Aquarium Equipment Flashcards
How long should aquarium lights be kept on and why?
4-6 hours. The light creates a perfect environment for algae growth so it’s best to minimise light exposure.
What is LED lighting
Energy saving lighting that comes in a variety of colours. It is powerful and helps with plant growth
What aquarium types can LED be used in?
Freshwater, brackish and marine.
What is T-8 lighting
Fluorescent lighting with different colours. It also produces (minimal) UVB which is needed by some aquatic species.
What is an advantage of T-8?
You can replace the individual bulb instead of the whole unit like you have to do with LEDs
What aquarium types can T-8 be used in?
Freshwater, brackish and marine
What is T-5 lighting
T-8 lighting but slimmer and more energy efficient
What aquarium types can T-5 lighting be used in?
Freshwater, brackish and marine
What are metal halide lights?
Powerful reef lighting that specialises in wide coverage or deep aquariums. Usually give of a blue colouration and good for choral growth.
Who usually owns metal halide lights?
Professional aquariums or high-end private tanks. Considerably more expensive than other lighting.
What are spectrum lights?
Lights that can display a vast range of colours. They are usually LED’s but can be T8 or T5. They are usually high cost and aim to produce an aesthetically pleasing display.
What do the different colours of light assist with?
Red, Blue, (Green, white and yellow).
Red - Brings out the colours of fish and makes them more vibrant.
Blue - Assists with coral growth.
Green, white and yellow - Assists with plant growth.
What are under gravel filters?
Usually used for freshwater tanks. located underneath the substrate which avoids clunky filters. There is some controversy around them.
What are foam/sponge filters?
Can be used for all three aquarium types but mainly for freshwater. Cost effective mechanical filter that allows for healthy bacteria growth and population.
What are power/mechanical filters (internal/external filters)?
Placed directly in the water flow. Acts as a strainer that will filter out particles like fish waste, food waste, floating algae, stirred-up sediment, dust and even bubbles.
What are chemical filters?
Uses activated carbon or special resins that can remove medications, tannin (released from wood when they decay), and other impurities. Media has to be replaced when saturated with impurities. when using medication, carbon or charcoal needs to be removed.
What are biological filters (biofliters)?
They contain a porous media that water passes through. Filter contains aerobic, nitrifying bacteria that break down fish waste.
What is a UV steriliser?
Often found in ponds and can be build into power/mechanical filters. Water pass an ultraviolet (UV) bulb, which irradiates microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and protozoa. It damages the DNA which shortens its life cycle.
What are protein skimmers?
Usually found in marine setups. Uses foam refraction to remove proteins and dissolved organics. Its a chemical process that separates surface-active compounds from liquids using foam columns
What is an aquarium heater?
They heat the water to increase the temperature of the environment. The wattage should be roughly the same as the tank volume (in litres).
What is an aquarium thermostat?
They are used alongside the heater to regulate the temperature to make sure it doesn’t raise too high or drop too low.
