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.

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.

Archerfish (Toxotes)

Brackish fish that spews jets of water to knock down insects from branches above the surface. One of the most fascinating behaviours of the aquatic world.

ATO (Auto Top Off)

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

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.

Brackish aquarium

Intermediate environment between freshwater and marine with variable salinity. It is home to fascinating species such as archerfish, pufferfish and mudskippers.

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.

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.

Electrical conductivity

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

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.

GH (general hardness)

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

Heater

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

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.

Mangroves in aquarium

Mangrove seedlings grown in the sump or aquarium with submerged roots and emerged leaves. They absorb nitrates and add a unique natural element.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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) water

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

Salinity

Salinity indicates the total concentration of salts dissolved in water. It is measured in PSU, ppt or by specific gravity (SG).

Specific gravity (SG)

Specific gravity is an alternative way to measure salinity. Indicates the ratio between the density of salt water and that of pure water.

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.

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.