Book Description
This book is the "bible" on the subject of Reef Aquarium keeping, covering the biology of coral reefs and relating it to the biological, chemical, and physical parameters considered when creating a reef aquarium. The book details how to successfully cultivate corals in captivity and also features the identification and care of numerous coral and giant clam species. Diseases and parasites, and methods for controlling algae are also featured. The book finishes with an exciting section of photographs demonstrating successful reef aquariums.
Customer Reviews:
Great advice.......2005-10-14
New hobbyist should read this book for advice, then read it again in 6 months.
Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference.......2005-06-09
The good?
This book is truly a comprehensive piece covering probably more than you want to know at times. For example, it explains the chemical reactions that occur during calcification of corals and why additions are necessary.
After reading many other references, I must say I am very happy I purchased this volume. Contained in these pages are insights you won't find anywhere else.
The book clearly explains the setup and maintenance procedures required to be successful in stony coral reef keeping.
The bad?
My main gripe is trivial. Guys, how about a larger font size and pictures? I had to do a lot of squinting.
It could do with a minor revision of some references that are dated (such as collection of live rock from Florida) as the original was 1994, but make no mistake that all information is relevant.
In summary...
Obviously at this price it is unfortunately out of reach of the casual hobbyist, which is a shame. However, one could buy this book instead of various "reference manuals" which might be the same at the end of the day.
Buy it if you can afford it.
I also highly recommend Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals book.
Perhaps the best book on reef care.......2005-05-16
An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use.
(Note: This volume covers stony corals and not soft corals).
When I started keeping marine aquaria keeping back in 1970 one almost had to employ the skills of a chemist. In those days most people in the hobby thought it nearly impossible to care for many of the species of coral now commonly kept. It was only through the encouragement of a local public aquarium (the John G. Shedd Aquarium) whereas a high school student I was able to participate in collecting trips that I got the encouragement to experiment. I started out with Robert Straughan's books back in 1970 which both helped to get me in trouble and helped me grow as an aquarist. both In those days there was an awful lot of trial and error. Later in the late 70's I helped to pioneer some techniques when I worked for the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. In those days in San Francisco I worked for one of the largest marine fish wholesalers in the world. We had a lot of shipments that went off to Germany and now I wonder if some of the species that passed through my hands ended up in the hands of the authors. Somewhat of a revolution went of in the hoby in the 1980 thanks in part to the efforts of the Germans. Thankfully the hobby is now much more of a discipline and a lot more humane. It is quite amazing how far the hobby has come. I am sure the hobby will continue to evolve. This is a pricey book but it is a pricey hobby and this book is one of the best, if not the best, books on the subject available. The best place to start with the hobby is a book like this one.
Helpful books.......2001-12-10
In some reviews the two volumes of "The Reef Aquarium" have been named "the bible of reef aquarists". This makes you expect a lot, but my expectations have not been disappointed in any way. Describing the natural habit at in the coral reef, explaining the established reef aquarium systems or introducing the suitable aquarium inhabitants - in these two books I found it all. Even here in Germany those two books are known as a German translation, and they're successful.
The Questions Are Answered.......2001-12-05
This book should be an example by which all other marine and reef aquarium books follow. Current and relavant information from cover to cover. This is the stuff you need to know if you are serious about being successful in this hobby. Great book but a great group of people.
Book Description
This second volume in the series features the anemones and soft corals associated with reefs, detailing their biology and husbandry requirements, and featuring numerous species descriptions, with the benefit of wonderful color photographs. Also featured is new information regarding parasites in reef aquariums, and captive culture of anemones and soft corals. The book finishes with another section featuring more stunning images of reef aquariums around the world.
Customer Reviews:
A Must for any Salt Water Aquarium Household.......2007-07-13
My husband took a dive into the Saltwater Aquarium world. ALL of Sprung's books are a must have. They have a lot of info and definitely is a great resource. Well worth the price. It has been referenced many times throughout the saltwater aquarium evolution.
not a beginner book.......2006-03-09
This book goes indepth about the anatomy and physiology of mushrooms, soft corals and anemones. Not a great reference guide for choosing specimens for your It tends to generalize by family and/or genus vs species. If you are new to saltwater and are looking for a reference to choose items for your tank this would not be my first choice.
THE reference for that field.......2005-10-06
Just like the vol. 1, that is a must-have book. Please note that the vol. 3 should be released late Nov. 2005.
Emmanuel, Los Angeles CA
One of the best of the best vol.2.......2005-05-16
This volume of the series covers the soft corals and sea anemones; very important topics indeed for reef aquarium. The two books together are still not complete as there are many organisms found in a reef aquaria still not covered. In this series. A fine glossary accompanies this book. Much of what I had to gleen by trial and error and by reading arcane publications over the years is covered in this book. Approachable to the beginner yet a lot of substance for the expert.
The Reef Tank Bible Part Two.......2002-10-22
With volume one and volume two, what more does a reef aquarist need? Answer: Volume Three !
Book Description
Following in the wake of the hugely popular PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes is this eagerly awaited title in the Microcosm/T.F.H Professional Series. Interest in marine invertebrates is exploding as saltwater fishkeeping technology makes it ever easier to sustain these environments in home aquaria, and A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates is the ultimate reference for these "hooked" hobbyists. The book is a compact, fact-filled guide for recognizing and keeping a host of beautiful and bizarre invertebrates- shrimps, crabs, corals, anemones, sea stars, clams, snails, sponges, ornamental worms, and many others.
Customer Reviews:
Great guide and a great resource!.......2007-10-05
I found this to be a great tool in researching general information on everything from corals to sea stars. The photos are great too. For a guide to things that you've purchased or are considering purchasing it's a great tool to get an overview of the requirements of the different inverts. Very helpful, and a great deal for the price. I'd highly recommend it to anyone with a saltwater reef tank.
Great guide.......2007-04-03
The pictures are clear and the descriptions are very good. I like the size, it's easy to carry along with you to the store. I have really enjoyed having this kind of information handy.
Good pocket guide.......2007-03-12
This is an excellent pocket guide for quick search. Small, well-presented and easy to use. On the other hand the book is quite complete with pictures, genus & species, aquarium compatibility, captive care tips and useful information.
Some of the captive care tips are a little bit old-fanshioned, an actualization on some feeding procedures & tech available today would be neccesary. In general terms is a must-have book.
Good book at a good price.......2007-02-19
Great color pictures and accurate descriptions on marine life. Good price.
Great book.......2007-01-12
This is a very good book with lots of info on invertebrates that are frequently kept in the home aquarium and lots of others that are not.
Detailed info on lighting, feeding, compatiblity, and difficulty in keeping these animals. Great picture quality for identification, highly recommended.
Product Description
447 pages, paperback. By Scott W. Michael. Like a field guide to marine aquarium fishes, this first PocketExpert Guide offers a quick but authoritative reference for identifying, buying, and keeping more than 500 popular saltwater species.
Customer Reviews:
great buy!.......2007-09-30
My husband bought this book and has used it so often that he quotes it at the fish store! Essential for any fishie newbie. Or someone looking to research before diving in...
Marine Fishes: .......2007-07-30
An absolute must for the marine aquarist. Prevents a LFS from taking advantage of the unsuspecting customer.
This is a MUST HAVE resource!.......2007-05-19
This book gives very useful information on marine fishes. I have found three marine fish retailers, and they all own this book. It is an excellent source for a basic knowledge of marine fish, including maximum length, origin, recommended aquarium size, foods and feeding, aquarium suitability, reef compatibility and some general information on how to care for the fish. It is my first resource for researching potential aquisitions. I highly recommend this book.
A must have.......2007-05-15
This book is perfect if you have a salt water aquarium. You can read about the fish before purchasing them. As you probably already know, saltwater fish are very expensive and by knowing more about which fish are compatible and their care level, you can determine if this is the fish for your tank. I'm sorry I didn't get it sooner.
Nice book.......2007-04-03
It's a great little reference book. The size makes it really handy to carry along with you to the stroes and such. The pictures are very clear and the descriptive areas are very informative. It's a nice addition to you collection of marine books.
Product Description
464 pages, hardcover. By Eric H. Borneman. Color photographs. Designed to help new and experienced aquarists to select the most appropriate corals for their systems and to provide guidance in keeping them healthy for the long term, this all-new book is pa
Customer Reviews:
Aquarium Corals.......2007-10-10
This book is quite informative even for a beginner. The in-depth knowledge expressed is invaluable, it is understandable as well as being scientific. I highly recommend this book for the begginer as well as the advanced aquarist who desires information regarding coral animals & husbandry, algae, and water chemistry.
Absolutly recommended for all reefkeepers.......2007-08-19
Covers almost everything what you need to know about corals in reef tank.
very valuable and helpfull as an identification guide, source of information about preferred conditions and requirements of corals in your tank, taxonomy etc etc. very valuable part about coral's health and diseases. also nice chapter explaining role of zooxanthellae, energy budgets, coral's feeding, anatomy, reproduction etc etc etc...
this is just "a must" position in everyone reefkeeper library.
A wonderful gift.......2007-05-07
I received this book as a birthday gift and I definitely love it. I always looked the information on the Internet but it takes times and is confusing on the other hand this book gives me all the information I need and more.
Love the pictures and the easy way to give information. Every time I have a question the first thing I do is check this book. I don't know what I would do without it.
This is the best book ever.
decent book on corals.......2007-04-11
this is one of the best coral books out there. it's loaded with lots of pictures. it's a must for every reef tank keepers out there.
The best book on Corals available today.......2007-03-12
Its no need for a very long review. Far this is the best and most updated Coral book on the market. An absolute must-have for any aquarist, professional or not.
Product Description
by Michael S. Paletta. Fully illustrated step-by-step handbook is designed to help any beginner with planning, setting up, and stocking his or her marine aquarium. Includes information on equipment, filtration, Live Rock, and specimen selection. 144 pages
Customer Reviews:
Very Comprehensive.......2007-09-14
This book covers all of the information you need to create your first marine aquarium. It is presented in an easy-to-follow sequence that helps the novice understand what is required to set-up your first marine system.
All you need to get started.......2007-07-10
If you are looking for basic and simple book to teach about how to get started in the Marine hobby then this book is it. As the title implies this book will take you step by step on how to build your first marine aquarium.
It also has excellent advice on what steps to avoid. Whether this advice be from an execution standpoint or in your thinking. For instance I found advice like "Avoid trying to follow conflicting advice from multiple sources." and "Have a coherent plan of your own." invaluable.
This book is also short and concise. Not a whole unnecessary arrogant ramblings that you find in some books.
If you already have freshwater experience after reading this book you should be able to start your first fish only marine aquarium.
excellent for the beginner!.......2007-06-21
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in salt water. very detailed easy to follow and understand.
A must BEFORE YOUR BUY ANYTHING.......2007-06-13
An excellent easy to read total overview of everything you need to get started. I had a 6x3x2 ft tank given to me and had no idea what to do. luckily a good aquarium store guy was on hand. This is an expensive hobby and you cant afford to not follow this book step by step to the letter. I have, and my tank is amazing now. I spend about $200 every 2nd week and slowly have got my dream tank. No loss of fish, no dead coral, correct everything. This book will save you major grief and get the tanking looking amazing.
Want to start a saltwater tank???.......2007-04-19
Then this book is where to start. I have had continued success in my saltwater tanks. Easy to read for beginners and the advanced reef keeper. Goes from start to finish, including maintenance and fish compatibility. BUY THIS BOOK!!!
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.
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.
I didn't use those exact words with the wife, but you get the picture. If you're looking for a book on salt water aquarium fishes this is a great choice. Hopefully amazon will begin carrying it soon.
Average customer rating:
- Very good book for beginners
- Excellent
- Inspiring, detailed, practical
- Think out of the box
- another great microcosum publication
|
Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques
Alf Jacob Nilsen , and
Svein A. Fossa
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Fish & Aquariums
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
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General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
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General
| Veterinary Medicine
| Medicine
| Subjects
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Coral Reefs
| Oceans & Seas
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
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Hunting & Fishing
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
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| Fishing
| General & Anthologies
| Hunting
| Shooting
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
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Similar Items:
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Ultimate Marine Aquariums: Saltwater Dream Systems and How They Are Created
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The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide
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Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History
-
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility
-
The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology, Vol. 3
ASIN: 189008767X |
Customer Reviews:
Very good book for beginners.......2007-08-19
Very good for beginners. Covers all important topics. Very simple language, without technical jargon which is often overwhelming people who just starting with hobby. Very nice stocking guide and chapter about biotops which is not found often in similar position.
I recommend it to anyone who thinks to start with reefkeeping hobby.
Excellent.......2007-01-10
Loved it! Has some of the best reefing information available, without the over-technical mumbo jumbo! The stocking guide is excellent; just lacking on a few species.
Inspiring, detailed, practical.......2006-01-09
One can appreciated the authors' long experience with marine aquaria who elegantly and with simple language explained larger biological concepts yet provide detailed instructions on how do to what and why. Very inspiring are the suggested biotopes that include among others "seagrass aquarium", "reef gorge aquarium", "pizza anemone aquarium", "rubble zone aquarium" as well as the standard reef tank. These are refreshing ideas that are needed with the current predominance of grocery store shelf-like stocked, overcrowded best-of-the-month SPS tanks. Also contains a comprehensive guide about most creatures possible in a reef tank and essentially makes e.g. Sprung's "Quick" guides unnecessary in one's library.
Think out of the box.......2005-05-07
You won't have to go over the ammonia cycle again here, though there is enough info to get you started. The title is a great indication of what to expect. This book is about thinking out of the box in aquarium keeping and planning them correctly.
My favorite section talks about ideas for aquariums and how when we start, we usually try to replicate a hodgepodge thrown together because we want a little of everything instead of a real underwater scene which could be much more interesting. This book has opened my eyes to new planning possibilities, I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.
It has a great section on all types of fishes, invertebrates, cnidaria, etc... of options for choices with clear and concise care guide and potential pitfalls.
There is one or two things that might surprise if you have aquariums in the Americas, such as stating that 10% of water changed per year is reasonable. Maybe very large aquarium, but I change that per week. Then again, only because I have read elsewhere and heard advice to do so even though it does seem to make sense to me.
I wish I had found this book before planning my current aquarium, but it has certainly gotten me thinking about the next one. I recommend this as an additional starter book (perhaps to accompany Paletta's New Marine Aquarium) or for anyone who knows the simple basics and wants interesting new ideas to rehash the passion. Without question, worth it.
another great microcosum publication.......2004-03-29
an exalent read for beginers! covers many important aspects of reef keeping in understandable languege.
however, there are a couple problems. 1st, since its such a recent publication it has some confusing types and errors. they arnt terrible but i can see them confusing some beginers. 2nd, they have a couple places where they say somthing like "this is an important topic but its beyond this book to explain".
still, its a great starting place for beginier marine aquarists.
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