Product Description
Dive into the colorful world of saltwater fish.The fun, hassle-free guide will help you fully enjoy your saltwater aquarium. Marine biologist Gregory Skomal offers clean and easy step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your saltwater fish.Written in a down-to-earth, plain English style with informative cartoons, illustrations, reference lists, icons and navigation aids, and other handy tools to help you learn how to care for your saltwater aquarium.
Customer Reviews:
Great information, great sedative.......2007-05-06
This book is filled with lots of wonderful information for starting your first saltwater aquarium. However, it reads like a dictionary. It's simply need-to-know information without much rhythm. I found myself actually nodding off while trying to read this book at 5 p.m. More pictures would probably have helped keep my interest, but I can't say for sure. Otherwise, Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies had useful information that I was able to apply to my aquarium hobby.
Save Your Money.......2007-04-08
This book makes saltwater aquariums seem easier than they actually are. For one, I don't even think the book mentions the use of reverse osmosis or deionized water, which is strongly recommended by all marine aquarists. The author also doesn't mention the importance of live rock. In fact, he goes as far to advise against using live rock for fish-only tanks! Sure, you might be able to get away with not using live rock, but it won't be worth it in the long run. Also, I don't agree with the list of recommended filter combinations. One more thing, the book lists an air stone as essential equipment, but the only thing an air stone will do is aid evaporation and cause salt creep! If you have enough movement of water at the surface, you should get sufficient gas exchange. There is, however, one thing the book does get right: its strong recommendation of using a protein skimmer.
This book is easy to understand, but you won't be getting the best information.
Good Starter Book, But Incomplete.......2007-03-09
This new edition of Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies has been brought much more up-to-date with current marine aquarium techniques and is one of the most recently published books I could find on the subject. That said, it's still not a great book on the subject. It becomes overly repetitive in some areas and lacking in others and is often poorly organized. For instance, even basic species information is divided between multiple chapters with each one incomplete on its own and constantly referencing you back-and-forth. Too much time is spent on filtration techniques which the book itself deems are generally inadequate while leaving the reader confused between other techniques [and glances over or completely neglects advanced techniques used for reef aquariums]. The book is clearly aimed at the beginner, but fails to provide adequate direction for moving forward from there.
Good Book.......2007-03-08
This is a great book for those who don't know how to keep a saltwater aqarium.
saltwater aquariums for dummies [its true value] .......2006-11-10
this book is actually quite helpful in getting you familiar with
all the essential jargon encountered in this hobby. it is done in
a non intimidating manner. as for those that criticize the book
for recommending undergravel filters, it doesn't, it states it can be
done, but its old technology. buy this book, WITH!,a comprehensive
salt water aquarium book. after reading both you are ready to play.
more in depth books gave too much info too fast. i took off star
because photos are in black and white.
Product Description
336 pages, paperback. By John H. Tullock. Debunking the myth that reef aquariums need to be wildly expensive and technologically complex, the author offers a new, radically simple approach to producing beautiful, captive microcosms
Customer Reviews:
Understanding Reef Aquarium keeping.......2007-01-15
This is a very good book for those wishing to begin reef aquariums. Some of it is theory and some is opinions. Other sections are a little deep for the common person but overall it is a solid basis for those wishing to begin reep keeping. Reading this book should go a long ways to being successful keeping the different types of reefs.l
review ??.......2006-11-10
i am expecting the book to be a good one giving the inside i want to living filtration and a completely natural aquarium with very little artificial filtration help! i can not say yet if it will meet my expectances since i have order the book more than 2 months ago and i am still waiting for it....
Three Thumbs Up!.......2006-08-31
Recently I've read several books pertaining to the tropical marine hobby and after reading this book by Mr. Tullock I rate it an eleven out of ten. Very informative, easy to digest, excellent format, and one to refer to in the future. A quality production by the publisher. Thank you Mr. Tullock!
Great general Reef book.......2006-07-14
Well written and a good book to read for general information.
Reef keeping is NOT easy!.......2005-04-18
Buy and read this book twice before you decide to enter the hobby. Check it out at the library.. This is the book I loan to any friend who sees my aquarium and thinks of starting a tank of their own. Mr. Tullock presents the current natural methods of reef keeping in a very entertaining read.
Product Description
This colorful photographic field guide describes about 1,200 species of common invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals that occur on and around the world's coral reefs and mangroves. 6-1/2" x 7", 478 pages, 1,300 color photos.
Customer Reviews:
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life.......2007-09-17
A Diver's Guide to Reef Life
Comment by Stephen Wong, Marine Wildlife Photojournalist
I used to believe that biologists (or people who knew much of science) did not make the prettiest images, while dedicated photographers were merely trying to paint aesthetic pictures but didn't know a lot about the scientific part of their subjects. I am sure the biologists could shoot extremely well but they just didn't have the time to create the pretty photos, as their time spent would be doing much research in lab and field. At the same time, wildlife photographers could be stellar ecologist but simply lack the proper background training to discuss seriously the scientific side, or the photographers could know in-depth biology on only a few subjects but not many. Gee, am I wrong! "A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" by Andrea & Antonella Ferrari has changed my steretypic perception.
This 480-page 16cm X 18cm book delivers a wealth of scientific knowledge plus a full load of exquisite images. There must be at least 828 species (I counted) of the more encountered and diver-interested marine creatures' discussed and over 1,200 species of animals deftly composed in the book. Not only the general distribution and sizing of the subjects are talked about, the animals' individual habitats and their intrigue life habits are discussed. The ID shots for the `science' section are more than adequate as the pictures clearly show the species' colors, shapes and unique features so that viewers can immediately locate and relate to. The life habits section and the galleries (many beautiful images) are my most favorite. I am learning a lot from these two areas, plus from the underwater photo-tips that the Ferraris stated in each family introduction.
Besides the more popular diver-quested subjects, such as sharks to the jeweled pygmy seahorses, the book also covers subjects that may be of less interest to most divers, like the corals, sponges and sea squirts. Though these are not talked in-depth, the authors have used ample images to let the readers compare to what they see in their dives - a criteria for a good guide book. The Ferraris also have dedicated a small section on the dangers that the ecosystem now faces and suggested a list of `Don'ts' for everyone to help to preserve the fragile reef.
"A Diver's Guide to Reef Life" is a book that makes nature lovers learn more about the denizens of the seas and the relationships with each other. With interesting marine science balances eye-savvy images, be the book placed on the shelf for educational purposes or bringing it on dive locations for reference, I highly recommend the book for everyone and all resorts.
If you need ONE book, this is the one!.......2007-06-27
This book is the most used book in the library at Raja Ampat's Sorido Bay. It seemed that whatever we were looking for, was in this book. Now I have to resolve the spelling quirk for Thysanozoon. Who is correct? The Ferrari's or the others? Also, a big plus for this book...it stays open wherever you put it, while you are researching all your finds. The construction is ingenious.
Top Guide.......2007-06-18
ANDREA AND ANTONELLA FERRARI have spent years amassing the photographs and information contained in A Diver's Guide to Reef Life, and it shows.
With 1200 tropical species, ranging from coral polyps, gorgonians, sea squirts, sponges, nudibranchs and all of the main fish groups, this is a truly comprehensive work, and probably the only reef guide most divers will need to take with them on a trip.
Covering the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and many Caribbean species, the book comes in a handy, almost square format with just three species per page, allowing good-sized images of high quality.
The authors describe each species carefully, and where possible give information on behaviour to assist with identification. For example, the reader learns that the orangeband surgeonfish (Acanthurus olivaceus) "can switch its main body colour from dark olive to tan to dark blue in seconds" and that there are 40 different species of triggerfish. One section shows juvenile specimens of some of the commonest fish, demonstrating how unlike their adult forms they can be.
Photographically, Reef Life is excellent, with every shot a genuinely representative view of the animal or fish described. The book also contains a good general introduction to coral-reef ecology, and titbits of information are spread throughout the text: "94 million tonnes of fish are now taken globally each year, compared to 19 million tonnes in 1950."
The Ferraris also produced the Macrolife Guide to Underwater Malaysia, in my opinion the best of its kind. Now they have created an indispensable companion volume that will serve every diver well.
Tim Ecott, author Neutral Buoyancy: Adventures in a Liquid World
One of the better guides to marine life.......2007-06-06
As a marine biologist as well as an author and photographer of marine life books, I am very selective in my choice of those that end up on my shelf. I am particularly critical of books with a global scope as these invariably include only a small fraction of what lives in any particular area. These books usually include only what the photographer happens to have good photographs of rather than what is important. This book is an exception as the authors have included many excellent photographs taken by others. In doing so the authors have managed to pull together 1200 of the most important and interesting species, all with concise information on distribution, habitat and behavior. No book of this kind is immune from misidentification, but this one has fewer than most. It's a keeper. For those in the w. Pacific who want to dig deeper, please also check the following: Micronesian Reef Fishes: A Field Guide for Divers and Aquarists
Wonderful photo guide to reef life.......2007-06-04
I have A DIVER'S GUIDE TO UNDERWATER MALAYSIA MACROLIFE and was pleased to see this additional book by the Andrea & Antonella Ferrari. I find this book just beautiful and well researched. This book is superior to some other field guides seem slapped together without much substance. I see this as a great addition to my library. You may also be interested in the following book: Coral Reef Guide Red Sea (Coral Reef)
Product Description
192 pages, hardcover. By Michael S. Paletta. Beautifully photographed, provides glorious insider profiles of 50 world-class marine aquariums, with priceless advice on how they were planned and set up, and how they are kept healthy and vibrant.
Customer Reviews:
Not so "Ultimate" by today's standard........2007-06-12
This is an interesting picture book to compare how other aquarists keep their tank. However, most of the aquariums included in the book are pretty average in today's standard. There are numerous more matured and better looking tanks over the internet forums not to mention almost all tanks are in the USA only. Many of the pictures are also very blur. I would be very interested to buy a second book of the serie covering more "Ultimate" aquariums and with better picture quality.
WOW.......2007-01-23
This is an excellent book for those that just want to look at some incredible marine aquariums or those looking for information on starting their own masterpiece.
Big Aquarium Dream Systems Only.......2006-07-14
A nice book with some good information and lots of pictures. But only of real use if you are putting together a big system. Like over 200 gallons!
Excellent Book.......2006-07-09
This is a well organized book that reviews some of the best marine aquariums around. It gives great detail on the mechanics of these systems as well as honest pros/cons of each. Extrememly entertaining and full of information. I have many aquarium books and this ranks in my top five.
Excellent Resource!.......2005-08-24
This book is direct and clear. It has detailed descriptions, great pictures of fantastic marine aquariums, the equipment used, dimensions, water chemistry, etc.
If you need a resource to help you plan or gather ideas on a reef tank, this should be the first stop. A hobbyist could spend thousands of dollars experimenting in search for the right equipment, or use this book.
The book is elaborate enough for a novice to understand the concepts and technical requirements for a marine tank.
The only warning I would have is to the hobbyist who is looking for instructions on how to build a reef tank or details about equipment. This book does not elaborate on construction. But regardless, if your already in the hobby its superb, if you've just started it will prove valuable. I consider this a back bone in my comparative analyze of my own aquarium.
On top of that, the price of this book is really inexpensive for what you get.
Product Description
430 pages, paperback. By Robert M. Fenner
Customer Reviews:
Beginner to advance.......2007-07-11
I have used this book for years. I found it easy enough to read and help me through my first few years of dealing with marine tanks. And unlike a lot of my books from the beginning this one did have enough "meat" in it to still be relevant as I progressed through the hobby. Overall the content is great and it covers the gambit of marine life. On a different note, the paper and print is of a really great quality as well. This book takes a lot of use and abuse at my house and it really is still in suprisingly good condition. I only mentions this because some of the "cheaper" aquarium books I have picked up throught the years are all falling to pieces. Hope this helped!
Essential but dated.......2007-06-24
Written by one of the foremost experts in the hobby, this is an essential book for beginner and intermediate marine aquarists. It covers the fundamentals of setting up, stocking and successfully maintaining a saltwater aquarium and does so in a common sense, easy to understand fashion. It is an approachable and well-written primer on the topic and is the best way to get started.
However, the book was written in 1999 and is now 8 years old. Remarkably, that means it is already out-dated given the rapidly evolving state of technology in this hobby. The author, Bob Fenner, frequently provides advice and suggestions to aquarists on an internet website and much of the information in his book is qualified or revised the advice he provides now. For example, he highly recommends that macroalgae calupera in this book but, while still recommending it some setups, cautions people today that this algae is not right for all setups due to a tendancy to take over tanks. Some of the modern trends in saltwater aquariums are also not covered in enough depth -- simply because they weren't a trend eight years ago.
Accordingly, this is a GREAT book to read as you begin your research on setting up a saltwater aquarium. Not only is it a first read, but it is a valuable resource that you will continue to turn to before, during and after setting up your aquarium because it is filled with useful advice. However, it is also advice that should be complimented by additional research with more up-to-date materials.
If Bob is reading this, I'd just like to say this: This book is incredible and I can't thank you enough for writing it. If you have the time, please consider writing a Second Edition -- the hobby would benefit from such an endeavor tremendously. Thanks!
Full of info.......2007-05-07
I bought this for my mom. She enjoys all the color photographs and the helpful information about setting up a saltwater tank. She isn't ready to start one yet but this was the perfect book to help her when she does. She especially appreciated the photographs of the different types of fish which helped her identify those she would like.
The Salt Water Aquarist Bible.......2007-04-10
This reference manual will guide you through the setup of your new salt water aquarium. You'll also find yourself referring back it later on.
Must read for ANYONE who wants to start a marine tank.......2007-04-10
I never write reviews, but this book is so amazing and wonderful that I felt compelled to write one. Book gives excellent and concise advice on all aspects involving the marine aquarium. A must have quick reference that will help you to become the best and most humane marine tank owner.
Book Description
A comprehensive guide to creating a reef environment in the home aquarium.
Designed with the beginning hobbyist in mind, this richly illustrated reference introduces the hobby of marine aquariums in a practical way. Explaining the technology and terminology clearly, Greg Jennings relates the aquarium setting to that of the natural saltwater environment and offers fascinating insights into the biology and the behavior of the most popular marine fish.
Over 150 species of reef fish, invertebrates and algae are described: their distribution in the wild, size, behavior, diet, aquarium requirements and compatibility. A large, full color photograph appears for each featured species, with personal recommendations on the fish considered best for the beginner.
The New Encyclopedia of the Saltwater Aquarium covers:
- The natural history of saltwater fish
- The pros and cons of the latest in equipment and technology
- Saltwater aquarium setup and maintenance - starting out, water quality and temperature, tank decor, lighting and filters
- Feeding, general care and health matters
- An extensive illustrated selection of saltwater fish, invertebrates and algae.
A glossary, suggestions for further reading and a list of useful websites round out this complete reference.
Product Description
Keeping marine fish thriving in a saltwater environment is a fascinating but complex process requiring attention to many details. Here is in-depth information on maintaining correct water chemistry and temperature, and on keeping saltwater fish, shellfish, coral, and plants in a well balanced aquarium. Titles in Barron's popular Pet Handbooks series instruct pet owners on health care, proper feeding and housing, and other facts important to owners and their pets. All books in this series have high quality, full-color photos, instructive line drawings, and run to an average of approximately 140 pages or more. Paperback / 192 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2000
Customer Reviews:
Dont buy it , waste of money.......2003-12-22
this book was worthless, I am going to try to return it. I was not at all happy, very outdated information and some info I found to be quite incorrect. :(
DO NOT BUY!!!.......2003-08-20
This book is outdated. About all it has of any value is pretty pictures. There are much better books for the beginner out there. I found this out the hard way.
Just a one more book about soltwater aquarium.......2001-07-13
If you are looking for a complete guide, don't pike up this one. I found it good for first time reader, who doesn't know a thing about reef tank, but it doesn't realy help to set up you own.
A good general overview of aquarium keeping.......2001-06-22
there are better books out there, but if you want a nice book to read on saltwater aquariums in general, then this book is quite okay.
Good overview of disease and species; bad for setup.......2000-09-13
I spent months researching marine and reef aquaria for my own involvement as a hobbyist, and this was my first book. While it covers the characteristics of different vertibrates and invertibrates, as well as diseases and basic feeding information, it perpetuates many of the myths which cause so many tank "crashes", specimen deaths and discouraged hobbyists. This book does not address the most successful and widely-used water treatment and filtration methods used today: Protein skimming, live rock and live sand, and sump systems.
The science of marine tank and reefkeeping has changed radically in the past few years, lowering the mortality rate of tank inhabitants and increasing the ease of tank maintenance. This book seems to focus on the out-dated methods, and in several instances, leads the reader to believe that certain animals best left to advanced keepers are suitable for immature systems.
I would recommend this book only if you are "iffy" about starting a tank. It is a decent overview; but if you do take the "plunge", do thorough research first. Pariticipate in online forums, and buy "The Conscientous Marine Aquarist" before even purchasing your tank. You will have a solid foundation to build upon, you'll save money by purchasing the right equipment first, and you'll learn how to correctly cycle your first marine tank. From there, you'll want to pick up more specific and technical books to lead your way.
Customer Reviews:
Awesome!.......2002-02-26
This book was funny and informative. I read his freshwater guide and loved it. He tells lots of useful information with pictures! Read this book!!
Easy read and very informative!.......2000-12-25
I have read several books, and this one was by far the easiest to read! But don't let that fool you! Despite this, it is full of great information! If you are looking into getting saltwater fish, and don't want a book which sounds like a college chemistry book, this is the one for you!
The Complete Idiots Guide to Setting Up a Saltwater Aquarium.......2000-06-23
As a novice aquarist, I have to say that this book is GREAT! Ihad read many books on the subject, but this one gave me the courageto actually set up my dream marine aquarium. It has been eight months, and I now have a tank to be proud of. It has inspired several friends and family to start their own. They also have learned a great deal from this book. It is now well worn from use. It continues to be my bible for any questions I may have.
A Reader From South Carolina.......2000-04-19
This is a GREAT book for a person who knows absolutely nothing about aquariums. It gives great details in explaining everything from beginning to completion in simple terms that anyone can understand. It was most helpful in helping to set up my first and only aquarium.
Best all around book for Beignners ever seen!.......2000-04-15
First I would like to start off by saying this book is extremely informative. It tells you everything you need to know about setting up a saltwater tank. The information that is provided in this book is very up to date unlike many other beginner books I have read. Not only is the book Chock full of GREAT info, but it also has great pictures, great suggestions on extra reading materials, and even some fishy humor added in. To top it off after purchasing this book I later found out that the author worked at my local Aquarium store in Randallstown, MD! Whats even better is that I know many people that are in this book and I see many of the examples in the store everytime I visit it. So if you are looking for an all around great book check this one out.
Book Description
THE BOOK TO BRING HOME BEFORE YOU BRING HOME A SALTWATER AQUARIUM!
This book is a great way to test the waters before you take the plunge. Saltwater aquariums are intriguing, mesmerizing, and relaxing. However, they do require a commitment of time and money. Are you up for the challenge? With this practical, hands-on guide, you'll know what to expect. You'll have information on choosing the aquarium, equipment, and fish; proper setup and maintenance; and more. Information and interactive features include:
WORKSHEETS that help you make informed decisions
QUESTIONS to help you determine if your family is ready for a saltwater aquarium
CHARTS showing the time and money required for setting up and maintaining a 30-gallon tank or larger unit
CHECKLISTS covering how to properly locate the aquarium, supplies needed, and more
AIDS for creating a timetable and a stocking plan
MAINTENANCE CHARTS to keep you organized
RESOURCES to keep in a notebook with your maintenance logs, fish purchasing records, and more
Bring Me Home! Saltwater Aquariums Make a Great Hobby covers feeding fish and invertebrates, common mistakes and how to avoid them, creating a reef habitat, and more. It's a reference you'll rely on again and again if you decide to dive into this rewarding hobby.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Starting Point for New Aquarists..........2006-11-23
I was very impressed with this book. It covers a lot of information starting from what you need to consider while deciding if you and your family are even ready to add an aquarium to your home. Then it goes on to helpful information like whether you want a fish only or mini reef, costs involved, choosing the right tank, choosing a theme, decorations, live rock, how to set up the tank, how to cycle the tank and which tests to perform, info on some of the most popular fish and how to choose the right ones, how to choose a good dealer and what questions to ask them (and they list the answers you should get to tell if the dealer is good or not), and how to keep your fish healthy. And that's only the things I can think of off the top of my head!!
There's just tons of excellent info and some common sense tips that may not have occurred to you along with helpful charts that you can photocopy and use. Very helpful and worded in a way that was very easy for a beginner like myself to understand. Definitely invest in this one if you're just starting out. You won't regret it.
Book Description
This book is your recipe for saltwater aquarium success. The key is choosing fish, invertebrates, seaweeds, and corals that coexist in harmony. This guide covers the basics of setup, maintenance, and design. It includes more than forty specific recipes for saltwater aquariums, a 16-page color catalog of fish, invertebrate, and coral varieties, and information on more than 100 saltwater fish.
Books:
- Second Life: The Official Guide
- Sheep in a Jeep
- Skippyjon Jones: Color Crazy (Skippyjon Jones)
- Small Animal Surgery Textbook
- Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work
- Squishy Turtle and Friends (Cloth Books)
- Staffordshire Terriers: American Staffordshire Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Taming and Training Your First Budgerigar
- The Abyssinian : A Novel
- The Cat Who Had 60 Whiskers
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- 1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs
- Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins: The Autobiography
- Employment Policies and Programmes in Central and Eastern Europe
- History: Fiction or Science
- Let's Face It: 90 Years of Living, Loving, and Learning
- The Boy Who Was Raised As a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook: What Traum
- Mammal Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species
- Field Guide for Property & Casualty Agents & Practitioners
- Fundamentals of Accounting: Course 1
- Woman, Thou Art Loosed! The Novel
Fish & Aquariums
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide
Your First Marine Aquarium (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)
Setting Up A Saltwater Aquarium: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species
Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium
