Heterotrophic

From The Aquarium Wiki

[edit] What is it

Heterotrophic is usually used in reference to a type of bacteria and its food source.

A heterotroph is an organism that requires organic substrates to get its carbon for growth and development.

Heterotrophic bacteria is often seen during the first week of a new aquarium tank being set up as an excess of organic material causes the water to turn milky white briefly. See NTS (New Tank Syndrome).