This book guides aquarium hobbyists through the intricacies of saltwater aquarium chemistry and recommends various species that make for an interesting aquarium. Barron’s popular and highly detailed series of Pet Handbooks are written for dedicated pet owners seeking comprehensive information on the care of their chosen pets. Titles in the series cover a wide range of animals and breeds. These books present advice on finding a reliable breeder or seller, information on the animal’s origins and traits, and detailed recommendations regarding dietary needs, housing, and health care, as well as all other major aspects related to keeping a healthy and thriving pet. Barron’s Pet Handbooks are filled with color photos, and many titles include line art and at-a-glance sidebar information.
Aquariums Supplies has all your Aquraiums Supplies in one place. Aquariums Supplies is exactly that, everything Aquariums Supplies.
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 I was not at all happy, very outdated information and some info I found to be quite incorrect.
This book is outdated.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.
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.
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.
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.