Results for “anaerobic”

anaerobic

Living or occurring in the absence of oxygen.

nitrate reactor

Piece of aquarium equipment that can be thought of as an anaerobic filter. Provides a means by which large enough populations of anaerobic bacteria can be maintained so that nitrates are actively removed from the water in the form of nitrogen gas, a process normally facilitated by regular partial water changes. Also known as a nitrogen filter.

deep sand bed

Method of filtration, mostly used in marine aquaria, whereby the increased depth of the sand substrate facilitates formation of an anaerobic layer where nitrate can be converted into nitrogen gas. Also known as "Jaubert" or "plenum" system and often associated with live sand.

nitrates

Any salt or ester of nitric acid, and the end product of the portion of the nitrogen cycle taking place in most closed aquarium systems (the conversion of nitrates to nitrogen gas in natural systems is carried out by anaerobic microorganisms not normally present in sufficient numbers in aquaria, though this process can be induced by installation of a nitrate reactor). While nitrates are less toxic than ammonia or nitrites, they are still potentially harmful to fishes and other aquatic organisms if allowed to accumulate unchecked, and must therefore be diluted via regular water changes. Aquatic plants also help since they are able to metabolise nitrates to an extent.

Used in 20 profiles

peat

A compressed accumulation of partially-decomposed, chiefly vegetable matter typically found in certain marshes, bogs, and peat swamp forests throughout the world. It forms via breakdown of various plants and other organic materials in water when full decomposition is prevented due to localised acidic, anaerobic conditions. As a result of this somewhat specific nature the organisms inhabiting peaty environments are often stenotypic and found nowhere else. Peat can be used as a fuel when dried and thus has industrial importance in some countries. Also used in aquaria, especially in order to simulate blackwater habitats, either in pure, artificially-granulated or liquid extract form.

Used in 268 profiles