DBC Aquatics
23 Mar , 2025
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📘 Aquarium Glossary – Common Terms Explained
New to the hobby or stuck on confusing terminology? This glossary breaks down the most common aquarium and aquascaping terms into simple, beginner-friendly definitions. Use it to better understand articles, YouTube videos, and product descriptions as you grow in the fishkeeping hobby.
🔤 A–C Terms- Activated Carbon – A filter media that removes odors, discoloration, and some chemicals from the water.
- Algae – Microscopic plant-like organisms that grow in light-rich, nutrient-heavy environments. Common in tanks without balance.
- Ammonia (NH₃) – Toxic waste produced from fish waste, decaying food, and plants. Must be converted by the nitrogen cycle.
- Aquascaping – The art of designing and decorating planted aquariums using plants, wood, rocks, and hardscape layouts.
- Beneficial Bacteria – Microorganisms that live in your filter and substrate. They convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into nitrate.
- Biofilm – A slimy layer of microorganisms that grows on surfaces in the tank — essential for shrimp and fry nutrition.
- Canister Filter – A powerful external filter system ideal for larger tanks and planted setups.
- CO₂ Injection – The process of adding carbon dioxide gas to stimulate plant growth in aquascaped tanks.
- Dechlorinator – A water conditioner that neutralizes chlorine and chloramine in tap water.
- Detritus – Organic waste material that collects in the substrate — includes uneaten food, fish waste, and plant debris.
- Diatoms – Brown algae commonly seen in new tanks — typically disappears after cycling is complete.
- Drop Checker – A tool used to monitor CO₂ levels in planted tanks using a color-indicator solution.
- Filter Media – Material inside a filter that traps particles and/or houses beneficial bacteria (sponge, ceramic rings, etc.).
- Fry – Baby fish that have just hatched or been born. Often require special feeding and hiding spots.
- GH (General Hardness) – Measures the mineral content (mainly calcium and magnesium) in your water.
- Hardscape – The non-living decorative elements in an aquarium such as wood, stone, and substrate.
- HOB Filter – “Hang on Back” filter that hangs on the rim of the tank — popular in beginner setups.
- Ich (Ichthyophthirius) – A common parasitic disease that causes white spots on fish.
- KH (Carbonate Hardness) – Affects pH stability. Low KH can lead to pH swings that stress fish.
- Nitrate (NO₃) – A byproduct of the nitrogen cycle. Less toxic than ammonia or nitrite but must be removed with water changes.
- Nitrite (NO₂) – A highly toxic nitrogen compound formed after ammonia, but before nitrate in the cycle.
- Nitrogen Cycle – The natural biological process that converts harmful waste into less toxic compounds.
- Otocinclus – A small algae-eating catfish ideal for peaceful community tanks and planted aquariums.
- pH – Measures how acidic or alkaline your water is. Most freshwater tanks thrive between 6.5–7.5 pH.
- Planted Tank – An aquarium that includes live aquatic plants. Can be low-tech (no CO₂) or high-tech (CO₂, intense lighting).
- Quarantine Tank – A separate tank used to isolate and observe new or sick fish before adding them to the main tank.
- RO/DI Water – Water that has been purified through Reverse Osmosis and Deionization — commonly used for sensitive species.
- Shrimp Colony – A group of freshwater shrimp, like Neocaridina, bred and kept together in shrimp-safe tanks.
- Sponge Filter – A gentle, air-driven filter ideal for breeding, shrimp, or small tanks.
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) – A measure of the total minerals and substances in your tank water.
- Thermometer – A tool used to monitor aquarium temperature — essential for tropical fish.
- UV Sterilizer – A device that uses ultraviolet light to kill harmful bacteria and control green water algae.
- Water Change – The process of removing a portion of tank water and replacing it with clean, treated water.
🔗 Related Learning Guides
Have a term you don’t see here? Drop it in the comments and I’ll add it to the glossary!
