Microbiome Glossary

A–C

Aerobic bacteria
Bacteria that require oxygen for metabolism. They are found mainly in well-circulated areas, e.g. in the filter or in heavily aerated areas.
In connection with Panta Germ: A balanced proportion of aerobic bacteria is important for the degradation of organic matter and nitrification.

Anaerobic bacteria
Microorganisms that live without free oxygen and are often found in deeper layers of the substrate or in dense biofilms. They can be involved in denitrification, among other things.
In connection with Panta Germ: Noticeable shifts towards strongly anaerobic communities may indicate oxygen deficiency or overload.

Bacterial community
The entirety of all bacterial species and groups that occur in a sample. The structure and interaction of this community is often more important than individual species.
In connection with Panta Germ: The analysis describes which bacterial groups dominate and how balanced the community is.

Biofilm
Slimy coating of microorganisms and organic material on surfaces such as glass, stones, roots or filter material. A large part of the microbiome lives in the biofilm and not freely in the water.
In connection with Panta Germ: Biofilm samples show the “background biology” of a system and are important for assessing long-term stability.

Substrate
Substrates such as sand, gravel or special soils on the bottom of a tank or pond. Zones with different oxygen and nutrient conditions form in the substrate, in which various microorganisms live.
In connection with Panta Germ: Substrate samples provide information on deeper processes, e.g. nutrient turnover and possible problem areas.

D–M

Diversity (bacterial diversity)
Measure of the diversity of the bacterial community: How many different groups are present and how evenly are they distributed?
In connection with Panta Germ: High diversity is often associated with more stable, resilient systems.

Dysbiosis (microbial imbalance)
A condition in which the microbiome has become unbalanced – e.g. due to strong dominance of individual groups or the absence of important partner organisms.
In connection with Panta Germ: Evidence of dysbiosis can explain why a system remains unstable despite “good” water values.

DNA sequencing
Laboratory procedure used to read out the genetic information (DNA) of microorganisms from a sample. This makes it possible to determine which bacterial groups are present.
In connection with Panta Germ: The microbiome analysis is based on DNA data and makes the composition of the bacterial community measurable.

Germ count / germ pressure
Describes how many microorganisms are present in a sample. A high germ pressure can indicate high organic load or unfavorable conditions.
In connection with Panta Germ: The interpretation of the germ count is always carried out in the context of the composition of the microbiome and the respective system.

Microbiome
The entirety of all microorganisms (especially bacteria) that occur in a specific habitat – e.g. in an aquarium, pond or filter.
In connection with Panta Germ: Panta Germ analyzes the microbiome in water, biofilm and substrate to understand the stability and special features of a system.

N–Z

Nitrification
Microbial process in which ammonium is first converted to nitrite and then to nitrate. Is mainly carried out by specialized nitrifying bacteria.
In connection with Panta Germ: The presence and activity of nitrifying groups are important for assessing biological filter performance.

Denitrification
Microbial process in which nitrate is converted to gaseous nitrogen under oxygen deficiency. Takes place mainly in deeper, low-oxygen zones.
In connection with Panta Germ: Certain bacterial groups in the analysis may indicate active denitrification processes.

Opportunistic germs
Bacteria that are inconspicuous under normal conditions, but can cause problems in weakened animals or a disturbed microbiome.
In connection with Panta Germ: A strong increase in opportunistic groups can indicate stress, overload or other disturbances in the system.

Pathogenic germs
Disease-causing microorganisms that can directly trigger diseases in fish or other organisms.
In connection with Panta Germ: The analysis can provide indications of potentially problematic groups, but does not replace targeted diagnostics in the event of disease outbreaks.

Sampling
Planned and cleanly documented process in which water, biofilm or substrate samples are taken for analysis.
In connection with Panta Germ: Correct sampling is crucial to ensure that the results are meaningful and comparable.

Reference profile
Comparison profile that describes typical characteristics of a microbiome under certain conditions. Serves as a guide for classifying your own samples.
In connection with Panta Germ: Your results can be compared with reference ranges to make deviations and special features visible.

Water sample
Sample from the free water of a system. It mainly shows the free-floating microorganisms and short-term changes.
In connection with Panta Germ: Water samples are particularly suitable for snapshots and for comparing different tanks or times.

Monitoring
Continuous or recurring monitoring of a system through regular measurements and analyses.
In connection with Panta Germ: Repeated microbiome analyses can better assess trends, seasonal effects and the impact of measures.