Aquarium glossary

Activated carbon

The most used chemical filter in aquariums. Removes colours, odors, drug residues and organic compounds from water.

Air pump (aerator)

Device that injects air into the water via an air stone. Increases oxygenation and circulation, useful in emergencies and in ponds.

Aquarium automation

The set of devices that automate daily management: ATO, dosing pumps, controllers, automatic feeders and remote monitoring.

Aquarium chiller

Device that cools the aquarium water. Indispensable in summer for reef aquariums where the temperature must remain below 27 degrees.

Aquarium controller

Electronic device that automatically monitors and controls aquarium parameters: temperature, pH, ORP, level, pumps and lighting.

Aquarium lighting

Lighting determines the growth of corals and plants. Too much light favours algae. Too little kills photosynthetic organisms.

Aquarium temperature probe and thermometer

Tools for monitoring water temperature. There are immersion thermometers, digital ones with probe, and probes connected to controllers.

Aquarium test kit

Instruments for measuring water parameters: ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, pH, KH, GH, calcium, phosphates. There are drops, stripes and digital.

Aragonite

Crystalline form of calcium carbonate. It makes up the skeleton of corals, living sand and the substrate of calcium reactors.

ATO (Auto Top Off)

Automatic evaporated water refill system. Maintains a constant level in the aquarium by adding osmosis water automatically.

Automated tests (Trident, KH Guardian)

Devices that automatically measure water parameters at programmed intervals. The next level of reef monitoring.

Automatic dosing (dosing pump)

System of peristaltic pumps that automatically dose additives into the aquarium at programmed intervals. Fundamental to maintain stable parameters in the reef.

Biological filter

The heart of the filtration system. It hosts bacteria that make the nitrogen cycle possible by transforming toxic substances into less dangerous compounds.

Calcium reactor

The calcium reactor dissolves calcareous material (ARM, fossil coral) with CO2 to release calcium and KH into the aquarium water.

Calcium reactor media

Limestone substrate dissolved by CO2 in the reactor. ARM and fossil coral are the standard choices.

Chemical filter

Uses adsorbent materials to remove dissolved substances from water that mechanical and biological filtration cannot eliminate.

Circulation pump

Creates water circulation inside the aquarium. Fundamental in marine aquariums for the health of corals and in all aquariums to distribute oxygen and nutrients.

Circulation pump (powerhead)

Submersible pump that creates current in the aquarium. In marine aquariums it is essential for corals.

CO2 system for aquariums

Carbon dioxide injection system to stimulate the growth of aquatic plants. Transform a mediocre planted aquarium into an underwater garden.

Cyanoacrylate glue for aquarium

Super glue gel used to glue corals, mosses and plants to rocks and wood. Safe for aquariums, polymerizes on contact with water.

Epoxy putty for aquarium

Two-component moldable used to create structures, glue rocks and modify the hardscape underwater. Reef safe after hardening.

Evaporation and refilling (ATO)

Aquarium water evaporates continuously. Topping up must be done with fresh water (RO) because the salt does not evaporate. ATO systems automate this.

External filter (canister)

The most used type of filter in freshwater aquariums. A pressurized container outside the aquarium that houses biological, mechanical and chemical filter materials.

GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide)

Antiphosphate resin based on iron oxide. The most widespread method for controlling phosphates in marine aquariums.

Glass and silicone for aquariums

The construction materials of the aquarium. The quality of the glass and silicone determines the safety and durability of the aquarium over time.

Gravel vacuum (siphon)

Wide bell tube used to vacuum debris from the substrate during water changes. The most used maintenance tool.

Gyre pump (laminar flow)

Laminar flow circulation pump that moves water along the entire length of the aquarium. More efficient than traditional powerheads.

Hamburg Filter (HMF)

Sponge wall biological filter that divides the aquarium. Economical, efficient and almost maintenance-free. Ideal for breeding aquariums.

Heater

Maintains the water temperature constant at the desired value. Indispensable for tropical aquariums in environments where the ambient temperature drops below 24 degrees.

hospital aquarium

A separate aquarium dedicated to the treatment of sick fish. Allows you to use medications without contaminating the main aquarium.

How to choose the right aquarium

Choosing the volume, shape and material of the aquarium is the first step. The larger the aquarium, the easier it is to manage.

Internal filter

Filter positioned inside the aquarium, ideal for small and quarantine aquariums. Economical and simple but with limited filtering volume.

Ion exchange (DI) resins

Final stage of the RO/DI system. They remove the last traces of impurities from osmosis water, bringing the TDS to zero.

Light spectrum

The colour composition of the light emitted by the lamp. Each wavelength has different effects on plants, corals and colour perception.

Lighting timer and controller

Device that turns the aquarium lights on and off at scheduled times. Fundamental for a constant photoperiod and for the health of plants and corals.

Live rock

Limestone rocks colonised by bacteria, sponges, microorganisms and small invertebrates. In marine aquariums they are the main substrate for biological filtration.

Mechanical filter

Removes suspended particles from the water: debris, uneaten food, plant residues. It makes the water clear and protects the biological filter.

Nano aquarium

small volume aquariums, generally under 60 litres. They require more attention because the parameters oscillate more rapidly in small volumes.

Nano reef

Small volume marine aquarium (30-80 litres) with corals and invertebrates. A fascinating challenge that requires compact equipment and frequent maintenance.

Nutrient substrate for plants

Active substrate that releases nutrients for the roots of aquatic plants. Essential for densely planted aquariums with demanding plants.

Overflow

The system that transports water from the aquarium to the sump by gravity. It can be internal (weir box) or external (hang on). Determines the maximum flow rate of the system.

Ozone in the aquarium

Powerful oxidizing gas used to sterilize water and improve its clarity. Effective but dangerous: must be used with ORP controller and activated carbon.

Paludarium

An aquarium that combines a submerged aquatic part with a terrestrial emerged part. Recreate rainforest, riverbank and mangrove forest environments.

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)

PAR measures the amount of light that can be used for photosynthesis. It is the most important parameter for positioning corals and aquatic plants.

Peristaltic pump (how it works)

The mechanism behind dosing pumps. A rotor compresses a hose, pushing the liquid precisely.

pH probe for aquarium

Electronic probe for continuous pH monitoring. Connected to a controller it allows automatic alarms and control of the CO2 or calcium reactor.

Pond for koi and goldfish

external aquariums for koi carp and goldfish. They require adequate volume, powerful filtration and protection from predators.

Protein skimmer

The skimmer removes organic compounds from seawater before they decompose. It is considered the most important filter for a reef aquarium.

Red Sea Reefer (complete aquariums)

Complete reef aquarium systems (tank + sump + mobile + system) ready for use. The most popular choice for those who want a reef without building it from scratch.

Reef aquarium controller

Electronic control unit that monitors and controls all the parameters of the aquarium. The brain of reef automation.

Refractometer

Optical instrument for measuring the salinity of sea water. More precise than the hydrometer, it is considered the minimum standard for a reef aquarium.

Refugium

The refugium is a section of the sump where macroalgae (typically Chaetomorpha) grow with dedicated lighting. It is used to export nitrates and phosphates naturally.

Refugium and remote DSB

A compartment of the sump dedicated to natural filtration with macroalgae, deep sand and microfauna. Separate the process from the display for added security.

Return pump

Pump that transports water from the sump to the main aquarium. Correct sizing is essential for the circulation and functioning of the system.

Reverse osmosis (RO/RODI)

The reverse osmosis system purifies mains water by removing chlorine, heavy metals, silicates and other substances. Produces basic water for each aquarium.

Reverse osmosis membrane

The heart of the RO system. A semi-permeable membrane that removes 95-98% of impurities from tap water.

Roller mat (roller filter)

Automatic mechanical filtration system that replaces filter socks. A roll of non-woven fabric filters the water and advances automatically.

Substrate (aquarium bed)

The material that covers the bottom of the aquarium. It influences aesthetics, water chemistry, plant growth and fish well-being.

Sump

The sump is an accessory aquarium located under the main aquarium. It houses the technical equipment (skimmer, heater, rise pump) and increases the total volume of water.

Synthetic sea salt

Mixture of mineral salts that recreates the composition of natural sea water. It dissolves in osmosis water to obtain salt water for the aquarium.

TDS metre and conductivity metre

Instruments that measure total dissolved solids (TDS) or conductivity of water. Essential for monitoring the quality of osmosis water.

UV sterilizer

Device that exposes water to ultraviolet rays to kill pathogenic bacteria, free-phase parasites and suspended unicellular algae.

Wavemaker (wave generator)

Device that creates a wave movement in the aquarium simulating natural marine conditions. Different from traditional powerheads.

Zeolite

Natural porous mineral used as a chemical filter. Removes ammonia from fresh water. In marine aquariums the ZEOvit system is a complete aquarium management method.