tbonem91
Aquarium Advice FINatic
Edit
I want to revive this thread in hopes of getting some more clarification on some of the missing points as well as more in depth information on how some chemicals interact. If you see something missing, something that should be added or something that is off-base, let me know
In particular, I'd like to write some better "Notes" or "summary" for each chemical and measurement listed, especially concerning algae, disease and adverse effects to life in the aquarium
End Edit
Im sure these exist, but I wanted to make a completely comprehensive diagram of the chemistry involved in a FW aquarium. I figured I would ask here and see if there is anything major I am missing. For sake of text-based presentation on a forum, I'll just list the elements Ive identified and their "producers" and "consumers"
Let me know if I am missing anything or have some information wrong.
Scientific names, chemical formulas and specific ferts n such could be added I guess...
edited 4/26/06 - still some unfinished sections
edited 4/27/06 - added more information and added "levels" of 1 being trace, 2 being moderate and 3 being a major contributor.
edited 6/27/06 - added some more clarification on several sections
Contribution Amounts
1 - trace amounts
2 - moderate amounts
3 - major amounts
Important chemicals
Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is the chemical generated by the first stage of cycling and is directly related to how much waste your livestock produce. It is poisonous and while cycling a tank, should be monitored and lowered daily if fish are present in the system.
Producers: Fish waste [3], Decaying Food [2]
Consumers: Bacteria (nitrosomas) [3], Real Plants [2], Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: 0
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at levels > 0.5 ppm.
NitrIte (NO2)
NitrIte is the chemical produced during the second stage of cycling a tank. It too is poisonous and should be monitored and lowered daily if fish are present during the cycling process.
Producers: Bacteria (nitrosomas) [3]
Consumers: Bacteria (nitrobacter) [3], Real Plants [2], Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: 0
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at levels > 0.5 ppm.
NitrAte (NO3)
NitrAte is the chemical produced in the third and final stage of the cycling process. It is much less toxic to life and is an essential part of plant growth. Higher concentrations can be tolerated and in many planted tanks, the addition of NO3 via fertilizers is required.
Producers: Bacteria (nitrobacter) [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap/Well water [1]
Consumers: Real Plants [3], Water Changes [3], Algae [2]
Ideal Level: <10ppm unless planted
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at high levels. For planted tanks, 10-20 ppm is considered nominal.
Phosphate (PO4)
Phosphate is another chemical vital to plant growth but only in small quantities. Too much phosphate can cause algae blooms. It can be found in tap water as a biproduct of runoff from farms and other fertilized areas.
Producers: Fish Food [2], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [3], Algae [3]
Ideal Level: 0 unless planted, < 2ppm otherwise
Notes: For a planted tank, should be kept around a 1:10 ratio in respect to NitrAtes. Too much can cause massive algae and too little will cause growth problems in plants.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is a chemical vital to plant growth and is typically found in tap water. It does not lead to algae problems and is not toxic to aquarium life.
Producers: Fertilizers [3], Fish food [1], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [3], Algae [3]
Ideal Level: Trace
Notes: Essential for planted tanks but reliable tests do not generally exist. Overdosing is a low risk.
Iron (Fe)
Iron is a trace metal usually found in tap water and is required in very small amounts for plant growth. Too much iron is directly related to algae problems/
Producers: Fish Food [1], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [1], Algae (esp. Hair Algae) [2]
Ideal Level: Trace being 0.1-0.3 ppm
Notes: Trace element needed for plant growth but in high amounts will cause excessive algae growth.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide is a natural biproduct of life form respiration. It is used as a Carbon source for plants and is typically added to tanks with high amounts of lighting. Like all water-bound gasses, CO2 levels will try to equalize with that of the air via Osmosis. Lowered surface agitation will limit the amount of off-gassed CO2.
Producers: Fish [2], Pressurized/DIY Injection [3] OR Surface Agitation* [1], Plants (Nighttime) [2], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants (Daytime) [3], Algae [2], Surface Agitation *[1]
Ideal Level: Highly variable
Notes: For a planted tank, a level of or around 20-30ppm is generally recommended, but highly depends on light levels, plant species and water parameters. CO2 ppm can be determined by using a KH test combined with a PH test and using This Calculator
Oxygen (O2)
Oxygen is vital to all of the life we wish to keep in our tanks. Plants produce it during the day time but use it during the night. Low concentrations of Oxygen in the water will cause fish to gasp at the water's surface and could cause some to suffocate.
Producers: Plants (Daytime) [3], Tap Water [1], Surface Agitation* [2]
Consumers: Fish [3], Plants (Nighttime) [3], Surface Agitation [1]*
Notes: A heavily planted tank runs the risk of being deprived of O2 during the night, when both plants and fish are using it. This can be remedied by increasing the surface agitation at night by use of a bubble wand/stone set on a timer.
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is a trace element that is requires by plants but moreso by snails and other invertibrates. Typically, Calcium is found in tap and well water and added into the system along with materials designed to increase the PH buffering capacity of the water.
Producers: Crushed Coral / Carbonaceous Rocks [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water (dissolved Limestone) [1]
Consumers: Snails [2], Plants [3]
Ideal Level:
Notes: Ca dosing is usually done when snails show signs of shell erosion.
Carbonate (CO3)
Carbonate is consumed by plants and is used as a PH buffer.
Producers: Crushed Coral / Carbonaceous Rocks [3], Baking Soda [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water (dissolved Limestone) [1]
Consumers: Plants [3]
Ideal Level: tied to the KH measurement
Notes:
*Surface Agitation: CO2 and O2 levels in the water will equalize with that of the air if given enough surface agitation to cause the gas exchange. When injecting CO2, this will work against you because it will be offgassing but at night you want increased gas exchange to replenish the water with O2.
Important Measurements
Alkalinity/Acidity (PH)
The PH measurement tells you how acidic (low) or basic (high) your water is, with 7.0 being neutral. Most fish require PH values in varied ranges but can sometimes, depending on species, live in a PH slightly outside their range if acclimated appropriately. In the end, a stable PH value is more important that a "perfect" value for your species selection. PH values should not be allowed to "swing" by large amounts either during the night or during water changes. In general, PH-altering chemicals are frowned upon by most hobbiests and natural methods of raising, lowering, or maintaining PH should be pursued.
Increase: Crushed Coral & Baking Soda [3] (by way of increased KH)
Decrease: Driftwood (Tannins) [2], CO2 Injection [3]
Ideal Level: Fish species dependant
Notes: low PH drops from injecting CO2 can be countered by raising KH to buffer the water. A raised KH raises the high and low ends of the PH swings (when they occur) and doesnt lower the total amount of change.
Carbonate Hardness (KH)
Increase: Crushed Coral & Baking Soda [3]
Decrease: Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: minumum of 3 degrees when injecting CO2.
Notes: KH is a measurement of the concentration of CO3 and HCO3 in the water and acts as a buffer when injecting CO2.
General Hardness (GH)
Increase: See Ca, Fertilizers [3]
Decrease: See Ca, Plants [1]
Ideal Level:
Notes: GH is a measurement of the concentration of Ca and Mg in the water. Like KH, one can convert to degrees by dividing ppm by 17.9.
I want to revive this thread in hopes of getting some more clarification on some of the missing points as well as more in depth information on how some chemicals interact. If you see something missing, something that should be added or something that is off-base, let me know
In particular, I'd like to write some better "Notes" or "summary" for each chemical and measurement listed, especially concerning algae, disease and adverse effects to life in the aquarium
End Edit
Im sure these exist, but I wanted to make a completely comprehensive diagram of the chemistry involved in a FW aquarium. I figured I would ask here and see if there is anything major I am missing. For sake of text-based presentation on a forum, I'll just list the elements Ive identified and their "producers" and "consumers"
Let me know if I am missing anything or have some information wrong.
Scientific names, chemical formulas and specific ferts n such could be added I guess...
edited 4/26/06 - still some unfinished sections
edited 4/27/06 - added more information and added "levels" of 1 being trace, 2 being moderate and 3 being a major contributor.
edited 6/27/06 - added some more clarification on several sections
Contribution Amounts
1 - trace amounts
2 - moderate amounts
3 - major amounts
Important chemicals
Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is the chemical generated by the first stage of cycling and is directly related to how much waste your livestock produce. It is poisonous and while cycling a tank, should be monitored and lowered daily if fish are present in the system.
Producers: Fish waste [3], Decaying Food [2]
Consumers: Bacteria (nitrosomas) [3], Real Plants [2], Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: 0
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at levels > 0.5 ppm.
NitrIte (NO2)
NitrIte is the chemical produced during the second stage of cycling a tank. It too is poisonous and should be monitored and lowered daily if fish are present during the cycling process.
Producers: Bacteria (nitrosomas) [3]
Consumers: Bacteria (nitrobacter) [3], Real Plants [2], Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: 0
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at levels > 0.5 ppm.
NitrAte (NO3)
NitrAte is the chemical produced in the third and final stage of the cycling process. It is much less toxic to life and is an essential part of plant growth. Higher concentrations can be tolerated and in many planted tanks, the addition of NO3 via fertilizers is required.
Producers: Bacteria (nitrobacter) [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap/Well water [1]
Consumers: Real Plants [3], Water Changes [3], Algae [2]
Ideal Level: <10ppm unless planted
Notes: Considered toxic to fish at high levels. For planted tanks, 10-20 ppm is considered nominal.
Phosphate (PO4)
Phosphate is another chemical vital to plant growth but only in small quantities. Too much phosphate can cause algae blooms. It can be found in tap water as a biproduct of runoff from farms and other fertilized areas.
Producers: Fish Food [2], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [3], Algae [3]
Ideal Level: 0 unless planted, < 2ppm otherwise
Notes: For a planted tank, should be kept around a 1:10 ratio in respect to NitrAtes. Too much can cause massive algae and too little will cause growth problems in plants.
Potassium (K)
Potassium is a chemical vital to plant growth and is typically found in tap water. It does not lead to algae problems and is not toxic to aquarium life.
Producers: Fertilizers [3], Fish food [1], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [3], Algae [3]
Ideal Level: Trace
Notes: Essential for planted tanks but reliable tests do not generally exist. Overdosing is a low risk.
Iron (Fe)
Iron is a trace metal usually found in tap water and is required in very small amounts for plant growth. Too much iron is directly related to algae problems/
Producers: Fish Food [1], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants [1], Algae (esp. Hair Algae) [2]
Ideal Level: Trace being 0.1-0.3 ppm
Notes: Trace element needed for plant growth but in high amounts will cause excessive algae growth.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide is a natural biproduct of life form respiration. It is used as a Carbon source for plants and is typically added to tanks with high amounts of lighting. Like all water-bound gasses, CO2 levels will try to equalize with that of the air via Osmosis. Lowered surface agitation will limit the amount of off-gassed CO2.
Producers: Fish [2], Pressurized/DIY Injection [3] OR Surface Agitation* [1], Plants (Nighttime) [2], Tap Water [1]
Consumers: Plants (Daytime) [3], Algae [2], Surface Agitation *[1]
Ideal Level: Highly variable
Notes: For a planted tank, a level of or around 20-30ppm is generally recommended, but highly depends on light levels, plant species and water parameters. CO2 ppm can be determined by using a KH test combined with a PH test and using This Calculator
Oxygen (O2)
Oxygen is vital to all of the life we wish to keep in our tanks. Plants produce it during the day time but use it during the night. Low concentrations of Oxygen in the water will cause fish to gasp at the water's surface and could cause some to suffocate.
Producers: Plants (Daytime) [3], Tap Water [1], Surface Agitation* [2]
Consumers: Fish [3], Plants (Nighttime) [3], Surface Agitation [1]*
Notes: A heavily planted tank runs the risk of being deprived of O2 during the night, when both plants and fish are using it. This can be remedied by increasing the surface agitation at night by use of a bubble wand/stone set on a timer.
Calcium (Ca)
Calcium is a trace element that is requires by plants but moreso by snails and other invertibrates. Typically, Calcium is found in tap and well water and added into the system along with materials designed to increase the PH buffering capacity of the water.
Producers: Crushed Coral / Carbonaceous Rocks [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water (dissolved Limestone) [1]
Consumers: Snails [2], Plants [3]
Ideal Level:
Notes: Ca dosing is usually done when snails show signs of shell erosion.
Carbonate (CO3)
Carbonate is consumed by plants and is used as a PH buffer.
Producers: Crushed Coral / Carbonaceous Rocks [3], Baking Soda [3], Fertilizers [3], Tap Water (dissolved Limestone) [1]
Consumers: Plants [3]
Ideal Level: tied to the KH measurement
Notes:
*Surface Agitation: CO2 and O2 levels in the water will equalize with that of the air if given enough surface agitation to cause the gas exchange. When injecting CO2, this will work against you because it will be offgassing but at night you want increased gas exchange to replenish the water with O2.
Important Measurements
Alkalinity/Acidity (PH)
The PH measurement tells you how acidic (low) or basic (high) your water is, with 7.0 being neutral. Most fish require PH values in varied ranges but can sometimes, depending on species, live in a PH slightly outside their range if acclimated appropriately. In the end, a stable PH value is more important that a "perfect" value for your species selection. PH values should not be allowed to "swing" by large amounts either during the night or during water changes. In general, PH-altering chemicals are frowned upon by most hobbiests and natural methods of raising, lowering, or maintaining PH should be pursued.
Increase: Crushed Coral & Baking Soda [3] (by way of increased KH)
Decrease: Driftwood (Tannins) [2], CO2 Injection [3]
Ideal Level: Fish species dependant
Notes: low PH drops from injecting CO2 can be countered by raising KH to buffer the water. A raised KH raises the high and low ends of the PH swings (when they occur) and doesnt lower the total amount of change.
Carbonate Hardness (KH)
Increase: Crushed Coral & Baking Soda [3]
Decrease: Water Changes [3]
Ideal Level: minumum of 3 degrees when injecting CO2.
Notes: KH is a measurement of the concentration of CO3 and HCO3 in the water and acts as a buffer when injecting CO2.
General Hardness (GH)
Increase: See Ca, Fertilizers [3]
Decrease: See Ca, Plants [1]
Ideal Level:
Notes: GH is a measurement of the concentration of Ca and Mg in the water. Like KH, one can convert to degrees by dividing ppm by 17.9.
