Glossary

aragonite

Naturally-occurring, crsytalline form of calcium carbonate with a notable buffering capacity. Popular as a substrate or substrate additive in marine and freshwater aquaria where pH and hardness must be maintained at high levels, and has a more rapid, effective effect than coral sand, for example.

Related terms

alkalinity
Measure of the buffering capacity of a given water body, i.e. its capacity to neutralize acids and bases thereby maintaining a fairly stable pH. Water containing compounds, such as bicarbonates, carbonates, and hydroxides has a stronger such capacity and is referred to as hard water, while water lacking or deficient in them is termed soft water. Soft water aquaria tend to be susceptible to pH crashes if not maintained correctly.
coral sand
Sand originating from marine environments via bioerosion of the calcareous skeletal structures possessed by some organisms. Coral is not the chief constituent, however, with the majority of material deriving from foraminifera, calcareous algae, molluscs, and crustaceans.
marine
Of, relating to, native to, inhabiting, or formed by the sea or ocean.
substrate
A surface on which an organism lives, moves or is attached to; the base material of a water body; a benthic habitat. Also used in reference to base material when added to an aquarium.

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