BABY BRINE SHRIMP (BBS)
Larvae of brine shrimp, crustaceans of the genus Artemia. Cultivated as food for fry and small fishes.
BALLAST
A transformer which changes the voltage from your house outlet to the voltage needed to power different types of lighting.
BARBEL
Whisker-like growths around the mouth, used for finding food and communication; a sensory organ.
BASES
Compounds that make water Alkaline. If water contains more acids than bases it's acidic. If it has more bases than acids it's alkaline.
BIO-BALLS
A filter media used for the colonization of bacteria.
BIODIVERSITY
BIOFILM
A slimy matrix produced and inhabited by bacteria which enables the bacteria to adhere to a surface and carry out certain biochemical processes essential to the Nitrogen Cycle. In open aquatic environments, biofilm supports a microscopic community of various species of bacteria including nitrifying bacteria, algae, protozoa, and microscopic invertebrates. In the aquarium, biofilm covers all surfaces exposed to water, and tends to build up in the dark, undisturbed areas such as the filter intake tube and other filter parts.
BIOFILTRATION
Biological Filter. Any device or Substrate which provides an attachment site for the nitrifying bacterial colony in an aquarium. See Nitrogen Cycle.
BIOLOAD
Biological Load. The waste output of organisms that must be processed by the biofilter. In a balanced system, the bioload does not exceed the ability of the Biofilter to process all the waste. See Cycle.
BIOLOGICAL OXYGEN DEMAND (BOD)
BIOTOPE
A natural region or geographical space that presents relative uniformity of physical characteristics and animal/plant populations which inhabit it.
BIOTOPE AQUARIUM
An aquarium that is designed with the intent to reproduce an existing natural habitat or niche, in terms of its physical/visual characteristics and its naturally occurring species. See Biotope. Also see Theme.
BLACK BEARD ALGAE (BBA)
Also known as Black Brush Algae or Red Algae. Looks like short black, dark-green, or dark-red hairs growing on plants and decorations. High phosphate content in the water encourages its growth.
BLACK WATER
Water that has a dark cola-like color caused by Humic acids; it has a very low pH and is very soft, common in the Amazon river basin.
BLACK WATER EXTRACT
Home-made or commercially prepared water conditioner to create the dark, very soft and acidic water typical of Amazon Basin rivers. The chemistry and dark color is due to decaying vegetation causing high humic acid levels.
BLOOD WORMS
Larvae from the non-biting midge family Chironomidae. Live, frozen, or freeze-dried, they are a food item that is highly appreciated by most fish. Often used to condition fish for breeding and stimulate growth.
BLUE GREEN ALGAE (BGA)
aka Cyanobacteria. Aquatic bacteria that make their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Can rapidly overtake an aquarium, by spreading over everything in sheets. May smother and kill plants if not removed.
BRACKISH
Slightly salty water typical of river estuaries and lagoons. Some fish, e.g. archer-fish, gobies, and puffers require a brackish aquarium set-up to thrive.
BREEDING TANK
An aquarium set up for the breeding of fish.
BUBBLE NEST
A term used for a nest which is constructed of tiny air bubbles, produced by the male fish. It is used to protect the the eggs and fry. Members of the family Anabantidae are the most widely known users of such nests.
BUBBLE TIPPED ANEMONE (BTA)
See also Rose Bubble Tipped Anemone (RBTA) and Green Bubble Tipped Anemone (GBTA)
BUFFER
A substance added to the water to help maintain the pH. value
BUFFERING CAPACITY
The ability of water to maintain a stable pH. Controlled by the amount of carbonate ions present in the water. Also called Alkalinity. See KH.
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