AALSO Test study Questions and Answers
Verified 100% Correct
Old Tank Syndrome
Residual nitrate build up over time which requires larger water changes to remove
sufficient waste.
Ammonia vs Ammonium
Factors such as temperature, salinity, and pH effect the equilibrium point of
ammonia/ammonium. Lower pH and temperature favors the ammonium side. Ammonium is
non-toxic whereas ammonia is.
Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN)
Combination of ammonia and ammonium with dependence on pH.
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria
Nitosomonas and Nitrospira
Nitrate Oxidizing Bacteria
Nitrobacter and Nitospira. Colonize dark places with high oxygen flow.
Sulfur Based Denitrification
Side-stream, constant process, with low flow area to create low oxygen levels. Sulfur oxidizing
bacteria then convert the nitrate and ammonia into nitrogen gas as a by product of the
reaction. This process will increase acidity in a closed system over time. Buffer/base are needed
to raise and maintain desired pH levels.
Methanol Based Denitrification
Water is set through designated filters where bio-filtration occurs. The methanol is injected
in the system to provide a carbon source for the denitrifying bacteria. The resulting reaction
, removes the nitrate from the water changing it to nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, hydroxide ions,
and water.
Chlorine
Used as a a sterilizing agent, commonly in the form of bleach. Th reaction between the sodium
hyperchlorite and the water creates hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This compound's net neutral
charge can cause lysis in cells. Can combine with many other chemicals such as nitrogen. This
makes the chlorine stay longer in the water than free chlorine and makes it less reactive and
more likely t stay in the water column.
Bleach
Results in cellular lysis and inhibition of the cell's primary functions resulting in death for
bacterial cells. Maintains a residual oxidant in water allowing for continual disinfection.
Sodium Thiosulfate
Neutralizes chlorine molecules. Works best as a 1:1 reaction as excess STS can stay in the
water and neutralize disinfectants.
Phosphate
Reactive and readily absorbed. By-product of dead matter mineralization. Plants readily
uptake the phosphates and removing dead matter is essential in reducing their formation.
Protein skimmers are effective at this in high density waters. High pH facilitates phosphates
becoming insoluble reducing its presence in the water.
Copper
Extremely toxic for aquatic animals, especially inverts, and is often present in drinking waters.
It is used to kill invertebrate parasites in the aquarium.
Ammonia/Ammonium
Verified 100% Correct
Old Tank Syndrome
Residual nitrate build up over time which requires larger water changes to remove
sufficient waste.
Ammonia vs Ammonium
Factors such as temperature, salinity, and pH effect the equilibrium point of
ammonia/ammonium. Lower pH and temperature favors the ammonium side. Ammonium is
non-toxic whereas ammonia is.
Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN)
Combination of ammonia and ammonium with dependence on pH.
Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria
Nitosomonas and Nitrospira
Nitrate Oxidizing Bacteria
Nitrobacter and Nitospira. Colonize dark places with high oxygen flow.
Sulfur Based Denitrification
Side-stream, constant process, with low flow area to create low oxygen levels. Sulfur oxidizing
bacteria then convert the nitrate and ammonia into nitrogen gas as a by product of the
reaction. This process will increase acidity in a closed system over time. Buffer/base are needed
to raise and maintain desired pH levels.
Methanol Based Denitrification
Water is set through designated filters where bio-filtration occurs. The methanol is injected
in the system to provide a carbon source for the denitrifying bacteria. The resulting reaction
, removes the nitrate from the water changing it to nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide, hydroxide ions,
and water.
Chlorine
Used as a a sterilizing agent, commonly in the form of bleach. Th reaction between the sodium
hyperchlorite and the water creates hypochlorous acid (HOCl). This compound's net neutral
charge can cause lysis in cells. Can combine with many other chemicals such as nitrogen. This
makes the chlorine stay longer in the water than free chlorine and makes it less reactive and
more likely t stay in the water column.
Bleach
Results in cellular lysis and inhibition of the cell's primary functions resulting in death for
bacterial cells. Maintains a residual oxidant in water allowing for continual disinfection.
Sodium Thiosulfate
Neutralizes chlorine molecules. Works best as a 1:1 reaction as excess STS can stay in the
water and neutralize disinfectants.
Phosphate
Reactive and readily absorbed. By-product of dead matter mineralization. Plants readily
uptake the phosphates and removing dead matter is essential in reducing their formation.
Protein skimmers are effective at this in high density waters. High pH facilitates phosphates
becoming insoluble reducing its presence in the water.
Copper
Extremely toxic for aquatic animals, especially inverts, and is often present in drinking waters.
It is used to kill invertebrate parasites in the aquarium.
Ammonia/Ammonium
