SALINITY
The amount of salt in water. Measured by Specific Gravity or Refractive index.
SALTWATER (SW)
SCIENTIFIC NOMENCLATURE
A standardized system used to name fish (and all other living creatures) which assigns a unique two-part name in which the first word indicates the genus and the second the species, e.g., Corydoras paleatus, the peppered Cory catfish. This is a valuable help, even to the hobby Fish-keeper, since common fish names can vary greatly from country to country, and even within the same country.
SHALLOW SAND BED (SSB)
SHEER STRESS
The enormous trauma that is produced by traditional pumping techniques. Traditional pumps use fast motors that turn at high speeds to achieve desired flowrates. The differential in speed between the pumping mechanism and the water itself causes a great deal of sheer stress which is too traumatic for most planktonic life.
SHOAL
A group of fish loosely gathered together but with variable distance between individuals and moving in various directions and/or oriented in various positions. Fish that shoal together will often school when on the move or in response to a threat.
SIFTERS
Thee most common "sifters" are Jawfish and Sleeper Gobies. However, we recommend adding invertebrate Sifters first. Some of our favorites include: Sand Eating Cucumbers, Pistol Shrimp and Globe Urchins.
SILICATES
Often inadvertently added to a tank with silicon based sand, can lead to diatom outbreaks.
SILICON (Si)
SILICON DIOXIDE (SiO2)
SKIMMER
Removes accumulated proteins from the surface of the water by creating a cascade (water fall) between the water level of the tank and that of the skimmer box.
SKIMMATE
SLIME COAT
The continuously produced mucous envelope which covers the scales of a fish and makes it feel ‘slippery.’ Its purpose is to act as a barrier against disease-causing organisms, to act as a buffer in the internal/external gas exchange systems of the fish, and to save energy by reducing friction with the water when swimming. When a fish is subjected to Stress the Slime Coat becomes thinner.
SMALL POLYPED STONY (SPS)
A type of coral
SODIUM (Na)
SODIUM CARBONATE (NaCO3)
SODIUM HYDROXIDE (NaOH)
SOFT WATER
Water with a low concentration of dissolved salts.
SPAWN
1. v. To deposit and fertilize eggs. 2. n. The fertilized eggs of fish. The offspring of fish.
SPECIES TANK
An aquarium where only one type of fish is kept.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY (SG)
The measurement used in marine systems to determine salinity.
SPECTRUM
Used to describe the wavelengths of light produced by a bulb.
SPIRULINA
A type of Blue-green Algae often fed to both saltwater and freshwater fish. Contains pigments that enhance blues and greens in fish.
SPONGE FILTER
A large foam rubber block connected to an air lift tube. Water is drawn through the sponge, which acts as a mechanical filter and a bacteria colony. Especially useful in breeding or fry tanks.
STANDPIPE
STRESS
A condition in which the organism is subjected to unfavorable or unfamiliar environmental conditions, resulting in some alteration in normal physical functioning. Short-term stress can often be overcome. Long-term stress can reduce resistance to disease and parasites, inhibit self-healing processes, and reduce life-span.
STRONTIUM (Sr)
SUBSTRATE
1. The material spread out on the bottom of the aquarium, such as crushed coral, sand, or layers of different materials. Used as a planting medium or for decoration and attachment site for Biofilm. 2. Any surface on which living organisms are attached.
SULFATES
Sulfuric salts in water. They form what is known as non-carbonate hardness.
SUMP
A water reservoir below a tank (usually a marine aquarium) through which water is circulated by means of gravity and a pump. The sump can be used to house filters, heaters, and other equipment to keep them out of sight. In addition, it increases the total water volume of the aquarium system and thus helps to stabilize it. Some maintenance tasks can be performed in the sump, reducing the need to disturb the main tank and its inhabitants.
SWIM BLADDER
An internal air sac which can contain more or less air according to the needs of the fish at the time. More air helps the fish become more buoyant, while less air allows the fish to swim down to deeper levels. Also called Air bladder. Serves to keep fish properly oriented in the water. Also creates and amplifies sounds.
SWIM BLADDER DISEASE
A condition in which the Swim Bladder fails to function normally. Causes vary. Symptoms include an inability to maintain normal upright position, or difficulty swimming down to lower levels of the water column.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Home