The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium

Customer Reviews:

Great Place To Go Fishing.......2007-05-10

I have been in the aquariast hobby for quite a few years. Though I haven't had a tank set-up for almost 10 years since retiring from the US Navy and moving from Va. to Ga. I decided for the sake of the fish in my 150 gal tank it was best left behind in the care of my neighbor and best friend JD. I am now in the research and planning stages of setting up a 250 gal. reef tank. Since so much has happened in the last 10 years I felt it was wise to get some reading material for varied opinions and fact gathering. I now have 5 reference volumes to refer to. This book by Vince is not only a beautiful book with outstanding pictures but is my favorite. Crammed with every possible aspect of this hobby. From beginner to advanced the info is superb. In fact a Newbie could take this book as a stand alone reference from your very first Marine Fish only tank to an explosively beautiful Reef with Fish, Inverts, and Corals. It gives info on all the types of filtration from the Jaubert System,(My Favorite), to the extreme hi-tech route..Plan on spending major bucks if you go the hi-tech route. in my opinion the Jaubert System is as close to natural as you can get and the results I have seen from those using it match if not excel over much more expensive set-ups, but hey, back to the book. Every possible life form is fully described in easy to understand detail, inhabitant compatibility, location of origin, feeding, disease care, all of it. The way it is organized makes it superior for that "gotta have info right now" scenario when one of your prized specimens needs immediate attention. Though the diseases coverage is brief it is concise and easy to follow. This book is now among 2 that sit out on my coffee table. It gets read or at least browsed through alot by my visiting friends. Kids love the pictures. I highly recommend it for anyone from beginner to advanced. You can find higher priced books but non better. It's great buy at twice the price.

Great book for the marine aquarium hobbyist.......2003-12-08

I have positively oodles of books on fish behavior, diversity and ecology. When I brought this book home the wife asked "why do you need another fish book?" I will tell you like I told her.

This is the best book I have seen on the fishes commonly found in the aquarium industry. The fishes are arranged according to systematic (evolutionary) relationships, so it is in a format that is familiar to me, and more useful to people that are not already familiar with fish groups. Organization, however, is a minor part of a book. But the information in this book is also top notch. There is important information on hundreds of species referencing, feeding, care, availability and compatibility that is important when considering an addition to your salt water aquarium. There are also excellent sections on general aquarium keeping and reef inverts. This makes this a must have for any hobbyist. Lastly this is also a VERY attractive book, it now gets to be in the living room (near the aquarium where it should be) instead of in my library.

Book Description

This delightful book explores rocky shores, wetlands, sandy shores, kelp forests, the open sea and deep sea, where kids will meet fascinating creatures from playful sea otters to mysterious sharks.

Book Description

NATURE / HOBBY / REFERENCE.
A collection of over 200 eye-opening colorful photographs taken from Wayne Shang's 700-gallon reef aquarium and his 300-gallon marine fish-only aquarium. Included with this special edition is a 70-minute DVD "Mass Spawning of Tridacna Clams in Captive System" containing footage believed to be one of the only few documented mass spawning of Tridacna clams in home marine aquaria.

View the large and small angelfish of 10 years, and the butterflies and cleaner wrasses of over 5 years. See in full color the Tridacna clams, small poly stony corals, and reef fishes. Included in this page-to-page color-filled hardcover book are the author/photographer/aquarist's notes on captive behavior, propagation, breeding, and growth sequence; lighting and current requirements; health and disease, feeding and diet; chemistry and temperature.

Discover how one hobby/expert aquarist set up his marine aquarium system, the equipment that he uses, and how the system is maintained.

A must-have reference for all marine aquarists.

Customer Reviews:

Very impressive!.......2007-07-07

A total of 37 titles in my library on how to keep marine aquarium, this one has to be the most impressive by far.
It is really a no nonsense book. The author does not throw you lots of technical information that you might not need. Instead, this book simply shows how he did it and ties that to over 200 stunning color photographs all taken from his own reef and marine fish aquariums.
There are information on how his systems are set up, the equipment he uses, and how his systems are maintained.
There also pictures of his colorful clams (a 40 pounds Tridacna gigas raised in captivity for the past ten years and still growing!) and growth stages of several gigantic stony corals that is truly amazing.
I was a little confused by mixed reviews here until I receive my own copy. I soon realized that how much time and efforts the author has devoted to this hobby, and very much appreciate his willingness to share the knowledge and experience with others.
Someone call it "one of the most outstanding home reef tanks ever created". The pictures inside this book say it all.
Don't forget the bonus DVD - a long sequence of clams spawning in home marine aquaria... It is very cool!

Not a Resource; Not Helpful; But Nice Pictures.......2007-05-22

This book has lots of great pictures of aquarium life as well as aquaria. It describes in simple terms the stocking and setup of the aquariums, but not to any great detail. This book may be a good resource if you are simply looking for ideas or if you want to gawk at nice aquariums but shouldn't be used by a beginner as it leaves way too many details undiscussed, and for anybody with any experience, the information provided is possibly helpful, but it mostly just describes what the author does to accomplish his tanks. The information is very specific to the author and his multiple tanks.

I'm not saying that this is a bad book at all, just that it isn't a resource in the typical sense. Just be aware of what you are buying. It is basically the author, a successful aquarist, sharing what he does in his particular tanks.

A nice coffeetable book or inspirational resource for those with too much money. But probably not something you need to add to your own library.

Serene, exotic and overwhelmingly beautiful!.......2006-03-28

Keeping a marine aquarium can be an intensely rewarding experience, especially if you have the right tools. This book, The Captive Marine Aquarium, is one of them!

Great accomplishment.......2005-09-28

The author might have set a new standard for anyone who is interested in writing or publishing a book about captive marine aquarium. The readers should at least have an opportunity to see how successful the author's own aquarium is.
Great accomplishment!

Two thumbs up!.......2005-08-21

Finally a marine aquarium book that is full of beautiful photographs all taken from the author's captive systems instead of diving trip.
Whether you are a beginner or long-time saltwater enthusiast, this nicely formatted book will provide you with plenty of important details and expert secrets for keeping a beautiful, thriving marine aquarium.
Two thumbs up!

Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families with Expert Captive Care Advice for the Marine Aquarist

Average customer rating:

An in-depth book on the compatibility, care and behaviour on these selected species (only)
Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families
Great Book for the Aquarist or Diver!

Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families with Expert Captive Care Advice for the Marine Aquarist
Scott W. Michael , Fred Bavendam , Paul Humann , Rudie Kuiter , John Randall , Roger Steene , and Takamosa Tonozuka
Manufacturer: Microcosm.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Fish | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1890087335

Customer Reviews:

An in-depth book on the compatibility, care and behaviour on these selected species (only).......2007-04-12

An in-depth book on the compatibility, care and behaviour on these selected species (only). Some of these species are so scares however that I doubt it if they will ever be found in a pet shop. If you are interested in keeping these species, this book is perfect.

Basslets, Dottybacks and Hawkfishes: Plus Seven More Aqarium Fish Families.......2006-08-13

Another great book on Reef Fishes by Scott Michael. He covers common as well as rarely seen fishes and tells all that is know about these guys including foods, reproduction, habitat and aquarium care. This is a must have for Marine Aquarists!! Great Book!!

Great Book for the Aquarist or Diver!.......2004-06-09

Scott Michael continues his Reef Fishes series with this excellent book. The gorgeous photographs allow easy identification, often including multiple photos for color variations due to location, sex, etc. It also includes information on maximum length, distribution, and biology useful to both divers and aquarists, as well as captive care and aquarium suitability ratings. This volume along with the others in the series are a must have for any serious marine aquarist, as well as any diver interested in ID'ing and learning about coral reef fishes. Highly recommended!

Book Description

Entertaining and educational activities focusing on the ocean and its creatures… The Ocean Book Aquarium and Seaside Activities and Ideas for all Ages This activity book on the world of the oceans and the living things that inhabit them is filled with experiments, investigations, puzzles, games, and all sorts of fun things to do and learn. The activities were created and contributed by the leading aquatic centers in the United States, including the National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, Sea World in Ohio, and many others. The activities are designed to teach by doing, and each one has a high entertainment value. Just a few of the topics covered in The Ocean Book include: Whales Seals Sharks Tides Camouflage Fish Sea Turtles Coral Reefs The Ocean Floor Sealab All the activities are ideal for grades K-6, but older children and adults may just learn a thing or two as well.

Customer Reviews:

GREAT book for ocean studies!.......2000-01-06

I'm a homeschooling mom, and I'm always looking for activities for our various units. I stumbled upon this book while looking for other ocean books at the library. It really is great "for all ages." While some of the quiz material is a little difficult for the younger set, the experiments, maps and various word finds and crosswords could be done by children as young as five. It covers everything from the water cycle to ocean ecology to sea animals. The experiments and card and board games work very well with visual learners. A VERY comprehensive study of the ocean! Two thumbs up!

Average customer rating:

A very comprehensive and thorough book.
Exceptionally useful! Lacks newer ideas though.
Good Book for Fish Identification
Must-read for novices entering the marine hobby.
Good place to start.

The Book of Marine Aquarium
Nick Dakin
Manufacturer: Voyageur Press (MN)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1564651029

Customer Reviews:

A very comprehensive and thorough book........2000-06-02

I recommend 'The New Book of The Marine Aquarium' by Nick Dakin. The information he presents is accurate and he covers all aspects of the hobby from fish only tanks to reef tanks. He covers all of the possible equipment that you might need for an aquarium in a very comprehensive manner. It also has a very large appendix with dozens of fish and invertebrates and information on their feeding habits, aquarium behavior, and compatibility with other fish/invertibrate species. All photos are of very high quality and in full color. Overall, it is a very thorough and well written book.

Exceptionally useful! Lacks newer ideas though........2000-04-05

This book is great for aquarists of all levels. Every page, except for the index, has full color pictures. Not a single B&W diagram through its 400 pages. Comprehensive information on the biology and behavior of numerous fishes and inverts. Only drawback is that it does not seem to have the most recent information. Concepts such as the "Berlin method" are not even mentioned. Overall, a great book for the cost!

Good Book for Fish Identification.......1999-06-13

Gives good identification of commonly available fish. Great photos. Doesn't go to in depth with invert identification. Pretty basic on setup.Good beginner book for fish only systems.

Must-read for novices entering the marine hobby........1999-02-16

Excellent description of basic equipment - and specially valuable as an aid to choosing fish. Description of characteristics, behavior, and requirements were very good. I had been a freshwater hobbyist for years - and this book was invaluable in helping me get started in the marine hobby.

Good place to start........1999-01-06

I'd recommend it to the novice marine keeper. A good place to start

How to Draw Aquarium Animals (How to Draw (Dover))

Average customer rating:

kids love it

How to Draw Aquarium Animals (How to Draw (Dover))
Barbara Soloff Levy
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0486430588

Book Description

Easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrations help developing artists of all ages draw animals commonly found at the aquarium. Use simple basic shapes to create accurate likenesses of the angelfish, octopus, penguin, clownfish, lobster, sea lion, starfish, whale, and 24 other creatures of the deep. 30 pages of black-and-white illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

kids love it.......2007-02-24

My kids love to use this book as a guideline for drawing sealife.

My Visit to the Aquarium (Trophy Picture Books)

Average customer rating:

great book for kids who like ocean animals
Excellent to introduce young children to visiting aquariums.
A beautifully illustrated trip to the Aquarium.
An absolutely wonderful book for the entire family !

My Visit to the Aquarium (Trophy Picture Books)

Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0064461866

Book Description

`Children and adults of various ages, races, and physical abilities tour a public aquarium to look at many of the world's marine creatures. The language is almost lyrical…[and] the story is alive with color and action.'—SLJ. `A versatile author at her best.… In the large, cheerful illustrations, action-filled spreads are varied with portrait vignettes, and underwater scenes with the visitors' enthusiastic responses.'—K.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 1994 (NSTA/CBC)
1993 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)
1996 Garden State (NJ) Children's Nonfiction Award

Customer Reviews:

great book for kids who like ocean animals.......2006-01-17

My little boy loves to go the aquarium in Chattanooga, TN and he adores this book.

Excellent to introduce young children to visiting aquariums........1998-02-20

My son is almost 3 and loves to read this book along with me. We have supplemented this book with actual "field trips" to a local aquarium and he enjoys the relationship between what we read and what we see. The author has included many interesting and informative facts without "going over" the little ones' heads. We recommend it!

A beautifully illustrated trip to the Aquarium........1997-08-25

My visit to the Aquarium captures the feeling of being at the Aquarium with its beautiful illustrations. The author has very thoughtfully included a diverse gathering of people who visit this Aquarium, including a young girl who is using a wheelchair. There is so much information to teach a child who is reading this book about fish, sealife nad other water resources. My daughter exclaims her excitement when looking at the illustrations in this book. It is truly a visit to the Aquarium with out ever having to leave the house. We have renewed this book three times from the library and have decided to add it to our perminent collection since it is liked by every member of the family, adults as well as children. We know you'll love it too

An absolutely wonderful book for the entire family !.......1997-07-03

Akiki's 'My Visit to the Aquarium' is another wonderful addition in her series of children's books about nature and science. For us, it became the inspiration to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium while on vacation in California. I can still recall my six year old son's excitement as he acted as our "tour giude" from the knowledge he gained from this book. Beautifully illustrated.

Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium

Average customer rating:

Nice reference
Great Book for Doctors Lobby
Good Reference Book
Environmental awareness approach for new hobbyists
Comprehensive and informative.

Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium
Nick Dakin
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Fish | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1552978176

Book Description

An encyclopedic reference for setting up, stocking, and maintaining a saltwater aquarium.

Nothing rivals the color and appeal of a saltwater aquarium. The Complete Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium simplifies the complexities of setting-up and maintaining a successful saltwater aquarium.

The book illustrates and explains:

Specific characteristics of invertebrates and marine fish
Important differences between tropical and freshwater fish
Choosing a tank: advantages and disadvantages of glass and acrylic, different shapes, and critical construction details
Accessories such as aquarium heaters, lights, and filters
Water testing and maintaining the correct chemical balance

More than half of the book is a directory that covers species from 34 fish families. Details include their characteristics, natural environment, diet and feeding, size range, and aquarium behavior.

Coldwater aquariums are covered in a separate section that shows how to establish an artificial habitat for fish requiring temperate saltwater.

This full-color reference will appeal to saltwater tropical fish enthusiasts at any level.

Customer Reviews:

Nice reference.......2007-01-10

When I bought this book I had already been in the sw hobby for six years, but for some reason I had to have this book. Needs to be updated, but it offers a great and broad foundation of the hobby. It is easy to read, and has awesome pictures. Also some of the species names were different from what I have seen in most other books. ???

Great Book for Doctors Lobby.......2006-12-16

This is a wonderful book for the lay person to read as they wait to see their doctor. The pictures are lovely. I gave it as a gift to my favorite dermatologist who happens to have a saltwater aquarium on display.

Good Reference Book.......2006-11-03

We've used this book mostly for identification of fish that we didn't recognize at the pet store. The pictures are fantastic and it covers a broad scope of information on setting up the tank, reefs, fish and invertebrates. It gives information on what they eat, who they get along with, and what conditions they prefer. In some cases, however, the directions for caring for a certain type of fish were not as detailed as we would have liked. If you want a general saltwater reference book, this is a great investment. If you're looking for specific, detailed instructions on how to care for different things in your tank, another book might be a good supplement to this one.

Environmental awareness approach for new hobbyists.......2006-03-13

Full of excellent information about the marine bio-sphere. Most of the information is presented in such a way that environmental awareness is passed to the reader, which will be good food-for-thought for any new hobbyists. Crisp & clear photographs are backed by descriptions of marine life, which give a clear understanding of the subjects chosen.

Comprehensive and informative........2006-03-09

This book is a good reference book for fetermining what fish you might want to get down the road. I wouldn't recommend it for your initial tank startup as there are better books for that, but for fish ID and compatibility, it is nice. There are lots of wonderful pictures and overall good information.

Average customer rating:

A beautiful book, great photos, interesting to read

Degen Discus Book
Bernd Degen
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Fish & Aquariums | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0866220860

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful book, great photos, interesting to read.......2001-02-09

This is a book by one of the leaders in discus breeding and husbandry. It includes lots of interesting photos of Degen and his pals such as Herbert Axelrod fishing for discus in the Amazon (some really cute photos of Axelrod!)and many great, large (including full-page) photos of discus collected in the wild. Also includes a lot of photos and interesting information about top breeding facilities around the world. It goes into great detail, including very good photos, on how to treat discus ailments, the best lighting to show off their colors, and all kinds of information. But the photos are really the strength of this book. All in all, this is a great book for any discus enthusiast. It would make a particularly great coffee-table book or gift.

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