Results for “meta-”

meta-

Prefix indicating change, alteration, or alternation.

Used in 42 profiles

metabolism

Sum total of the chemical processes occurring in living organisms which are necessary to maintain life.

Used in 1 profile

metamorphosis

A physical change or succession of such changes in form during the life cycle of an organism.

Used in 3 profiles

activated carbon

Processed, porous, highly adsorptive form of carbon also known as activated charcoal or active carbon. Used in aquaria to remove toxins such as chlorine, chloramine, some heavy metals, and especially organic molecules, but exerts no action on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate or inorganic salts. Since it has a finite surface area it requires periodic replacement if employed long-term, and should be removed if a tank is being treated as it will remove most medications. Cannot be 'recharged' by heating in a microwave or domestic oven.

ammonia

The chemical compound NH3, which is toxic to fish. The main source in aquaria is the breakdown of protein by a fish's metabolism.

Used in 4 profiles

diapause

Period of suspended development in an organism characterised by greatly reduced metabolic rate; resting phase. Especially common under times of environmental stress, e.g., hibernation, aestivation.

Used in 3 profiles

gang valve

Plastic or metal, adjustable valve used to split a length of air line, and allowing two or more air-driven devices to be operated at once. Also known as an air-control valve.

guanine

Crystalline chemical compound giving a metallic, iridescent golden, silvery, white, blue or greenish sheen to the scales of certain fishes. Occurs naturally in some fish species but in others its formation is driven by parasitic infection.

Used in 4 profiles

larva

Immature free-living juvenile form of an organism that undergoes metamorphosis before assuming the adult form.

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

nitrites

A salt or ester of nitrous acid. Produced in aquaria via metabolisation of ammonia by nitrifying bacteria of the genus Nitrosomonas, and toxic to fishes if present in sufficient concentrations, but in a mature system is further converted into less-harmful nitrates by other bacteria of the genus Nitrospira.

Used in 1 profile

respiration

The process by which an organism acquires the oxygen necessary for metabolism and expels excess carbon dioxide formed during energy-yielding reactions.

Used in 7 profiles

silicate

Any of a largegroup of chemical compounds containing silicon, oxygen, and at least one metal. Most rocks and minerals are silicates.