5 comments about The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide.

1. This is an immense resource for any beginning marine aquarist. It is practically essential to purchase this before beginning any of your purchases for the aquarium itself. This can help ensure success from the beginning of your tank and for years to come a very thorough beginner's resource. If you are an advance aquarist this is a handy guide, though there may be more advanced manuals that would suit your tastes better.



2. Chock full of excellent advice, descriptions, and photos. Covers all the basics and then goes into more detail. Excellent read before you start and a very good reference as you grow your hobby.



3. Very good book. We also purchased the "Complete Idiot's Guide . . . " which is much more helpful for a tank setup.



4. I would have to say that this book is out dated and the info it does offer is very basic. would be ok for someone with just a passing interest in the hobby. But if you plan to set up a full reef I would look else were



5. This book will serve as a great start in learning the basics of setting up a saltwater aquarium. However the book left me with wanting to know more. After reading this book did not feel I had all the necessary knowledge to start my tank.

4 comments about The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums (Second Edition).

1. I think the book has everything a beginner needs to properly set up a freshwater aquarium. Very helpful!



2. This book was easy to read and understand. I found that I had more knowledge of the nitrogen cycle and other freshwater subjects than seasoned aquarium owners. My fish are doing great despite the advice of my local pet store owner who doesn't understand the nitrogen cycle.



3. I really enjoyed this book, and it has provided lots of good advice as I've set up a family aquarium. I dabbled a bit as a teenager, with varying success (some tries my aquarium lasted a year, other times I definitely got new tank syndrome and they all died). Now that I'm a bit older, I wanted to set up an aquarium for my son't 4-year old birthday that we could all enjoy, and I wanted to make sure I did it right.
   
   This book is written in a very accessible manner, as if the author is in your living room giving a friendly chat about his experience in the hobby. It is the ideal length, and the neatest thing about it is, as the author says, he provides what he views is the minimal ESSENTIAL info to enable you to set up a successful first, and doesn't present the range of viewpoints, or more information that might just confuse a beginner. He rightly notes that a successful beginner will be interested in finding more detailed information if his initial experience is positive.
   
   The three best things about this book in my opinion:
   
   -- the information on water changes. I had mistakenly believed in earlier efforts that water changes were BAD, and should be kept at a minimum. The author is a water change fanatic, comparing a water change for an aquarium to opening the windows in an overcroweded room with poor air circulation (not to mention sanitation!), and he is right. I have not lost any fish yet, and I credit that to water changes, and ...
   
   -- cycling; the next best thing about the book. An easy-to-understand step-by-step guide to the mystical concept of cycling. In addition to explaining this for beginners, the author stresses the need to start stocking the tank with fish slowly. You will have success if you follow this advice.
   
   -- stocking schemes. Though on one hand being limited to a recommended stocking scheme is well ... limiting, it relieves you of the burden of extensive research to try to come up with fish that are hardy and won't eat each other. He provides about 10 different options, so their is considerable choice, and you can tweak a bit if you want, with minimal research.
   
   So buy this book with confidence. You have a large base of satisfied readers guiding you in this choice. And kudos to the author, Mr. Boruchowitz, for making such a lasting and successful contribution to the hobby he loves!



4. I purchased this book on the strength of the reviews of the first edition. I have to say that I was not at all disappointed.
   
   When I got the book, the sum total of my fish knowledge came from pet-sitting a betta fish for a month. However, I work in a large pet store and wanted to learn about our aquatics department. This book was invaluable in helping me to quickly understand the basics of aquarium care. I found it relatively easy to read & understand.
   
   I was also snared into the world of fish-enthusiasts - I am now in the process of setting up my own tank (I'm still in the cycling stage) & have tentative plans for a second tank.
   The book helped me avoid the common pitfalls beginners make and revealed the truth behind some fish myths (fish do NOT grow to fit the tank).
   
   The chapters on required equipment (Ch 4: What do I have to have?), cycling (Ch 12), & Suggested Stocking Schemes (Ch 19) are particularly helpful. This is some of the most important information new fish owners should have, and it is hard to find in other aquarium books.
   
   The book does not have much detailed information on specific species of fish, but that is not what this book is meant to do. That information is easy to find in any freshwater fish guide.
   
   I definitely recommend this book to beginners.

5 comments about Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History.

1. I've read a lot of books on coral husbandry, selection, and placement. Most authors consider themselves and their "way" of thinking to be the end-all. This is NOT true with Eric H. Borneman. From the beginning, you are told by Mr. Borneman that his methods are not the end-all and that many methods are good and worth investigating. Instead, he fills this wonderful book with advice, tips, and most of all, his extreme experience with coral. I have actually read this book twice and it's filled with highlighted sections. This book has changed the way I see reef keeping and coral husbandry. Best of all, Eric's book taught me about the corals; where they came from, and what they are. This book is a MUST!!!



2. Im a newbie when it comes to Marine.
   
   But this Book is the Ultimate Book when you want to learn about all types of CORALS!!!
   
   I highly recommend this book and the amount you paid is nothing compared to the contents of this book...
   
   Well done!



3. Reads like a college level text book. Very informative, very well thought out. Had good pics as well. Would most definitely recommend to a friend, actually already have recommended to a friend. Get it if you want to learn more about caring for corals.



4. Eric's Borneman's CORALS is an excellent resource for the advanced and beginner hobbyist alike. It provides beautiful photos and detailed descriptions of corals in their native habitat as well as their place in our aquariums. The information is as up to date as you could hope from any book and the information invaluable. It's neatly organized and makes great use of it's large glossary which makes it's an easy and education read.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a reef aquarium or corals in general. It is easily my favorite aquarium book and most referenced.



5. This book defintely lived up to my expectations. Lots of photos, captions, and detailed descriptions.

5 comments about Freshwater Aquariums For Dummies.

1. I used this book in combination with online information to set up my first fish tank. This book was easy to comprehend and I gleaned a lot of valuable information from it. I would highly recommend this book to the beginner aquarium enthusiast.



2. This is a really good book for first time and those who want to refresh on setting up, taking care of tanks and fish and for general knowledge. Absolutely recommend.



3. I am not a fast reader and the way this book is written, I was able to finish it very fast. I learned a LOT from this book.



4. This book provides everything a beginner needs to start this hobby. It is also organized to be a quick reference later. There are many common sense hints included and the explanations of why, instead of just how, lend credibility to the authors. The information in this book has been confirmed through other readings on the subject. I have found other "Dummies" books to be just as informative and organized.



5. This book is exactly as it should be. A beginners aquarium book. it tells you, step by step, how to set-up an aquarium. It isn't great for an expert, but that's not who it was designed for. I'd recommend it to anyone just starting out in the hobby or who would just like to have a finned friend. If you've purchased any of the other boks in this series, you won't be disappointed. It's in the same style, with pictures, and safety tips, and must knows, to get your hands wet in short enough time.

5 comments about Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies.

1. Item just as described, shipment was fast, great seller, hope to work with them again.



2. This book is a great resource & I would recommend it to anyone considering a salt water aquarium. Simplified so many things - great recommendations too. The stores want to sell you supplies, fish and other creatures which might or might not be the best for your environment. Read this when you are beginning and you will save $$$$ and your pets.



3. Very thorough and uncomplicated overview of how to set up and maintain a marine aquarium. i would have made alot of serious and pretty dumb mistakes without it.



4. very informational helped me make a decision that salt water wasn't for me saved me a buunncchh of money i recommend for any one who thinks they want a salt water aquarium takes the guessing out of it



5. This book is as the title describes. It provides good information for someone who is starting an aquarium and does not know anything. It is simple and a good place to start. If you know a good deal about aquariums and aquatic systems already this book is probably too simple.

5 comments about A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species.

1. I am fairly new to the hobby and have made several mistakes already regarding the fishes I have bought. I have even brought home species that didn't have the slightest chance to survive in the tank, but the retailer never said anything about it, probably because he didn't know any better. My main problem so far has been not knowing anything about the fishes I'm buying at the moment of buying them. The dealers most of the time don't know either that much about them, they just know basic information and never ask what you have in your tank, for them you can simply take home any fish they have on sale. This book is my companion now every time I go shopping for fish, it tells me everything I need to know about that fish I see in the tank and want to buy but don't know anything about.



2. This of course yet another miniature essential pocket expert guide book what it lacks in been a indispensible know-how reference book it makes up for in clear expert advice on captive breeding care in a bizarre sustainable enviroment



3. There is not too much to say about this guide other than it has just about every marine fish I could think of, and that it's great, and accurate! This is a must have for absolutely anyone involved in any way with saltwater tanks. Be sure to pick up the companion Invertebrate guide too!



4. Great book. Good information on saltwater species for tanks. tells you everything you need to know about the fish and how to take care of it.



5. Everything written by Scott Michael is EXCELLENT! He's my favorite aquatic author. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND all of his books!

5 comments about The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists (Microcosm/T.F.H. Professional).

1. Very good book. Being a novice in the aquarium hobby, I find the information very easy to understand. Saved me a lof of work in searching through tons of web pages and not always finding reliable information



2. I saw this book as one of the most highly listed books on Amazon, and was a little hesitant at first. I mean a list price of 70 dollars? Thats a bunch for a non-textbook kind of book. So I saw it in the local book store and I saw why it is so much- its HUGE and hardcover, and wow are there a ton of pics! So, I came home and ordered it, and have been reading this book straight through for about a week now and just finished it.
   
   Did I mention that this book is HUGE?? Its the most in-depth marine book I've read so far- and very very well written. Don't let the title fool you- this isn't some hippy-dippy lets save the environment book- although the author does mention ways you can be a smart consumer like stay away from cyanide poisoned fishes. Its mostly, heres the deal with marine tanks and how to keep them alive and well. I would recommend this book for saltwater newbies and old salts alike- I am definitely proud to have this book on my shelf and I'm sure will come back to reference it for years to come.
   
   Now, you probably don't have to read this book cover-to-cover as I did, as it has separate chapters for setting up tanks, care, and chapters on specific fish and inverts. I read it through because, well, I'm a nerd, and I love learning about new things.
   
   All and all, if there was one book for a saltwater fishkeeper to invest their money into, this book would be it. Also, it is a great companion with the New Marine Aquarium book.
   
   Please check out my other book reviews and tips for the beginning marine aquarium at: [...]



3. If your thinking about buying or already have a saltwater aquarium and don't have this book, you don't have the most comprehensive book available on the subject. Buy it already...



4. I had my first salt water tank in 1964 when coral was skeletal only but the fish were still beautiful, a french angel and a clown. I wish Bob Fenner's book had been available then although all the relatively recent technological advances would wait for invention. The book really squeezes the information needed for anyone to start a fish only or a reef tank without becoming text-like. Fenner manages to get everything in with a clear and often amusing style. This book is really a must for anyone trying to wade through what might seem like the massive detail of fish/reef keeping. Well done.



5. Much praise has been heaped on this book and deservedly so, it is OUTSTANDING. I will simply say that it is extremely informative, beautifully illustrated and the ethical view point of the author is spot on. Buy this book even if you're only toying with the idea of getting a salt water aquarium!

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants.

1. If you're just starting a planted tank this book is for you. There is a lot of general information but not as much advanced info as I would have liked. It would have been nice to see a better breakdown of specific tank types ( Dutch, Amano, etc ), and the equipment and fertilization schedules used. All in all it does contain quite a bit of useful information for the beginner to novice aquarist. To call it an encyclopedia of any sort is a huge stretch.



2. I would say it has all the information you need about planted aquariums. It is very understandable and easy to read, not to mention that it continues also basic information on how to setup a tank. Maybe you can ask for more detail pictures but is not that necessary.



3. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for general information about aquarium plants. It covers the basic in a clear, consise way, using images whenever possible to illustrate what is being explained. The book' structure is logical and simple to follow, and pretty much anything you need to know to get started is covered.
   
   The only minor complaint I might have is on the aquascaping chapter. The author uses drawings to explain various projects, where high-quality pictures would have been preferable, or, even better, both. Not a big deal at all, but its just that the real impact of aquascaping cannot be conveyed adequately through drawings in my opinion. And so it's hard to foresee how the author's suggested scapes would look in reality.
   
   Highly recommended for beginners.



4. This book has wonderful photos, diagrams, drawings and pictures of various kinds of aquariums. Lots of information about water chemistry and plant functions and about specific plants. Plenty of fish recommendations
   as well. Very, very good resource for aquarium hobbyists.



5. I purchased this book to learn some up to date info on freshwater aquarium plants in hopes of creating some biotope style aquariums. I have been an aquarist for 45 years and have owned my own aquarium store back in the 70s. Once receiving the book and just glancing through it I was completely amazed at not only its excellent treatment of the main subject but also the abundance of fantastic info on practically all aspects of setting up & maintaining a successful aquarium. If anyone is just starting out with aquariums & wanted to buy just one book about the subject I would suggest they buy this book. You will not be disappointed!

5 comments about A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species.

1. This book is amazing. Its great for those who are just interested in learning about marine invertebrates to those who use it as a reference guide to keep their salt water aquarium. I use this book and the rest of the Pocket Expert book on a daily basis. Seriously everyone in this hobby should own them all.



2. I have found this useful to get brief info on a wide variety of invertebrates. I don't find myself reading it as often as other books however. Good to have on the shelf though.



3. Great book. Good information on lots of tank species. Really lets you know if a specific species is good for your tank or not.



4. This is an excellent quick guide to help you making your invertebrates "wish list", and also very helpful to carry it when going shopping for new inverts. Each page provides a picture and useful information about the portrayed invertebrate, compatibility with fishes and other inverts, etc.
   
   It could be a little better if the author gave a score from 1 to 5 like the author from "A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes" did. Also, a better clarification on light levels would be important. Just saying "bright", "medium", etc isn't enough for a beginner like myself.



5. clear, well done and with clear explanations....Since invertebrates can be very hard to identify, specifically corals, this book takes a lot of the guess work out of it.

5 comments about The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 3: Science, Art, and Technology.

1. I wish I had bought this book before building my tank. It would have saved me hours of research and worries. It basically makes all other famous books about marine aquaria (e.g., "The Complete Book of Marine Aquarium" by Vincent B. Hargreaves and "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert M. Fenner) obsolete. The authors go to a level of deepness no other authors dare to go yet maintaing a very simple language. For example, for water parameters most authors you say only things like "Calcium must be above 400 ppm, Alkalinity must be above 8 dKH, and Magnesium must be at around 1,300 ppm". This book presents a complete chapter on how you will be able to achieve these numbers, a deep explanation about the interaction of these three components, and how to fix problems. In my case, for example, calcium and alkalinity were not increasing even by dropping agressive doses of two-part calcium/alkalinity buffers. Thru a couple of graphs present in this book I learned that the problem in my case was the improper balance between calcium and alkalinity (low calcium ions compared to carbonate/alkalinity ions, originated by the salt mix I originally used), and adding the traditional two-part solution won't work, I need first to increase calcium using calcium chloride alone and after reaching the proper proportion then I can use the two-part buffering solution. If I hadn't read this book I would probably still wasting a lot of money adding the two-part solution in vain.
   
   The auhtors cover practically all options available in the market for building fish tanks.
   
   Really amazing book for both the beginner and the advanced aquarist, a reference book that must be read over and over again.



2. Very good book overall definetly a must have for any enthusiast
   it is ubnderstandibile for the novice reefer



3. I have the 1st 2 of these books and was excited that they came out with this new and updated version. Reef aquariums have come SO far in the last few years. I have only had a chance to read the 1st chapter of this book so far, but I love it and would recommend for even the more knowledgeable aquarium enthusiast.



4. This is an excellent book for a reef hobbyist with some experience but who craves more knowledge. If you are new to the hobby I would read The Conscientious Marine Aquarist first by Fenner but definitely add this to your library as well. This book goes into great detail about everything from selecting the size of your sand base to selecting food for corals and everything in between. I'm reading it all the way through but it makes a great, if not essential, reference manual to add to your library. I highly recommend this book to any one in the hobby.



5. I bought this book by recomendation, and started to study it few weeks ago. I've found complete and detailed answers for all my questions.