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
Reef Fish3rd Edition, Reef Creature 2nd Edition and Reef Coral 2nd Edition Identification books packaged in a beautifully printed Shelf Case.
Customer Reviews:
Identifying things underwater in the Caribbean........2007-08-26
I am a Brit who has been travelling to the Caribbean to dive with a Rotary group on an annual basis for the past 5 years during which we have dived in the North, East, West and Southern areas. One of my diving colleagues brought along the Reef Set and having looked at it, I was so impressed that I decided to buy a Set for myself - a great reference work for someone who is keen to put names to the things they see underwater.
Wonderful.......2007-08-15
I was working as a scuba instructor down in Grand Cayman when the first edition came out. I can't tell you what an impact the reef fish identification guide had. I have the whole set and it's wonderful.
The best in print.......2007-08-11
If you dive, this is the guide you must have to identify what you see. Indespensible for any trip.
The Best Guides in the Ocean.......2007-05-21
This set makes identifying fish, creatures, and corals possible for anyone. The authors developed a revolutionary grouping system to help the user focus observations, from which one can then refer to the book to make a positive identification. The photos are fabulous, and in the Reef Fish book, the authors even tell you where they were taken. Information is geared to those who spend time underwater (both the "Reef Fish" and "Reef Creature" books tell readers how organisms react to divers). Although one can use these books by thumbing through the pictures alone, there is much valuable information in the concise writing leading up to the photos, especially the authors' notes and explanations of the identification groups. Descriptions accompanying the photos help one learn subtle differences and sharpen observations further. In all, these three books are "must haves" for those who want to know what they're looking at under the ocean.
Great Set of Books!.......2007-03-22
The handy carrying case and lovely volumes will come in handy for our next Virgin Island adventure...sorry we didn't have them along last time for identification purposes! They are terrific! Thanks.
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.
Book Description
Just when you thought it was safe to go in the water! The second astonishing ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA book from Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart is about to pop up everywhere.
While dinosaurs patrolled the lands, massive prehistoric sharks, giant scorpions, and colossal squid cruised the ancient oceans - most with just one thing in mind: eat or be eaten. In this companion volume to the best-selling ENCYCLOPEDIA PREHISTORICA: DINOSAURS, pop-up masters Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart explore the prehistoric underwater world, where monsters like megalodon ruled the waves.
Full of captivating facts and more than 35 breathtaking pop-ups, this incredible volume is sure to astonish and amaze everyone from budding marine biologists to confirmed landlubbers. After all, if prehistoric coelacanths and crocodiles are still around, what else might be lurking in today's largely unexplored oceans?
Customer Reviews:
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and other Sea Monsters.......2007-10-03
Absolutely gorgeous and intriguing pop-ups. Good information about the sharks and sea monsters. I love all things by Robert Sabuda. Good for kids 4 and older.
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters.......2007-08-25
This is an awesome pop up book! I bought it for my 3 year old's B-Day. He loves looking at the book while I read to him about the prehistoric Mega-Beasts. I actually have learned a lot myself from this book. Although you would normally think this book is for boys. My six year old daughter also enjoys me reading these books to her. They are fun and very educational. I am a high school teacher and I really think this pop up book would be very valuable to any science classroom. I liked this book so much I also purchased the other two in the set!
Excellent pop up book, reading is complicated.......2007-08-16
Cool book. Reading is over the age category of my daughters, but they simply enjoy the pop ups.
Absolutely amazing!!!.......2007-08-13
This book is unbelievable! The attention to detail is fantastic. Absolute value for money and a must for any child who is as taken with sharks dinosaurs as my son is.
Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Sharks and Other Sea Monsters.......2007-08-12
Robert Sabuda always does a fantastic job and this is just another example of an exciting, educational pop-up book.
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.
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Books Index
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Fish & Aquariums
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| Home & Garden
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The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Vol 2)
The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology, Vol. 3
Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility
Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series)
