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| A |
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Absorbing
To take in; assimilate.
 
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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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. ) |
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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 ) |
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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 |
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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 ) |
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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 ) |
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Ionized
To convert or be converted totally or partially into ions.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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Iron
A chemical element (Fe) required in trace amounts by many organisms. Often added to heavily planted tanks.
(Category: General ) |
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|
| K |
|
K2SO4
Potassium sulfate. Often used in planted tanks to dose potassium.
(Category: Scientific Reference ) |
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KCL
See Potassium Chloride.
(Category: Slang and abbreviations. ) |
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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 |
