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.

ADA Nature Aquarium

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

Aquaponics

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

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.

Aquascaping

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

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.

Balling method

Balling is the most widespread method for integrating calcium, KH and magnesium into a reef aquarium. It is based on three separate solutions dosed in proportion.

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.

Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime)

The chemical compound behind kalkwasser. Provides calcium and KH simultaneously raising pH and precipitating phosphates.

Calcium reactor

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

CO2 system for aquariums

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

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.

Dip for corals

Preventive or curative bath for corals before introduction into the aquarium. Removes hidden parasites, nudibranchs, flatworms and Aiptasia.

Dosage of organic carbon (vodka/vinegar)

Dosed vinegar or vodka to feed denitrifying bacteria and reduce nitrates without water changes.

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.

DSB (Deep Sand Bed)

Deep sand bed (10-15 cm) creating anaerobic zones for denitrification. A natural method to remove nitrates.

Dutch aquarium (Dutch style)

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

Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)

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

Fertilizing the aquarium

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

Fragging (coral propagation)

The technique of cutting fragments from a mother coral to create new colonies. It allows you to multiply corals without taking them from nature.

GFO (Granular Ferric Oxide)

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

GH booster

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

Hardscape

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

ICP-OES analysis

Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) analysis very precisely measures dozens of elements in aquarium water with a single sample mailed.

ICP-OES protocol

Laboratory analysis that measures dozens of elements in aquarium water with very high precision. The most complete diagnostic tool for the reef.

Iwagumi

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

Kalkwasser (lime water)

Kalkwasser is a saturated solution of calcium hydroxide used to supplement calcium and KH simultaneously. An ancient but still effective method.

KH booster (carbonate buffer)

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

Low-tech aquarium (without CO2 injection)

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

Magnesium chloride

The salt used to supplement magnesium in reef aquariums. Component of the third solution of the Balling method.

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.

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.

Quarantine

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

Quarantine protocol for marine fish

Quarantine is even more critical in marine aquariums than in freshwater aquariums. A comprehensive protocol includes observation, therapeutic copper, and praziquantel.

Reef integration programs

Complete dosing systems that provide calcium, KH, magnesium and trace elements in a balanced way. Each brand has its own philosophy and products.

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.

Refugium macroalgae

Marine algae grown in the refugium to absorb nitrates and phosphates naturally. A biological alternative to chemical filters.

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.

Sodium bicarbonate in aquarium

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

Triton method and other no-water-change systems

Reef management methods that aim to eliminate or drastically reduce water changes, replacing them with regular element dosing and ICP analysis.

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 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.

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.