Nitrogen cycle, pH, filtration, heaters, water changes, and cycling.
41 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium?
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The process where toxic ammonia is converted by bacteria into nitrite, then nitrate, making the water safer for fish.- Where does ammonia come from in an aquarium?
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Fish waste, decaying food, and dead plants and animals.- What bacteria converts ammonia to nitrite?
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Nitrosomas (also called Nitrosomonas).- What bacteria converts nitrite to nitrate?
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Nitrobacter.- Is nitrite toxic to fish?
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Yes, nitrite is toxic and must be converted to nitrate by beneficial bacteria.- Is nitrate toxic to fish at typical aquarium levels?
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No, nitrate is relatively safe but should be kept below 40 ppm through water changes.- What does pH measure?
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How acidic or alkaline water is, on a scale of 0 to 14.- What pH value is neutral?
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pH 7.0 is neutral; below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline.- What is a safe pH range for most tropical fish?
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Between 6.5 and 7.5, though this varies by species.- How do you test aquarium pH?
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Use a pH test kit (liquid, paper strips, or digital meter) to compare a water sample against a color chart or meter reading.- What causes a rapid drop in pH?
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Decaying organic matter, waste buildup, and insufficient buffering capacity.- What is biological filtration?
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Using beneficial bacteria to convert toxic ammonia and nitrite into less harmful nitrate.- What is mechanical filtration?
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Physically trapping solid waste particles using filter media like foam or floss.- What is chemical filtration?
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Using materials like activated carbon to remove dissolved substances and discoloration from water.- Name three common filter media materials.
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Sponge foam, activated carbon, and ceramic rings (or: filter floss, bio-balls, lava rock).
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