Aquarium glossary

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.

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.

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.

Aquatic plants

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

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.

Chlorine and chloramines

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

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.

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.

Dissolved oxygen

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Koi carp

Ornamental pond fish originating from Japan. They can live for decades, reach considerable sizes and develop extraordinary colours.

Mechanical filter

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

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.

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.

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.

Pond for koi and goldfish

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

Quarantine

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

Substrate (aquarium bed)

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

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.

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.

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.