Club Resources
Quick-reference tools, guides, and downloads for members — from water chemistry to committee paperwork.
Water Parameters
General safe ranges for a typical freshwater community tank. Always research the specific needs of your species — some, like Discus or Rams, need tighter ranges.
Acidity / Alkalinity
Dissolved Minerals
Buffering Capacity
Toxic Waste Product
Toxic Waste Product
End Product (less toxic)
Ammonia and nitrite should always read 0 ppm in a fully cycled, established tank. Any reading above 0 signals a problem — do a water change and test daily until it resolves.
The Nitrogen Cycle
Every new tank needs to "cycle" before it's safe for fish — this is the process that makes it happen.
Fish Waste & Food
Uneaten food and waste break down, releasing toxic ammonia (NH3) into the water.
Ammonia → Nitrite
Nitrosomonas bacteria colonise your filter and convert ammonia into nitrite (NO2) — still toxic to fish.
Nitrite → Nitrate
Nitrobacter bacteria establish next, converting nitrite into nitrate (NO3) — far less toxic in normal doses.
Water Changes
Nitrate builds up over time and is removed through regular partial water changes — the cycle repeats forever.
Glossary
Common terms and acronyms you'll hear at meetings, in the newsletter, and around the hobby.
ECAAC's points-based program recognising members who successfully breed and raise fish species.
Recognition for members who focus deeply on breeding one species class over time.
ECAAC's award program for propagating aquatic plants.
A judged competition celebrating planted and hardscape aquarium designs.
Establishing beneficial bacteria in a new tank using pure ammonia instead of live fish.
Units (degrees) used to measure General Hardness and Carbonate Hardness in water.
A measurement (in ppm) of all minerals and salts dissolved in the water.
A fertiliser dosing method for planted tanks that dumps nutrients in excess, relying on water changes to reset levels.
Adding pressurised or DIY carbon dioxide to a planted tank to boost plant growth.
Fertiliser tablets pushed into substrate to feed root-feeding plants like swords and crypts.
Tannin-stained water (from driftwood or leaf litter) that mimics soft, acidic natural habitats.
A minimalist Japanese aquascaping style built around a small number of carefully placed stones.
An aquascaping style focused on dense plant terraces with no hardscape, arranged like an underwater garden.
A tank designed to replicate a specific natural habitat, using only species and materials found there.
A separate tank used to isolate and observe new fish or plants before introducing them to a main tank.
Growing carpet plants emersed (out of water) before flooding a tank, to establish a denser root system.
Downloads
Official ECAAC documents and forms. Bring a printed or digital copy to meetings where relevant.
Sponsors & Member Discounts
Show your membership card at these supporting local stores for member benefits.
Ultimate Aquatics
Aquarium supplies, livestock, and equipment.
20% member discountJudy's Planted Tanks
Livestock, Plants, and planted-tank essentials.
Great member discountsTetra and Hikari
Bulk and specialty fish food.
Members-only bulk pricingCan't find what you're looking for?
Ask in the club WhatsApp group or bring your question to the next monthly meeting — our members are always happy to help.
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