Terms & Definitions
The following guide defines general aquarium terms as well as specific 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.
Fauxstone - A Tenecor original finish for stands and canopies. This versatile finish recreates the look and style of the southwest with a Spanish stucco texture.
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 wet/dry 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 which is ideal for more demanding saltwater and reef systems. 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 Protein Skimmer packages.
Return - Plumbing fittings used to return water to the tank. Usually located in the pre-filter.
Rounded Corners - Traditional square corners which are routered and then 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.
Simplicity Plus 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.
Tenetex - (also Unitex) A Tenecor original finish for stands and canopies. These water resistant finishes create the rich look of stone in thirteen popular color combinations.
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 Tenecor in seven standard sizes or custom designs.