who specializes in the study of fish.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Ichthyology
The branch of zoology that deals with the study of fishes.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Illuminance
Ammount of light that falls on a given area.
(Category: General ) |
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Impeller
Part of a filter or powerhead looking a little like the propeller on a boat motor, and used to for the same purpose - to move water.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Indigenous
Occurring naturally in a particular region.
courtesy of: Dino
(Category: General ) |
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Inflorescence
A flower cluster.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Infusoria
Microscopic organisms often cultured as a food for fish fry.
(Category: General ) |
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Insoluble
Not dissolvable. Unable to form a solution.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Internal filter
A filter which is located inside the aquarium. Examples are under gravel filters and sponge filters .
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Internode
Part of the stem located beween two nodes.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Invertebrate
Animals that have no spinal column, such as snails or shimp.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Ion
An atom or a group of atoms that has acquired a net electric charge by gaining or losing one or more electrons.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Ionized
To convert or be converted totally or partially into ions.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Iron
A chemical element (Fe) required in trace amounts by many organisms. Often added to heavily planted tanks.
(Category: General ) |
|
|
| K |
|
K2SO4
Potassium sulfate. Often used in planted tanks to dose potassium.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
KCL
See Potassium Chloride.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Kelvin
Measurement that expresses the overall color of a light source itself.
(Category: General ) |
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KH
A scale of the measurement of alkalinity, or carbonate hardness. Measures carbonates and bicarbonates. Measured in degrees or ppm.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
KH2PO4
Mono potassium phosphate. Often used in planted tanks to dose phosphate.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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KNO3
Potassium nitrate. Most commonly used in planted tanks to dose nitrate. Will also add some potassium.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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|
| L |
|
Larva
An immature form of an invertebrate or fish that develops from an egg and changes into the adult form after a period of growth.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Laterite
A clay rich soil found found in the tropics and subtropics. Used as a substrate iron supplement in planted aquaria. Goes under another substrate and needs to be replaced periodically.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
LFS
Local Fish Store.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Light spectrum
Electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between 100 and 1000 Nanometers. Includes ultraviolet, visable, and infared light.
(Category: General ) |
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Limestone
Rock formed by deposition of calcium carbonate in marine sediments.
(Category: General ) |
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Live bearer
Any of the fish in the Family Poecillidae that give birth to live young. Includes such fish as Guppies, Endlers, Mollies, Platies, and Swordtails
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Lumen
The total amount of light emitted from a light source, not to be confused with brightness.
courtesy of: Steve Hampton.
(Category: General ) |
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Lux
A unit of irradiance equivalent to one lumen per square meter.
(Category: General ) |
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| M |
|
Macronutrients
Food compounds required by an organism in large quantities. For plants these include: Hydrogen,
Oxygen,
Carbon,
Nitrogen,
Potassium,
Calcium,
Magnesium,
Phosphorus, and
Sulfur
(Category: General ) |
|
Magnesium
A chemical element (Mg) whose salts comprise a portion of the hardness of fresh water.
(Category: General ) |
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Mandable
In invertebrates, any movable jaw element. In vertebrates, only the lower jaw.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Manifold
Used to split one into many. Commonly used for O2 and CO2 systems.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Margin
The border of a leaf.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Marsh
An area characterized by the seasonal presence of shallow standing water but in which peat does not form.
(Category: General ) |
|
Mechanical filtration
Any method of water filtration intended to remove particulate matter by passing it over a filter medium such as floss, foam or sponges.
(Category: General ) |
|
Metal halide
A high intensity device operated by electricity, used as a light source when very bright light is needed.
(Category: General ) |
|
Metamorphosis
The process of transforming from a larval form into an adult.
(Category: General ) |
|
Methylene blue
A chemical dye used as an aquarium medication. Toxic to nitrifying bacteria.
(Category: General ) |
|
Mg
See magnesium
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
MgSO4
See epsom salt.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
MH
See metal halide.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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Micronutrients
Food compounds required by an organism only in very small quantities. For plants these include:
Iron,
Manganese,
Chlorine,
Zinc,
Boron,
Nickel,
Copper, and
Molybdenum
(Category: General ) |
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Microspore
Male spore.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Milt
The sperm-containing fluid of a male fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Monoecious
Having male and female reproductive organs in the same plant.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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MTS
Malaysian Trumpet Snails.
Also refers to Multiple Tank Syndrome, a common affliction among fishkeepers for which there is no known cure.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Mulm
Undecomposed fish waste and other organic solid matter that accumulates in an aquarium. Usually removed by siphoning.
(Category: General ) |
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Mutant
An organism possessing one or more genes that have undergone mutation.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Mutation
A sudden structural change within a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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| N |
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Nanometer
A unit of measurement of the wavelengths in the light spectrum.
One billionth of a meter.
(Category: General ) |
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Necropsy
Dissection of a dead animal, usually to determine the cause of death.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Needle Valve
Commonly used in a co2 system to control the amount of CO2 entering the tank. Tubing will enter the needle valve, go through the "needle", which acts as a meetering device, slowing the rate at which the CO2 is injected. Turn the valve open further for a faster flow.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Nematode
Roundworm of the Pyhlum Nematoda. Some are parasites and some can be cultivated for feeding to some fish.
(Category: General ) |
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NH3
See Ammonia.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
NH4+
See ammonium.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nitrate
End result of the cycling process. High levels can be harmful to fish. Consumed by plants as a nutrient.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nitrate-Nitrogen
Nitrogen that was in the form of Nitrate. A more accurate measurement for determining nitrate levels. To arrive at the amount of nitrate you must multiply Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO3-N) by 4.4. (ie 10 ppm of NO3-N = 44 ppm of NO3)
courtesy of: Steve Hampton
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nitrifying bacteria
Strains of
nitrosomas and
nitrobacter bacteria which attach to all surfaces in the aquarium and process
ammonia to
nitrate.
(Category: General ) |
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Nitrite
NO2
A toxic substance created by
nitrosomas bacteria from
ammonia. The interim step in the nitrogen cycle, converted into
nitrate by
nitrobacter bacteria.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nitrobacter
Several strains of bacteria which convert
nitrite to
nitrate.
(Category: General ) |
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Nitrogen cycle
The process by which
ammonia is changed to
nitrite, then
nitrate. Ammonia created by urea and decomposition is turned into nitrites by
nitrosomas bacteria. Nitrites are converted to nitrates by
nitrobacter.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nitrosomas
Several strains of bacteria which convert
ammonia to
nitrite.
(Category: General ) |
|
NM
See nanometer
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
NO2
See nitrate
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
NO3
See nitrate.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Nocturnal
Active primarily during the hours of darkness.
(Category: General ) |
|
Node
The point on a stem where a leaf is attached.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Nomenclature
The procedure of assigning names to the kinds and groups of organisms listed in a taxonomic classification.
(Category: General ) |
|
Normal output
fluorescent bulbs that put out the normal light for this size and type of bulb.
(Category: General ) |
|
Nymph
Insect larva: the larva of some insects that resembles the adult and develops into the adult insect directly, without passing through the intermediate pupa stage.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
|
| O |
|
ODNO
Over Drive Normal Output.
Term used to describe a process to increase lumen output of normal output fluorescent bulbs using an electronic ballast. Process involves routing a twin bulb ballast through a single bulb to almost double the lumen output of the bulb.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Oligotrophic
Deficient in nutrients.
(Category: General ) |
|
Omnivore
An organism that feeds on both plant and animal matter.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Operculum
In snails and some annelids, a calcified plate used to cover the opening of the shell when the animal is withdrawn inside.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Osmoregulation
Control of the water and electrolyte balance in the body of a living organism.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Osmosis
Movement of a solvent through a semipermeable membrane into a solution of higher solute concentration that tends to equalize the concentrations of solute on the two sides of the membrane.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Outgass
The escape of free gasses, such as carbon dioxide or chlorine, from the surface of a body of water.
(Category: General ) |
|
Ovary
Organs in which eggs are produced.
(Category: General ) |
|
Ovule
A structure in seed bearing plants that develops into a seed after fertilization.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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| P |
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Paludarium
A marsh type setup usually containing plants and animals that prefer a moist environment.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
PAR
Photosynthetically Available Radiation. A measurement of the energy emitted from a light source which is beneficial for plant growth.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Parasite
An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host, and can often harm it.
(Category: General ) |
|
Parts Per Million
A unit of measure of the amount of dissolved solids in a solution in terms of a ratio between the number of parts of solids to a million parts of total volume. One Part Per Million also equals 1 mg/l. (Milligram per Liter.)
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
PC
See power compact.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Pearling
Pearling refers to the O2 bubbles that come off a plant during photosynthesis. These bubbles are a result of water that is saturated with oxygen and as a result, the oxygen that is released by the plants can't be absorbed. Tiny bubbles, or "pearls" are formed on the plant and rise to the surface. Normally this will only happen in a higher light tank that is injected with CO2 and has a relativly low bio load. Should not be used as an indicator of tank health. Tanks with a high bio load are less likely to have true pearling, but still experience fast growth with healthy plants.
Also see false pearling and Streaming.
(Category: General ) |
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Peat
A moss that can be added to the aquarium to lower the pH.
(Category: General ) |
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Pectoral fins
Paired fins located on each side of the fish behind the gill covers.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Pelvic fin
A pair of lateral hind fins of fishes corresponding to the hind limbs of higher vertebrates. Located in front of the anus.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Perennial
A plant that will flower and produce fruit over the course of several years, usually at least three.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Petal
One of the often brightly colored parts of a flower immediately surrounding the reproductive organs.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Petiole
Stem that supports the blade of a leaf.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
pH
Short for proportion of Hydrogen ions.
A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14.
Pure water is 7 on this scale. Solutions below 7 are considered acidic. Solutions over 7 are considered a base or alkaline.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Phosphate
A by-product of fish metabolism and decaying organic matter or introduced into the aquarium for pH control. Often added in heavily planted tanks.
(Category: General ) |
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Photoperiod
The exposure of an organism to daylight as a proportion of the total 24 hour day.
(Category: General ) |
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Photosynthesis
The process in green plants and certain other organisms by which carbohydrates are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water using light as an energy source.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Photosynthetic
Relating to or using or formed by photosynthesis.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Phototaxis
Specific movement towards or away from the light.
(Category: General ) |
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Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are any plankton that are capable of making food via photosynthesis. Think green water.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Pistil
Female reproductive organ in flowering plants. Includes the ovary, style and stigma.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Pistillode
Sterile pistil.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Plankton
Very small organisms that cannot resist being moved by water currents.
courtesy of: SCMurhpy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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PMDD
'Poor Mans Dosing Drops'
A customized mixture of macro and micro nutrients specifically targeted at providing broad fertilization to the water column for aquatic plants.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
PO4
See phosphate
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Polygamy
Having unisexual flowers.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Potassium Chloride
KCL
Crystalline salt occurring as a mineral and in natural waters and used especially as a fertilizer. Used as a Potassium source in planted tanks.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Power Compact
A type of light bulb often used for planted tanks. Comes in a square pin and straight pin configurations. Can also be found in "screw in" models for use in incandescent fixtures.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Powerhead
A small submersible pump. Used to create current or to drive under gravel filters, canisters and protein skimmers.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
PPM
See Parts Per Million.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Precipitate
To cause a solid substance to be separated from a solution.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Prefilter
A small mechanical filter attached to the input of another filter. Usually a sponge.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Propagation
Increase in the number of a species.
(Category: General ) |
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Protist
A unicellular organism belonging to the kingdom Protoctista.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Protozan
Animal like protist
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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| Q |
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Quarantine tank
An aquarium used to temporarily any living specimen to asses its health and to prevent spread of disease.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
|
| R |
|
Radula
A toothed chitinous ribbon in the mouth of snails. Used to graze and scrape diatoms and algae off surfaces.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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Reactor
Piece of equipment that is used to force co2 to dissolve into tank water. Comes in internal and external models.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Regulator
Used to control the flow of a substance. Most common aquarium use is a CO2 regulator. Takes the pressure from a CO2 tank and reduces it to a managable working pressure. Comes in both single and double gauge models.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Respiration
The processes by which an organism supplies its cells and tissues with the oxygen needed for metabolism and relieves them of the carbon dioxide formed in energy-producing reactions.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Reverse osmosis
A water purification device that forces water under pressure through a semipermeable membrane allowing only pure water to pass out as the product.
(Category: General ) |
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Rhizoid
A slender rootlike filament by which mosses, liverworts, and fern gametophytes attach.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Rhizome
A horizontal plant stem with shoots above and roots below serving as a reproductive structure and nutrient storage organ.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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RO
See reverse osmosis
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Roe
Fish eggs.
(Category: General ) |
|
|
| S |
|
Scale
A small, flattened, rigid, and circumscribed plate forming part of the external body of a fish.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
School
A community of fish of the same species, which swim together as a survival tactic.
(Category: General ) |
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Semiaquatic
Partially aquatic. Living or growing partly on land and partly in water.
(Category: General ) |
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Sessile
Attached directly at the base.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Shell
A hard, rigid, largely calcareous covering or support of an animal.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Silicon
A form of silicon sealant especially made for aquaria. Can also be used to glue rocks or other décor items together for safety. Important to ensure all silicon used is specifically for fish tanks, as many bathroom and kitchen silicons contain pesticides and fungicides to prevent mould and mildew. These are highly toxic to your fish and must never be used.
(Category: General ) |
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Siphon
Suction created by the movement of water through a pipe in responce to gravity. To transfer water by means of such a pipe.
(Category: General ) |
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Soft water
Water that contains dissolved salts of calcium and magnesiumin at a concentration of 100 ppm or less.
(Category: General ) |
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Solenoid
Electrical device used to control the flow of a substance. Often used in the aquarium as part of a co2 system. Has a power cord, line in and line out for air tubing.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Spadix
The fleshy axis of a spike often surrounded by a spathe.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Spathe
A leaflike bract that encloses a flower cluster or spadix.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Spawn
To produce or deposit eggs. Can also refer to the batch of eggs that were deposited. Loosely used, the term for the shoal of fry of egg guarding fish.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Spawning mop
An arrangement of short filaments affixed to a float into which fish will deposit eggs.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Species
A fundamental category of taxonomic classification, ranking below a genus and consisting of related organisms capable of interbreeding.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
|
Spectrum
The wavelengths (colour) of light.
(Category: General ) |
|
Spike
A usually elongated, unbranched inflorescence with stalkless flowers arranged along an axis.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Sponge filter
A foam block connects to an airlift tube or, rarely, a powerhead. Water is drawn through the sponge, which acts as both mechanical and biological filter. Excellent for fry tanks, as the tight cells in the sponge and the gentle flow prevent the tiny fish from being sucked into the filter.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Spray bar
A perforated tube which disperses the outflow from a powerhead or canister filter. Can also provide excellent aeration if mounted above the surface of the water slightly.
(Category: Equipment ) |
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Stamen
The pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Staminode
Sterile stamen that does not produce pollen.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Stigma
Part of the pistil of a flower, on which pollen is deposited at pollination.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Stolon
A runner or shoot that bends to the ground or that grows horizontally above the ground and produces roots and shoots at the nodes.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Streaming
The release of O2 bubbles from a plant at a point of damage such as a cut or tear.
(Category: General ) |
|
Style
The usually slender part of a pistil, situated between the ovary and the stigma.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
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Submerged
Living under water.
(Category: General ) |
|
Substrate
The material used to cover the bottom of the fish tank. Examples include gravel, crushed coral, sand, etc.
(Category: General ) |
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|
| T |
|
T-12
Type of fluorescent bulb. Number refers to the diameter of the bulb. T-12 bulbs are 1.5 inches in diameter.
(Category: General ) |
|
T-5
Type of fluorescent bulb. Number refers to the diameter of the bulb. T-5 bulbs are .5 inches in diameter.
(Category: General ) |
|
T-8
Type of fluorescent bulb. Number refers to the diameter of the bulb. T-8 bulbs are 1 inches in diameter.
(Category: General ) |
|
Tannin
Soluble group of pale yellow to brown amorphous substances widely distributed in plants, astringent complex phenolic substances of plant origin. Usually introduced into the aquarium by means of bogwood, which leeches tannin for weeks or months, turning the water yellow or brown. Can be removed with activated carbon .
(Category: General ) |
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Taxonomy
The classification of organisms in an ordered system that indicates natural relationships.
(Category: General ) |
|
TDS
See total dissolved solids.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Thallus
A plant body without true stems, roots or leaves, such as algae, mosses and liverworts.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Topping
Cutting the top of a plant off and replanting. Bottoms can either be left to sprout new shoots or taken out and disposed of.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Total dissolved solids
Minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. This includes anything present in water other than the pure water (H20) molecule and suspended solids. Suspended solids are any particles/substances that are neither dissolved nor settled in the water, such as wood pulp.
(Category: General ) |
|
Trickle filter
Biological filtration system, which consists of a chamber with biological filtration media. Water runs through the media, which mixes with the air, promoting bacterial growth.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
|
| U |
|
UGF
See under gravel filter.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
Under gravel filter
A perforated plate placed on the bottom of the aquarium under the gravel. Water is pulled through the gravel, under the plate, and up through lift tubes. Provides superior biological filtration.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
UV sterilizer
Ultraviolet sterilizer. A unit designed to kill parasites and bacteria with ultraviolet light.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
|
| V |
|
Variegated
Having leaves of more than one color, most often green and white.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Vegetative propagation
Non sexual propagation such as through lateral shoots, cuttings and runners.
(Category: Plant specific ) |
|
Veliger
The free-swimming, planktonic larvae of certain marine and fresh-water mussels and some snails.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Ventral fin
Alternative name for the pelvic fin.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Venturi
A tube with a tapering constriction in the middle that causes an increase in the velocity of flow of a fluid or air and a corresponding decrease in fluid pressure. Used in powerheads and filters.
(Category: General ) |
|
Very High Output
A form of fluorescent lighting that uses high-power ballasts to increase light output.
courtesy of: Lotus
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
VHO
See Very High Output.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
|
| W |
|
Water parameters
Measurements used to determine water quality. pH, ammonia, nitrate and temperature are the most used indicators.
(Category: General ) |
|
Water softener
Any device or medium used to reduce general hardness.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Watt
A measurement of energy usage.
(Category: General ) |
|
Watts per gallon
Common measurement used for planted tank needs. Total watts of light over a tank, divided by gallons of water in the same tank.
(Category: General ) |
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Wet/dry filter
A form of filtration in which the media is exposed to the air to aid in nitrification.
(Category: Equipment ) |
|
Wigglers
Refers to the stage of development in which fish eggs form a tail and start to "wiggle".
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
Working pressure
Low side pressure of a regulator.
(Category: General ) |
|
WPG
See watts per gallon.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
|
|
| Y |
|
Yolk sac
A small container still connected to the fry after hatching, consisting of the unabsorbed egg yolk.
(Category: Critter specific ) |
|
|
| Z |
|
Zooplankton
The community of floating, often microscopic animals that inhabit aquatic environments. Unlike phytoplankton, zooplankton cannot produce their own food, and so are consumers.
courtesy of: SCMurphy
(Category: Critter specific ) |
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