Freshwater aquarium

A managed aquatic environment that houses freshwater organisms in a tank or other enclosed system. Its water chemistry, temperature, filtration, and biological balance are maintained to support the inhabitants.

Aquarium nitrogen cycle: The microbial conversion of toxic ammonia into nitrite and then less toxic nitrate in an aquarium. Establishing this cycle makes waste from fish and food less hazardous.
Planted aquarium: A freshwater aquarium in which aquatic plants are a central part of the design and ecosystem. Plants absorb nutrients, provide habitat, and shape maintenance needs.
Biological filtration: The use of microorganisms to transform dissolved waste compounds into less harmful forms. Microbial colonies on filter media perform much of the aquarium's ammonia processing.
Saltwater aquarium: A managed aquarium containing marine or other saltwater organisms in saline water. Its salinity and marine species distinguish it from a freshwater system.
Aquarium filtration: The removal or processing of suspended particles, dissolved substances, and biological waste from aquarium water. Filters support water clarity and provide surfaces for waste-processing microbes.
Community aquarium: An aquarium that houses multiple species selected for compatible behavior and water requirements. It combines species in one environment without assuming every fish is compatible.
Ammonia toxicity: The harmful effects of ammonia exposure on living organisms. Fish waste and decomposing food can raise ammonia to dangerous levels.
Brackish aquarium: An aquarium with water whose salinity lies between freshwater and seawater. Some species require intermediate salinity rather than freshwater conditions.
Water hardness: A measure of dissolved calcium and magnesium ions in water. Hardness shapes which freshwater species can live comfortably in the same tank.
Biotope aquarium: An aquarium designed to represent the habitat and species of a particular natural location. It organizes stocking and decor around a real freshwater ecosystem.

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