The following guide defines general aquarium terms as well as specific Acrylic product descriptions.

Aquarium - A water filled container in which to keep and raise aquatic animals and plants.

Bent Corners - Corners which are heat bent to achieve a smooth, seamless appearance.

Bio-Media - (also bio-balls) Porous plastic balls with high surface area. Conducive to growing beneficial bacteria for biological filtration.

Centipede - A return fitting with flexible segments used to direct water flow in the tank.

Drain - A plumbing connection used to remove water from the tank. Usually located in the pre-filter.

Pre-Filter - (also overflow, skimmer box, weir) - A column or box used to control water flow and route plumbing to and from the aquarium tank. Usually used in conjunction with external filtration.

Protein Skimmer - A device used to remove excess waste products from saltwater aquariums. These devices produce a churning effect to separate the waste products which are then held in a collection cup until it can be emptied.

Marine Ready Aquarium - An aquarium with external wet/dry filtration which utilizes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Marine Ready aquariums come complete with plumbed pre-filter, external wet/dry filter, bio-media, pumps, and plumbing connections. Available with a clear, black, or blue background. Marine Ready aquariums may be upgraded with our Berlin Protein Skimmer package. Marine Ready aquariums are ideal for more demanding saltwater and reef systems.

Return - A plumbing connection used to return water to the tank. Usually located in the pre-filter.

Routered Corners - Traditional square corners which are routered and then re-polished to achieve a smooth rounded look on larger aquariums.

Show Aquarium - An improved version of the traditional basic aquarium. Show Aquariums include extra large access openings, heavy duty lids, and filter slots. Models of 72" in length or less feature seamless bent front corners. Available with a clear, black, or blue background.

System 2 Aquarium - An aquarium with internal wet/dry filtration which utilizes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. The system is built into the tank and hidden from view by a blue or black false back. Simplicity Plus filters come complete with bio-media, powerhead(s), pre-filter sponge, and centipede returns installed at the factory. Simplicity Plus aquariums are suitable for fresh or saltwater fish.

Wet/Dry Filter - An external filter which utilizes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. Usually used in conjunction with a pre-filter to route water flow to and from the wet/dry filter. Available from Acrylic in four standard sizes or custom designs.

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