If I Created A Fish Tank Database...

[smmetz]

OK, so, some of you saw my thread asking about existing fish databases out there. I am looking into creating one myself. So far, I just made a form that when filled out, puts an entry into a MySQL database. This is just a first pass, and I plan to scrap this and create another one once I refine it.

edited out, I will post new URL when database is more complete

I am looking for input from anyone on what fields would be usefull to add. Or, what things I might want to change in there.


Once I am convinced I have a good design, I'll scrap this one, create a new one with a new database, input a dozen or so fish, then work on a page to query the database. Once that is done, I'll go through our fish index, and try to get them all in there eventually. It will include links to the fish index section for each entry. I should be able to make it searchable for just about any fields we come up with - which is why this database will be better than any others I have seen out there. (once I get a LOT of fish entered into it)

 

[The-Wolf]

what do you mean by category?
I'd change min adult size and max adult sze to one box that states
potential adult size
in temperment forget serial killer, it looks unprofessional, change that to very aggressive
what is strata? change to area of water occupied

just my tuppence worth

 

[smmetz]

great, thx for the input.

I made all the changes, except the fields on the size. I am debating keeping a min and max, so that when someone searches the database, it will have a little more flexibility. Also, I first put in 2 fields for size because different web sites list different adult sizes for the same species, so it's a little confusing.

At the very least, I can rename the fields though

 

[chrismr]

The common name section needs to allow more than one common name to be entered. In fact, even the latin name needs to allow for the fact that classifications of fish have changed.

Temperament: You need to consider fish that are generally peaceful, that will become aggressive when spawning. Take my curviceps for example... peaceful generally, but now that they have fry, I would not wish them on any fish. Perhaps you need an "other" field which allows people to type in description of temperament.

"Eats algae": get rid of this and replace it simply with diet. People can then still search on whether it consumes algae, but get more detailed information. this needs to be a text field, or a multiple select with all possible foods listed.

The ph, gh lists etc get a bit long... just a recommended field should do ok, as most people know that fish will generally tolerate a bit outside of their typical perameters. People can then search for fish who's recommended falls within a range they choose.

What is the profile URL for?

For it to be a truly useful searchable database you need to get detailed:
You need geographical locations
You need breeding info
You need to provide options for describing colouration of fish
You need to specify whether this is tropical, marine or cold water

I am sure there is more, but I have to get back to work...

 

[martypants16]

Excellent idea, looks very comprehensive, dont forget to post the link when its all up and running.

 

[smmetz]

The common name section needs to allow more than one common name to be entered. In fact, even the latin name needs to allow for the fact that classifications of fish have changed.
Both of these fields are just text fields where I can list more than one name.

Temperament: You need to consider fish that are generally peaceful, that will become aggressive when spawning. Take my curviceps for example... peaceful generally, but now that they have fry, I would not wish them on any fish. Perhaps you need an "other" field which allows people to type in description of temperament.
Hmm, in order to make it more searchable, I want to keep this a pull down menu. Detailed descriptions might be better suited for the URL link. From your suggestion though, I think I'll add a couple checkboxes under temperment, so I can check off "more aggressive with age" and "more aggressive with fry"

"Eats algae": get rid of this and replace it simply with diet. People can then still search on whether it consumes algae, but get more detailed information. this needs to be a text field, or a multiple select with all possible foods listed.
Good idea, I need to revisit this area

The ph, gh lists etc get a bit long... just a recommended field should do ok, as most people know that fish will generally tolerate a bit outside of their typical perameters. People can then search for fish who's recommended falls within a range they choose.

What is the profile URL for?
I tried to make the database store searchable information, but perhaps a profile will have a pic or two, plus more info on diet, breeding, special needs, etc.

For it to be a truly useful searchable database you need to get detailed:
You need geographical locations
Thanks, good idea DONE
You need breeding info
I thought of putting in a field where you can select how easy they are to breed, or if they do not breed. I thought a detailed description might be not usefull for searches though, and better described in the URL link to the fish profile or fish index on this site.
You need to provide options for describing colouration of fish
Thanks, good idea DONE
You need to specify whether this is tropical, marine or cold water
Thanks, I definitly will add that! DONE

I am sure there is more, but I have to get back to work...

edit: I made a few of the changes. I have to go to lunch now though, and get some work done today! I am pretty sure that clicking on the "submit form" button will now result in an error, but for now I am just trying to iron out the design anyway. Thanks again for the input!

 

[smmetz]

OK, I updated the database entry form with all the suggestions. The intent of the database is not to hold all possible information on each species. It is to be as usefull as possible in searching for a fish to meet your needs, getting a lot of info on it, and getting a link to a fish profile for more detailed information.

If anyone else has suggestion, please post 'em up!

 

[rEvolution27]

Looks pretty good, but is that the form to enter the data into the database or to query it?

I think you may be a bit confused, if that's the form to input data to the database, then all you need is the average size. On the search form, you have the min and max size and just query the databse for values between min and max.

 

[smmetz]

that is the form to enter data into the database. I am really a noobie to database queries, but I was hoping I could create a query where it returns results if the user's size range overlaps the databases size range. Like, if the user puts in 3-5 inches, it would return result for a fish that is 4-6 inches, and a fish that is 3-4 inches. As long as some of the range overlaps, it could consider it a hit. I am just hoping that SQL queries are powerful enough to throw in some logic like that. I honestly have not gotten to that part yet, so I don't know.

basically, the logic would be this:

you have user_min and user_max
you have db_min and db_max

if ((user_min < db_max AND user_max > db_min) OR (user_max > db_min AND user_min < db_max))
then return the record, we have a winner!!!

maybe there is an SQL geek here who can tell me if that type of query will be possible. In the meantime, I was going to assume that it is, since it's easy enough to express with simple AND, OR, >, <

 

[mikev]

what do you mean by category?
I'd change min adult size and max adult sze to one box that states
potential adult size

Uggh, let me disagree here.

The two useful fields will be *average adult size* and *max adult size*, they are not exactly the same.

It seems to me that fishbase.org -- which is overall the best source, mixes the two; some entries under "max size" give the real max, some give an average.

For example: the Botia almorhae entry says: max: 15.5 cm
I recall some people admitted owning 8in yoyo's, and some sites claiming that max size is 4in, so where is the truth? I guess something like this:
Average Adult Size = 15.5 cm (not Max, as Fishbase says)
Max Adult Size = 20cm (8in)
with Average being more useful for estimates, but Max of course interesting to know.

 

[onemisterchristian]

Change don't breed to something to the effect of...not bred in captivity. Because all fish breed. Otherwise we wouldn't have any
also maybe add a category for sexing the fish.
and a category for brood care.
category for preferred substrate.
units of measurement for tank size, length and temp.
Other than that, that's all i can really think of...good luck and great idea!