Acclimating – When introducing new fish to an aquarium, you can minimize stress by harmonizing the temperature and chemical makeup of the container water with the tank. Slowly introduce tank water into the container water before release.

Acidic – Having an excess of hydrogen atoms gives water a pH less than 7.

Acrylic – A clear plastic used in constructing aquariums. Having half the weight of glass it is ideal for creating fish tanks. Also known as plexiglass.

Activated Carbon – A filter medium used in the aquarium to remove odors, impurities and discoloration (from medications) from aquarium water.

Aerobic – Living or occurring only in the presence of free oxygen. (such as aerobic bacteria.)

Air Pump – An electric pump used in delivering air into the aquarium.

Air Stone – A stone with tiny holes that is attached to airline tubing which diffuses air from an air pump into the tank in the form of bubbles.

Algae – A very basic type of plant that attaches to aquarium glass, plants and rocks. Overgrowth of algae can be stimulated by overfeeding your fish.

Alkaline – Having a relatively low concentration of hydrogen ions, giving water a pH greater than 7.

Ammonia – An exceedingly toxic by-product of fish metabolism and decaying organic materials. When a tank is fully cycled, the ammonia is completely converted to Nitrites and eventually to Nitrates.

Anaerobic – Living or occuring in the absence of free oxygen. (frequently associated with "bad" bacteria)

Anal Fin – Fin located just behind the anal opening.

Anoxic – A severe deficiency of oxygen.

Aquarium Salt – A salt used in the treatment of some freshwater fish diseases. Added to a freshwater aquarium in small amounts can be beneficial to certain types of fish.

More Glossary Terms Coming Soon!

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