Description

MODULE 1: Introduction to Aquarium Science 1.1 History and Types of Aquariums • Evolution of aquarium keeping • Freshwater vs. marine aquariums • Coldwater, tropical, and reef systems • Biotope and themed aquariums • Public aquariums and zoo exhibits • Research and breeding facilities 1.2 Basic Aquarium Biology • The nitrogen cycle and biological filtration • Ecosystem dynamics in closed systems • Microbial communities • Biofilm development • Beneficial bacteria colonization • Ecosystem maturation process 1.3 Equipment Fundamentals • Tank materials and construction • Stands and supports • Lighting systems overview • Heating and cooling equipment • Filtration basics • Aeration and circulation 1.4 Safety and Regulations • Electrical safety around water • Structural load considerations • Local regulations and permits • Insurance requirements • Emergency procedures • Risk assessment protocols Learning Outcomes: • Understand fundamental aquarium principles • Identify different aquarium types and purposes • Apply safety standards in aquarium management • Recognize regulatory requirements MODULE 2: Water Chemistry and Quality Management 2.1 Physical Parameters • Temperature ranges and stability • Light intensity and spectrum (measured in PAR, lumens, kelvin) • Water clarity and turbidity • Current and flow patterns • Density and salinity (for marine systems) 2.2 Chemical Parameters • pH and buffering capacity (6.0-8.5 typical range) • Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate (nitrogen cycle) • Dissolved oxygen (5-8 mg/L target) • Carbon dioxide and carbonates • General hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (KH) • Phosphates and silicates • Redox potential 2.3 Water Testing Methods • Test kit selection and use • Colorimetric tests • Digital meters and probes • Calibration procedures • Testing schedules • Record keeping and trending • Interpretation of results 2.4 Water Quality Management • Water source evaluation • Dechlorination and conditioning • RO/DI water systems • Water change protocols (10-30% weekly typical) • Parameter adjustment techniques • Emergency water quality issues • Seasonal variations 2.5 Marine Water Chemistry • Salinity management (1.020-1.026 specific gravity) • Alkalinity and calcium balance • Magnesium importance • Trace elements • Synthetic seawater mixing • Natural seawater treatment • Reef chemistry parameters Learning Outcomes: • Test and interpret water quality parameters • Maintain optimal water chemistry • Troubleshoot water quality problems • Manage both freshwater and marine systems MODULE 3: Filtration Systems and Life Support 3.1 Mechanical Filtration • Filter media types and selection • Sponge filtration • Canister filters • Hang-on-back filters • Undergravel filtration • Maintenance schedules • Flow rate calculations 3.2 Biological Filtration • Nitrifying bacteria biology • Filter media for biological filtration • Trickle filters and wet/dry systems • Fluidized bed filters • Moving bed bioreactors • Cycling new systems (4-6 weeks typical) • Maintaining bacterial colonies 3.3 Chemical Filtration • Activated carbon applications • Ion exchange resins • Phosphate removers • Protein skimmers (marine systems) • Ozone systems • UV sterilization • Chemical filter media selection 3.4 Advanced Filtration Systems • Sump design and construction • Refugium systems • Algae scrubbers • Deep sand beds • Berlin method systems • Jaubert plenum systems • Integrated filter systems 3.5 Water Movement and Circulation • Powerhead selection and placement • Wavemaker technology • Circulation pump sizing • Flow patterns and dead spots • Current requirements by species • Energy efficiency considerations Learning Outcomes: • Design appropriate filtration systems • Maintain and troubleshoot filters • Calculate filtration capacity needs • Implement advanced life support systems MODULE 4: Aquarium Setup and Design 4.1 Planning and Design Principles • Site selection and assessment • Tank size determination • Aesthetic design concepts • Viewing angles and presentation • Accessibility for maintenance • Budget planning • Client consultation skills 4.2 Freshwater Aquarium Setup • Substrate selection and preparation • Hardscape materials (rocks, driftwood) • Background installation • Equipment installation sequence • Water filling procedures • Cycling protocols • Plant establishment 4.3 Marine and Reef Aquarium Setup • Live rock curing and placement • Live sand vs. dry sand • Aquascaping techniques • Coral placement strategy • Equipment configuration • Maturation timeline • Initial livestock introduction 4.4 Specialized Systems • Planted tank setup (high-tech vs. low-tech) • CO2 injection systems • Biotope aquarium creation • Paludarium construction • Coldwater systems • Quarantine tank setup • Hospital tank configuration 4.5 Aquascaping Techniques • Nature aquarium style (Takashi Amano) • Dutch aquascaping • Iwagumi layouts • Jungle style • Rock formations and caves • Driftwood arrangement • Creating depth and perspective • Golden ratio application Learning Outcomes: • Design and setup complete aquarium systems • Apply aquascaping principles • Create aesthetically pleasing displays • Implement proper equipment configuration MODULE 5: Fish Biology and Taxonomy 5.1 Fish Anatomy and Physiology • External anatomy and fins • Internal organs and systems • Osmoregulation (freshwater vs. marine) • Respiratory systems and gas exchange • Circulatory system • Nervous system and sensory organs • Reproductive systems 5.2 Fish Classification • Major taxonomic groups • Family identification • Common freshwater families (Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Characidae) • Popular marine families (Pomacentridae, Acanthuridae, Labridae) • Species identification skills • Scientific nomenclature • Regional variants and morphs 5.3 Fish Behavior and Social Structure • Territorial behavior • Schooling and shoaling • Aggression and dominance • Breeding behaviors • Feeding behaviors • Stress indicators • Compatibility assessment 5.4 Species Profiles - Freshwater • Community fish (tetras, rasboras, danios) • Cichlids (African, South American, Central American) • Livebearers (guppies, mollies, platies) • Catfish and loaches • Gouramis and bettas • Goldfish and koi • Specialty species 5.5 Species Profiles - Marine • Clownfish and damselfish • Tangs and surgeonfish • Wrasses • Angels and butterflies • Gobies and blennies • Cardinalfish and anthias • Sharks and rays (for large systems) Learning Outcomes: • Identify common aquarium species • Understand fish physiology and needs • Assess species compatibility • Recognize behavioral patterns MODULE 6: Fish Nutrition and Feeding 6.1 Nutritional Requirements • Protein requirements (30-50% for most species) • Lipids and essential fatty acids • Carbohydrates and energy • Vitamins and minerals • Pigment enhancement (carotenoids) • Species-specific needs • Life stage nutrition 6.2 Feed Types and Selection • Flake foods • Pellet and granular feeds • Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis) • Live foods (cultures and wild-caught) • Freeze-dried options • Gel and paste foods • Vegetable matter • Specialty diets 6.3 Feeding Protocols • Feeding frequency (1-3 times daily typical) • Portion control • Feeding techniques for different species • Target feeding • Feeding during quarantine and treatment • Vacation feeding solutions • Automatic feeders 6.4 Live Food Cultures • Brine shrimp hatching • Daphnia culture • Grindal worm culture • Microworm culture • Vinegar eel culture • Black worm maintenance • Fruit fly cultures 6.5 Nutritional Disorders • Malnutrition signs • Obesity in fish • Vitamin deficiencies • Fatty liver disease • Digestive disorders • Prevention strategies Learning Outcomes: • Develop appropriate feeding programs • Select quality feeds • Culture live foods • Recognize nutritional problems MODULE 7: Fish Health and Disease Management 7.1 Disease Recognition and Diagnosis • External examination techniques • Behavioral disease indicators • Physical symptoms identification • Microscopy skills • Water quality vs. disease differentiation • Common disease categories • Diagnostic procedures 7.2 Parasitic Diseases • Ichthyophthirius (Ich/white spot) • Velvet disease (Oodinium) • Flukes (Dactylogyrus, Gyrodactylus) • Anchor worms • Fish lice • Internal parasites • Marine parasites (Cryptocaryon, Brooklynella, Amyloodinium) 7.3 Bacterial Infections • Columnaris • Aeromonas infections • Mycobacteriosis (fish TB) • Fin rot • Dropsy • Pop-eye • Vibrio infections (marine) 7.4 Fungal Infections • Saprolegnia • Ichthyophonus • Branchiomyces (gill rot) • Secondary fungal infections • Treatment protocols 7.5 Viral Diseases • Lymphocystis • Viral hemorrhagic septicemia • Spring viremia of carp • Koi herpesvirus • Recognition and management 7.6 Environmental and Stress-Related Conditions • Ammonia/nitrite poisoning • Gas bubble disease • Temperature shock • Osmotic stress • Oxygen deprivation • Chronic stress syndrome • Chemical toxicity 7.7 Treatment Protocols • Quarantine procedures (4-6 weeks minimum) • Hospital tank setup • Medication selection and dosing • Salt treatments (freshwater species) • Copper treatments (marine parasites) • Antibiotics (when appropriate) • Natural/herbal remedies • Supportive care 7.8 Preventive Medicine • Biosecurity measures • Quarantine programs • Stress reduction • Optimal husbandry • Regular health monitoring • Record keeping • Disease prevention checklist Learning Outcomes: • Diagnose common fish diseases • Implement treatment protocols • Establish quarantine procedures • Develop disease prevention programs MODULE 8: Invertebrates and Corals 8.1 Freshwater Invertebrates • Snails (Nerite, Mystery, Ramshorn) • Shrimp (Cherry, Amano, Ghost) • Crayfish and crabs • Freshwater clams • Water parameters for invertebrates • Breeding programs • Copper sensitivity 8.2 Marine Invertebrates • Hermit crabs and snails • Shrimp (Cleaner, Peppermint, Coral Banded) • Starfish and sea urchins • Sea cucumbers • Anemones • Feather dusters • Compatibility and care 8.3 Coral Biology • Hard corals (SPS and LPS) • Soft corals • Zooxanthellae symbiosis • Coral feeding (photosynthesis and capture) • Growth and propagation • Coral diseases • Bleaching and stress 8.4 Reef Aquarium Management • Lighting requirements (PAR levels for different corals) • Flow requirements • Water parameter stability • Calcium and alkalinity supplementation • Trace element dosing • Coral placement strategy • Coral propagation techniques 8.5 Invertebrate Health • Disease recognition • Parasites and pests • Environmental stress • Compatibility issues • Quarantine procedures • Treatment options Learning Outcomes: • Care for aquarium invertebrates • Maintain reef aquariums • Propagate corals • Manage invertebrate health MODULE 9: Aquatic Plants 9.1 Plant Biology and Taxonomy • Plant anatomy and physiology • Photosynthesis in aquatic plants • Nutrient uptake mechanisms • Major plant families • Species identification • Growth forms (stem, rosette, floating, carpet) 9.2 Plant Species and Selection • Easy species (Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne) • Medium difficulty (Swords, Ludwigia, Rotala) • Advanced species (carpet plants, red plants) • Floating plants • Moss species • Regional considerations 9.3 Planted Tank Requirements • Lighting (low, medium, high - measured in PAR) • Substrate selection (inert vs. nutrient-rich) • CO2 supplementation systems • Fertilization (macro and micronutrients) • Water parameters for plants • Equipment configuration 9.4 Plant Maintenance • Pruning techniques • Propagation methods • Algae control in planted tanks • Nutrient deficiency diagnosis • Plant diseases and pests • Aquascaping maintenance 9.5 Algae Management • Algae types and identification • Causes of algae blooms • Prevention strategies • Manual removal techniques • Biological control (algae eaters) • Chemical treatments (when necessary) • Balanced ecosystem approach Learning Outcomes: • Design and maintain planted aquariums • Select appropriate plants • Manage CO2 and fertilization • Control algae effectively MODULE 10: Professional Aquarium Maintenance 10.1 Maintenance Schedules and Protocols • Daily tasks checklist • Weekly maintenance (water changes, testing) • Monthly maintenance (filter cleaning, equipment inspection) • Quarterly tasks • Annual maintenance • Record keeping systems • Client communication 10.2 Equipment Maintenance and Repair • Filter maintenance procedures • Pump maintenance and troubleshooting • Heater/chiller service • Light replacement schedules • Plumbing inspections • Electrical safety checks • Equipment lifespan and replacement 10.3 Troubleshooting Common Problems • Cloudy water issues • Algae blooms • Equipment failures • Temperature fluctuations • Water quality crashes • Fish stress and losses • Systematic problem-solving approach 10.4 Large-Scale Aquarium Management • Public aquarium operations • Life support system management • Automated monitoring systems • Staff coordination • Exhibit maintenance • Budget management • Regulatory compliance 10.5 Emergency Procedures • Power outage protocols • Equipment failure response • Disease outbreak management • Tank leak procedures • Fish rescue and relocation • Emergency contact lists • Backup systems Learning Outcomes: • Implement professional maintenance programs • Troubleshoot aquarium problems • Manage large-scale installations • Handle emergencies effectively MODULE 11: Breeding and Reproduction 11.1 Reproductive Biology • Sexual determination and dimorphism • Reproductive cycles and triggers • Spawning behaviors • Egg types (adhesive, free-floating, mouthbrooded) • Fertilization and development • Fry development stages 11.2 Breeding Freshwater Species • Livebearers (breeding and fry care) • Egg layers (tetras, barbs, danios) • Cichlids (substrate and mouthbrooders) • Catfish breeding • Goldfish and koi breeding • Conditioning adults for breeding • Spawning triggers (water changes, temperature, photoperiod) 11.3 Breeding Marine Species • Clownfish breeding • Dottyback breeding • Goby breeding • Challenges in marine breeding • Rotifers and copepod cultures • Larval rearing systems • Settlement and metamorphosis 11.4 Fry and Juvenile Care • First foods (infusoria, rotifers, baby brine shrimp) • Growth-out systems • Water quality for fry • Disease prevention in young fish • Culling and selection • Growth rates and development • Transitioning to adult tanks 11.5 Conservation Breeding • Endangered species programs • Genetic diversity management • Record keeping and pedigrees • Collaboration with institutions • Reintroduction programs • Ethical considerations Learning Outcomes: • Breed common aquarium species • Raise fry successfully • Implement breeding programs • Understand reproductive biology MODULE 12: Business and Professional Practice 12.1 Starting an Aquarium Service Business • Business planning and models • Legal requirements and licensing • Insurance needs • Equipment investment • Pricing strategies • Service packages • Marketing and advertising 12.2 Client Relations • Consultation skills • Contract development • Communication strategies • Managing expectations • Problem resolution • Client education • Long-term relationships 12.3 Retail and Wholesale Operations • Store setup and management • Livestock sourcing • Quarantine procedures for retail • Inventory management • Staff training • Customer service • Online sales 12.4 Professional Ethics • Animal welfare standards • Sustainable sourcing • Honest business practices • Continuing education • Professional organizations (MASTS, PIJAC) • Industry best practices • Environmental responsibility 12.5 Career Opportunities • Aquarium maintenance technician • Retail store manager • Public aquarium aquarist • Breeding specialist • Consultant • Educator • Research assistant • Equipment sales representative Learning Outcomes: • Develop business plans • Manage client relationships • Operate ethically and professionally • Identify career paths PRACTICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS Laboratory Work (250 hours) • Water quality testing and analysis • Microscopy and disease diagnosis • Equipment maintenance and repair • Live food culturing • Plant propagation • Aquascaping practice • Health examinations Hands-On Aquarium Work (350 hours) • Setup and cycling new systems • Daily maintenance routines • Weekly maintenance tasks • Equipment installation • Disease treatment implementation • Breeding projects • Client aquarium service Internship/Practicum (200 hours) • Work in retail aquarium store, OR • Public aquarium placement, OR • Professional maintenance service, OR • Breeding facility experience Project Requirements • Design and setup demonstration aquarium • Complete health case study portfolio (minimum 10 cases) • Develop business plan (if pursuing service business) • Certification examination preparation Final Examinations (60%) • Written theory examination • Practical skills examination • Disease diagnosis practical • Water quality management test • Aquarium setup project • Health case study portfolio • Business plan or research project Certification Exam (40%) • Comprehensive certification examination • Practical demonstration • Oral examination CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS To achieve Certified Aquarium Specialist (CAS) status: 1. Complete all 12 modules with minimum 70% average 2. Pass all practical examinations 3. Complete required practicum hours 4. Submit acceptable project work 5. Pass comprehensive certification exam (written and practical) 6. Demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism 7. Complete CPR and First Aid certification (recommended) REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Personal Equipment • Water test kits (freshwater and marine) • Basic hand tools • Aquarium maintenance kit • Microscope (for practicum) • Laboratory notebook • Safety equipment PREREQUISITES • High school diploma or equivalent • Basic biology knowledge (or concurrent enrollment) • Physical ability to lift 50 lbs • Manual dexterity for detailed work • Good observational skills • Commitment to animal welfare • No convictions related to animal cruelty COURSE OUTCOMES Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to: Design, setup, and maintain freshwater and marine aquariums Diagnose and treat common fish diseases Manage water quality in closed systems Implement filtration and life support systems Care for a wide variety of aquatic species Breed selected species successfully Operate aquarium service CERTIFICATE AWARDED Diploma in Aquarium Maintenance and Fish Health This internationally recognized certification demonstrates professional competency in aquarium maintenance, fish health management, and industry best practices.