A Causal Diagram for the Aquarium

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slothisevil

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Jan 4, 2009
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Getting back into this 'hobby' after about 8 years. My memory of fishkeeping is as cracked as the O-rings on my canister filter.

Is there a good causal diagram (a.k.a fishbone diagram, but seems the wrong forum for that term) for an aquarium system? It would be useful to have a diagram that has all the major inputs that affect fish health.

I'm disappointed in all my books, so I'm sure there are some gold standards that could be recommended here.

Thanks.
 
For a specific canister or filter? Most on-line sites that sell supplies also show replacement parts diagrams..
 
I see what you are getting at, unfortunately in my readings and experience keeping a tank is the balance of a bunch of cycles. A 'fishbone' seems entirely too linear to handle it. It would probably look like a cyclical flowchart of cycles... But anyway, welcome back after such a long time, I too am a returning aquarium keeper, here are some basics from someone in similar shoes:
Planning:
Tank size: What do you think you have space for and can maintain regularly? (50% weekly water change on a 120G is a heck of difference from my 10G)
Tank location: In a cold climate? Outside walls aren't ideal then. Also in front of a window could lead to algae. Larger tanks have structural concerns.
Equipment: Lots here.
Real plants: ?
Fish: The type of fish you put into the tank will actually help make alot of your decisions for you. I started knowing that I wanted a betta in my 10G from there I looked up proper water conditions (temp. pH, etc.) for the betta. This then guided me to what other things can grow in these conditions with the betta. Of course the tank size will determine how many or what size fish you can get I think planning around your chosen fish is the most important thing in the setup stage.

There is more you could add to planning but I just woke up, ask questions when you don't know something. I have been annoying everyone here with mine for the past 3-4 months, they haven't yelled at me yet! Planning is the most important thing and I am not just saying that as an architect in training.

Other points in maintaining a tank:
Cycling your tank. Get to know the nitrogen cycle!
Water changes.
If you have real plants there is alot more to know about lighting, fertilization and CO2.
Feeding (its not just flakes anymore!) From algae wafers to special made snail jello to fresh veges, determine a proper diet for your tanks inhabitants.
How to clean your tank properly. (gravel vacs, filtration, glass)
How to treat your water. (dechlor, Aquarium salt)
Regular testing. (ammo, nitrites, nirates, GH, KH, pH)

I'm running out of steam but hopefully i did give you enough to start looking up and asking questions about. I'm sure there are others more experienced that can add but I would say they would agree that its not as easy as...
Step 1: Water
Step 2: Fish
Step 3: ???
Step 4: Profit
 
slothisevil said:
Getting back into this 'hobby' after about 8 years. My memory of fishkeeping is as cracked as the O-rings on my canister filter.

Is there a good causal diagram (a.k.a fishbone diagram, but seems the wrong forum for that term) for an aquarium system? It would be useful to have a diagram that has all the major inputs that affect fish health.

I'm disappointed in all my books, so I'm sure there are some gold standards that could be recommended here.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have not found one. The closest I have found is Diana Walstad's "Ecology of the Planted Aquarium". Even if you don't want to make an aquarium that is her style the information is quite valuable for the scientific minded. In it she describes all if the inputs and outputs for submerged plants. While it touches on the fish side it is not as complete as the plant side.

If you find the books website there is a pdf download for $15. I got the hard-copy for $35 if I remember correctly. It should be noted that creating an aquarium like hers is not as easy as she makes it sound. I should also mention if you did not like high school biology you will not like this book. While it was written at a high school level it is quite intense. If you have taken O-chem and/or a college biology class it is a quick read.
 
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