Results for “marine”

Mesozoic (Era)

Interval of geological time covering the period from around 250 million years ago to 65 million years ago. Often referred to as the 'Age of Reptiles' because dinosaurs were the dominant terrestrial and marine vertebrates.

Mysis

Genus of mysid crustacean of which members inhabit both marine and freshwater environments. Some species are used as fish food in aquaria, and usually available frozen.

Used in 21 profiles

nano aquarium

Small aquarium of arguable definition. Freshwater nano-aquaria are generally accepted to hold between 5-10 US gallons (4.16-8.32 UK gallons; 18.93-37.85 litres) whereas in the marine hobby any aquarium with a volume of 30 US gallons (24.98 UK gallons; 113.56 litres) is generally considered to be a nano-system. These definitions vary, however. Also known as a nano tank.

Used in 5 profiles

Oodinium

Genus of parasitic dinoflagellates occurring in marine and freshwater fishes and sometimes referred to as Piscinoodinium or 'velvet disease'.

Used in 7 profiles

Ostracoda

Class of crustacean, sometimes referred to as seed shrimp, characterised by possession of a bivalve-like protective carapace. Found in both freshwater and marine environments, and sometimes used as food for small fishes in aquaria.

pelagic phase

Period of time during the life cycle spent floating freely in the water column, usually as a larval constituent of plankton. Relatively common in marine fishes but also typical of amphidromous and diadromous species.

protein skimmer

Mechanical device used to remove organic compounds in marine aquaria via the process of foam fractionation.

Used in 1 profile

Rhodophyta

Division of eukaryotic algae containing thousands of species, most of which are multicellular and inhabit marine environments, e.g., many seaweeds.

Used in 3 profiles

trace element

Any chemical element required in small proportions by a given organism in order for certain physiological and biochemical processes to function properly. Often added to marine aquaria using proprietary liquid products and require regular replenishment as they are used up.

wave maker

Electrical, often programmable, timing device that alternates power supply to multiple, submerged powerheads at predetermined time intervals. Most often used in marine aquaria to simulate natural wave action.

wet/dry filter

Type of filter normally placed under the aquarium, and often home-made. The basic premise is that water trickles vertically downards through separated compartments containing mechanical and biological filter media with spaces inbetween so that it is also exposed to the air briefly. It then collects in a base chamber or sump from where it is pumped back to the main aquarium. There are many commercial designs available, some of which are more effective than others. Not popular in marine reef aquaria due to the associated accumulation of nitrates as by-product.