Fishkeeping Glossary
Plain-English definitions of essential aquarium terms: the nitrogen cycle, cycling, bioload, GH and KH, ich, protein skimmers, RODI water, sumps, PAR, and brackish water.
What Is the Nitrogen Cycle?
How beneficial bacteria turn toxic waste into nitrate.
Read more →What Is Cycling a Tank?
Establishing the bacteria that keep fish safe.
Read more →What Is Bioload?
The total waste your livestock produces.
Read more →What Are GH and KH?
General and carbonate hardness, explained simply.
Read more →What Is Ich?
The white-spot parasite every keeper should know.
Read more →What Is a Protein Skimmer?
How saltwater tanks export dissolved waste.
Read more →What Is RODI Water?
Reverse osmosis deionized water and why reefers use it.
Read more →What Is a Sump?
The hidden tank that powers many advanced setups.
Read more →What Is PAR?
The light measurement that matters for plants and coral.
Read more →What Is Brackish Water?
The middle ground between fresh and saltwater.
Read more →