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Glossary
Aquarium Equipment terms, explained
Short, plain definitions of the words you'll see on product pages and spec sheets. Each one links to a guide when there's more to know.
A
- Aqua soil
- Nutrient-rich substrate for planted aquariums. Read the guide →
D
- dKH
- Degrees of carbonate hardness, a unit for alkalinity. Read the guide →
- Drop checker
- A small indicator that shows CO2 levels in planted tanks. Read the guide →
F
- Fishless cycling
- Establishing beneficial bacteria with an ammonia source before adding fish. Read the guide →
H
- HOB
- Hang-on-back filter that hangs on the tank rim. Read the guide →
N
- Nitrogen cycle
- The bacterial process that turns ammonia into nitrite and nitrate. Read the guide →
P
- PAR
- Photosynthetically active radiation, the light plants and corals use. Read the guide →
- Photoperiod
- How many hours a day the aquarium light is on. Read the guide →
- Protein skimmer
- A reef device that removes organic waste using fine bubbles. Read the guide →
R
- RO water
- Reverse osmosis water, purified for saltwater mixing. Read the guide →
S
- Sump
- A separate tank below the display that holds equipment and water. Read the guide →
T
- Temperature controller
- A device that cuts heater power if water gets too warm. Read the guide →
- Turnover
- How many times per hour a filter moves the tank's volume. Read the guide →