Aquarium glossary

Acclimatisation

The process of gradual adaptation of fish and invertebrates to the water parameters of the new aquarium. Skipping acclimatization can cause fatal osmotic shock.

Activated carbon

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

ADA Nature Aquarium

The aquascaping philosophy created by Takashi Amano. It combines Japanese aesthetic principles with advanced cultivation techniques.

African cichlids

Spectacularly coloured freshwater fish native to large African ponds. They require hard, alkaline water, the opposite of Amazonian fish.

Air pump (aerator)

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

Algae in aquarium

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that proliferate when light and nutrients are in excess. Some are beneficial (coralline algae), most are unwanted.

Alternanthera reineckii

Aquatic plant with an intense red colour. One of the most accessible colourful plants in planted freshwater aquariums.

Ammonia (NH3/NH4+)

Ammonia is the first product of organic decomposition in the aquarium. In non-ionised form (NH3) it is toxic even at very low concentrations.

Angelfish (Pterophyllum)

South American cichlid with an elegant and majestic shape. The king of the tropical community aquarium.

Anubias

Slow-growing African aquatic plants with leathery leaves. Indestructible, suitable for any aquarium. They bind to rocks and wood, never buried.

Aquaponics

System that combines aquaculture and hydroponic cultivation. Fish produce fertiliser for plants, plants filter water for fish.

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 cycling

The initial period in which a new aquarium develops the bacterial colony necessary to sustain life. It lasts 3-6 weeks and should never be skipped.

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.

Aquascaping

The art of creating aesthetically harmonious underwater landscapes. Combine plants, rocks, woods and substrate to create naturalistic compositions.

Aquatic mosses

Rootless plants that attach to rocks and wood. Easy to grow, decorative and perfect shelter for fry and shrimp.

Aquatic plants

Plant organisms that live completely or partially submerged. They absorb nitrates and phosphates, produce oxygen and provide shelter for fish.

Arowana

Primitive fish with an elongated and majestic body. The 'freshwater dragon'. Some Asian species are worth thousands of euros.

Artemia (brine shrimp)

Small saltwater crustaceans used as live food. Newly hatched nauplii are ideal food for fry and small fish.

Axolotl

Mexican aquatic amphibian that remains in larval form throughout its life. It's not a fish but lives in an aquarium. It needs cold water.

Betta (fighting fish)

Freshwater fish with spectacular fins and a territorial character. Males cannot coexist with each other. Easy to raise but often poorly maintained.

Biofilm

Thin film of bacteria and microorganisms that covers all submerged surfaces. Natural food for shrimp, snails and fry.

Bioload (biological load)

The total amount of organic waste produced by living organisms in an aquarium. Excessive bioload overloads the filter and leads to the accumulation of toxic substances.

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.

Biotope aquarium

An aquarium that faithfully replicates a specific natural habitat: flora, fauna, water chemistry and landscape of a specific geographical area.

Blackout (darkening of the aquarium)

Emergency technique against algae: the aquarium is completely darkened for 3-5 days.

Bucephalandra

Rare aquatic plants from Borneo with colourful, iridescent leaves. They bind to rocks and wood like Anubias.

Caridina and Neocaridina shrimps

Two kinds of beloved freshwater dwarf shrimp. The Neocaridina are easy, the Caridina more demanding but spectacular.

Chemical filter

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

Chlorine and chloramines

Disinfectants present in tap water. Deadly for fish, invertebrates and filter bacteria. They must always be neutralized before use.

Choice of feed

The quality of food influences the health, colours and longevity of fish. Varying between dry, frozen and live is the best strategy.

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.

Clean-up fish and invertebrates

Organisms that help keep the aquarium clean by eating algae, debris and food scraps. A complement to maintenance, not a replacement.

CO2 (carbon dioxide)

CO2 is the number one nutrient for aquatic plants. Without an adequate CO2 source, plants grow poorly and algae take over.

CO2 system for aquariums

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

Columnar disease (Columnaris)

Bacterial infection that causes white cottony patches on the mouth, fins and body of fish. Often confused with a fungus but it is bacterial.

Compatibility between fish

Not all fish can live together. Choosing aquarium companions requires consideration of temperament, size, parameters and diet.

Copper (Cu)

Copper is extremely toxic to invertebrates and corals even at very low concentrations. It serves only as a drug treatment for some fish diseases.

Corydoras

Small armored catfish from South America. Peaceful, social and tireless land scavengers.

Cryptocoryne

Genus of aquatic plants from Southeast Asia. Easy, elegant and suitable for aquariums with moderate light.

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.

Cyanobacteria (cyano)

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic organisms that form red-brown slimy mats in the aquarium. They are not algae but bacteria capable of photosynthesis.

Cycling (nitrogen cycle)

Cycling is the process by which the colony of nitrifying bacteria is established in a new aquarium. Without complete cycling the fish die.

Demineralised water and remineralisation

Osmosis water is pure but empty of minerals. In freshwater aquariums it must be remineralised with specific salts to achieve the desired GH and KH.

Denitrification

The biological process that converts nitrates into nitrogen gas. It occurs in anaerobic conditions (without oxygen) within live rock, deep substrates and special filters.

Diatoms

Brown unicellular algae that appear in new aquariums. They form a brown film on glass, substrate and decorations. They disappear on their own as they mature.

Discus (Symphysodon)

Considered the kings of the tropical freshwater aquarium. Majestic fish that require warm, soft and very clean water. Not for beginners.

Dissolved oxygen

The amount of oxygen present in the water. Essential for the respiration of fish, corals and filter bacteria.

Dropsy (ascites)

Condition in which the fish swells with raised scales (pine cone appearance). Often a sign of kidney failure or serious bacterial infection.

Dry Start Method (DSM)

Technique for starting a planted aquarium without water. The plants grow in emerged form with high humidity, forming a dense mat before filling.

Dutch aquarium (Dutch style)

Style of aquascaping that emphasizes arranging plants in orderly groups, like an underwater flower garden.

Echinodorus (Amazonian sword)

Large and majestic aquatic plants of South America. Ideal as a focal point in the aquarium. Easy to grow.

Electrical conductivity

Measures the ability of water to conduct electrical current. It indirectly indicates the total quantity of dissolved salts and minerals.

Ember Tetra (Hyphessobrycon amandae)

Bright orange micro fish ideal for planted nano aquariums. Only 2 cm in length but intense colours in pack.

Epoxy putty for aquarium

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

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

Used to treat dropsy (fluid drainage) and to increase GH without raising KH In freshwater aquariums.

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.

Fertilizing the aquarium

The supply of nutrients necessary for aquatic plants. It includes macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, boron and others).

Filamentous algae

Green algae that form tufts and filaments on rocks, plants and decorations. Sign of imbalance between light and nutrients.

Fin rot (fin rot)

Progressive deterioration of the fins caused by bacteria. The fins become frayed and shorten. Almost always linked to poor water quality.

Fish diseases

Fish get sick due to stress, wrong parameters, bacteria, parasites or viruses. Recognizing symptoms early makes the difference between an easy treatment and a fatality.

Fish feeding

One of the most important aspects of managing an aquarium. Proper nutrition keeps fish healthy and reduces water pollution.

Floating plants

Plants that float on the surface of the water with hanging roots. They absorb nitrates quickly, create shade and provide shelter for fish.

Freshwater puffer fish

Curious and intelligent but aggressive fish. They have a continuously growing beak and must be eaten with hard food (snails).

Gambusia (anti-mosquito fish)

Small freshwater fish used to control mosquito larvae. Rustic and prolific, it also lives in stagnant waters.

GH (general hardness)

GH measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium in water. In freshwater aquariums it is a key parameter for species compatibility.

GH booster

Product to increase the total hardness (GH) of water. Essential for remineralizing osmosis water for freshwater fish.

Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

The oldest ornamental fish in the world. Much more demanding than you might think: they require space, filtration and cold water.

Gravel vacuum (siphon)

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

Green water (algal bloom)

Massive proliferation of suspended unicellular algae which makes the water green and opaque. Common in ponds and aquariums exposed to too much light.

Guppy

Small, easy and colourful freshwater fish. Ideal for beginners. It reproduces extremely easily.

Hamburg Filter (HMF)

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

Hardscape

The set of rocks and wood that form the supporting structure of the aquatic landscape. The foundation on which to build aquascaping.

Heater

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

Hillstream Loach

Stream fish with a flat and aerodynamic body. They stick to rocks and glass in cold water and strong currents.

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.

Ich (white spot disease)

The most common disease of aquarium fish. Caused by a parasitic protozoan that manifests itself as white dots on the body and fins.

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.

Iron (Fe)

Iron is an essential micronutrient for aquatic plants. The deficiency causes pale leaves with green veins. In marine aquariums it is less critical.

Iwagumi

Minimalist Japanese aquascaping style using only rocks and turf. Zen aesthetics with precise rules of composition.

KH (carbonate hardness)

KH measures the ability of water to resist changes in pH. In practice it indicates how stable the system is from a chemical point of view.

KH booster (carbonate buffer)

Product to increase the carbonate hardness (KH) of water. Stabilises the pH, preventing dangerous fluctuations.

Killifish

Small freshwater fish with extraordinary colours. Many species lay eggs that survive dried in the mud for months.

Lead in aquarium

Highly toxic heavy metal. It should never be present. Deadly for invertebrates and fish even at very low concentrations.

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.

Low-tech aquarium (without CO2 injection)

A planted aquarium managed without CO2 injection, with moderate light and minimal maintenance.

Ludwigia

Genus of stem plants with shades ranging from green to blood red. Among the most colourful in planted freshwater aquariums.

Malawi cichlid aquarium

A biotope dedicated to the cichlids of Lake Malawi. It requires hard, alkaline water, lots of rocks and attention to shoal dynamics.

Manganese

Essential microelement for aquatic plants and for some enzymatic processes in corals. Required in minimal traces.

Mechanical filter

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

Molybdenum

Trace element essential for nitrogen metabolism in plants and bacteria. Required in microscopic quantities.

Nano aquarium

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

Neons and cardinals

Small tropical fish with a characteristic blue and red colour. Among the most popular freshwater fish. They should be kept in packs of at least 10 specimens.

Nitrates (NO3)

Nitrates are the end product of the nitrogen cycle. Less toxic than ammonia and nitrites but harmful if they accumulate over time.

Nitrification

The bacterial process that converts toxic ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. It is the crucial half of the nitrogen cycle in any aquarium.

Nitrites (NO2)

Nitrites are the intermediate product of the nitrogen cycle. Like ammonia they must be at zero in a mature aquarium.

Nitrogen cycle

The biological process that transforms toxic fish waste into less dangerous substances. Without a mature nitrogen cycle no aquarium can function.

Nitrogen for plants (nitrate as a nutrient)

In planted freshwater aquariums, nitrates are not just a waste product but the main nitrogenous nutrient for plants. Too low a level limits growth.

Nutrient substrate for plants

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

Ornamental shrimp

Freshwater and marine crustaceans farmed for their bright colours. Neocaridina and Caridina are among the most popular inhabitants of nano aquariums.

Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus)

Large, intelligent South American cichlid. Recognizes the owner and interacts with him. Requires huge aquariums.

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.

Pest snails

Snails that arrive as stowaways on plants and reproduce explosively. They are not harmful but can become unsightly.

pH

The pH indicates how acidic or alkaline the water is on a scale from 0 to 14. For aquariums the ideal value depends on the type of aquarium and the species hosted.

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.

Phosphates (PO4)

Phosphates are nutrients that in excess fuel algae growth. On the reef they must be kept very low. In planted freshwater aquariums they are needed for the plants.

Photoperiod

The daily duration of lighting in the aquarium. It influences the photosynthesis of plants and zooxanthellae, the behaviour of fish and the growth of algae.

Piranha

South American predatory fish famous for their sharp teeth. In the aquarium they are often shy and fearful. They require large aquariums.

Planarians

Flatworms that infest freshwater and marine aquariums. In freshwater aquariums they threaten shrimp colonies. In marine aquariums they attack corals.

Plecostomus (cleaner fish)

Sucking catfish of the Loricariidae family. The most popular algae eaters in freshwater aquariums. Pay attention to the adult size.

Pogostemon

Genus of aquatic plants native to Asia. Among the most versatile for aquascaping with unique textures and shapes.

Potassium (K)

Potassium is an often overlooked trace element in marine aquariums. It contributes to the colour of corals, especially intense reds and purples.

Quarantine

The quarantine is a separate aquarium where new arrivals (fish, corals, plants) are kept under observation before entering the main aquarium.

Rasbora

Small peaceful fish from Southeast Asia. Ideal for planted aquariums and nano aquariums. They should be kept in packs.

Red aquatic plants

Red plants are the greatest challenge in planted freshwater aquariums. They require bright light, iron, CO2 and often low nitrates.

Reproduction of fish in the aquarium

Breeding fish in captivity is one of the most rewarding challenges. Each species has specific requirements for spawning and fry rearing.

Reverse osmosis (RO) water

Water purified by reverse osmosis. The basis for preparing synthetic seawater and for water changes in freshwater aquariums when pure water is needed.

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.

Rotala

Genus of stem plants with colours ranging from green to deep red. The most demanding species are among the most beautiful of planted freshwater.

Scavenger fish: myths and reality

The concept of cleaner fish is a dangerous myth. No fish keeps an aquarium clean on its own. They have their own needs.

Silicates (SiO2)

Silicates fuel the growth of diatoms (brown algae). They are common in new aquariums and can enter from unfiltered mains water.

Snails in the aquarium

Gastropods useful as scavengers and algae eaters. Some species are introduced voluntarily, others arrive as stowaways on the plants.

Sodium bicarbonate in aquarium

Economical product for raising KH and pH in freshwater aquariums. Basic ingredient of Balling solution for KH In marine aquariums.

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.

Tanganyika cichlid aquarium

A biotope for the cichlids of the deepest lake in Africa. Unique species with complex social behaviours.

Tank Score

The Tank Score is the health score of the aquarium from 0 to 100 calculated by Coralia Lab's artificial intelligence. It analyzes all the parameters to give you an immediate picture.

Tannins (amber water)

Organic compounds released by wood and leaves that colour the water yellow-brown. They create the blackwater effect loved by many tropical fish.

TDS (total dissolved solids)

TDS measures the total quantity of substances dissolved in water. It is mainly used to check that the reverse osmosis system is working correctly.

TDS metre and conductivity metre

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

Temperature

Temperature influences every biological process in the aquarium: metabolism, dissolved oxygen, bacterial activity, growth of corals and plants.

UV sterilizer

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

Vallisneria

Fast growing aquatic ribbon plant. Creates a rolling prairie effect. Suitable for beginners, does not require CO2.

Velvet (Oodinium/Velvet Disease)

Parasitic disease that coats fish in a golden or gray powder. More dangerous than stroke because it is often diagnosed too late.

Wabi-kusa

Japanese plant composition: a ball of substrate with aquatic plants grown in emerged form. It is placed in a glass container with a little water.

Water change

Changing the water is the most important maintenance in aquariums. Removes accumulated waste products and restores consumed trace elements.

Water test

Analysis kit to measure the chemical and physical parameters of water. They are the eyes of the aquarist: without tests you are sailing blind.

Wild bettas (wild-type)

Wild Betta species. Biotope fish with fascinating natural behaviours, different from the farmed Betta Splendens.

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.