Customer Reviews (5)

A very comprehensive and thorough book.
I recommend 'The New Book of The Marine Aquarium' by Nick Dakin. The information he presents is accurate and he covers all aspects of the hobby from fish only tanks to reef tanks. He covers all of the possible equipmentthat you might need for an aquarium in a very comprehensive manner. It alsohas a very large appendix with dozens of fish and invertebrates andinformation on their feeding habits, aquarium behavior, and compatibilitywith other fish/invertibrate species. All photos are of very high qualityand in full color. Overall, it is a very thorough and well written book.

Exceptionally useful!Lacks newer ideas though.
This book is great for aquarists of all levels.Every page, except for the index, has full color pictures.Not a single B&W diagram through its 400 pages.Comprehensive information on the biology and behavior ofnumerous fishes and inverts.Only drawback is that it does not seem tohave the most recent information.Concepts such as the "Berlinmethod" are not even mentioned.Overall, a great book for the cost!

Good Book for Fish Identification
Gives good identification of commonly available fish. Great photos. Doesn't go to in depth withinvert identification. Pretty basic on setup.Good beginner book for fish only systems.

Must-read for novices entering the marine hobby.
Excellent description of basic equipment - and specially valuable as an aid to choosing fish.Description of characteristics, behavior, and requirements were very good.I had been a freshwater hobbyist for years -and this book was invaluable in helping me get started in the marine hobby.

Good place to start.
I'd recommend it to the novice marine keeper.A good place to start ... Read more

Product Description
A major reference for the marine aquarist. The 512 pages of text, tables, figures, and drawings clearly explain the techniques and technology of modern marine aquarium systems: trickle filtration, redox potential, carbonate hardness, protein foam skimming, biological filtration, high density lighting, ..The latest classification of invertebrates and all other living organisms is also included with expanded discussion of the invertebrate groups most important to marine aquarists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Very informative
If you are just starting out in the world of saltwater aquariums, this is a good book to start with.It will help you understand what is going on in the tank.

The Marine Aquarium Reference : Systems & invertebrates
The book took a little longer then I thought it should take to get to my address, by Mr.Hazen worked with me and I am totally satisfied with him and when I got the book it was in perfect condition. I am very satisfied.
Czara

For the Intelectuals or the Interested
This is by no means a novice read.The chemistry in it does require some level of understanding of the elements, and to truly grasp his message you have to keep your head up even through the points where the book may drag slightly.One thing is for sure.If you would ever consider reading something like this, or are at all interested in marine biology or aquariristry, this book is a definite must-have.
The response an uninterested reader would be almost hysterical displeasure with it, as it takes every aspect of the craft very seriously.I myself have picked through it many times on my bookshelf, but only recently actually read it cover to cover.The most impressive think about it would definitely be the highly efficient diagrams, such as figure 20, which displays perfectly levels after a filter change of chemicals like NO2, NO3, NH3, as well as bacteria such as Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacteria, and Heterotropic bacteria. There is another type of bacteria discovered more recently than the publication that would be listed here.
This and other works by Martin A. Moe such as The Marine Aquarium Handbook are mainstays in the marine biology world.It cannot be forgotten to mention his very interesting introduction.He refers to our responsibility as human beings with all that power as the super race has; we must ask ourselves the morals of aquaristry.Is the concept of providing a synthetic or better yet growing an organic ecosystem for a bio loads particular needs right?He states that if this question is at all uncertain in its answer that you not take of this hobby.

VERY COMPLETE / BUILT AN ENTIRE FISH STORE W/THIS INFO
THIS IS THE MOST COMPLETE SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE FOR THE AVERAGE HOME ENTHUSIAST.I USED THIS BOOK AND ITS DIAGRAMS TO BUILD THE SYSTEM THAT RAN MY TROPICAL FISH STORE.

Considered one of the classics
This book has been widely reported to be one of the classics.I can seewhy - there's a great deal of detail here, especially on the technicalaspects of marine aquarium setup.There are some points of contentionhere, though, with other literature on the subject - particularly withDeelbeck's Reef Aquarium book, which cites it extensively, but disagreesstongly with several points.

This is a book any serious reefkeepershould own. ... Read more

Product Description
Burgess..mini atlas of marine fish ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent reference for Marine Fish species
This book is an excellent tool for Specie reference.But iam disapointed with the setup section.This could have been a bit more comprehensive with more quality diagrams and more aquascaping options.

MIXED FEELINGS - TOUGH FOR BEGINNER
The strength of this book is the number of color photographs identifying an amazing number of fishes. The shots are clear and well taken. It is a strong, thick, well illustrated reference book.However, I believe this book is difficult to use for someone who just starts saltwater tank. First, all the fishes are listed in their scientific names (not the names given in the store). Therefore, you first have to look at an index table of "store names" which translates into scientific names, then look into the scientfic names' index table to find the page. It can take lots of time at first. Not very convenient. Second, there is absolutely no text about any fish - only symbols that give you information about food, environment... I guess that's why this work is called the "mini-atlas". The problem of using only symbols is that the information can be subjective and lack context. For example, the book does not recommend any trigger for a novice. If you have only fishes and no corals in the tank, why not? They are the least likely to die and will live long as long as you get other fishes they can get along with. In summary, this is a good reference book but do not expect to find much specific information in it.

One of the best resources for the marine fish keeper.
This is one of my favorite books. It provides information and more importantly photos on nearly 2000 fish. The information gives you the basics about each fish, how big they get, what they eat, are they agressive, etc.But the best aspect is the photos. With over 1900 photos it is the first book I go to when I want to look up a fish. Or when I'm thinking of what to put in that empty tank I'll often browse through this book looking for neat fish.

This book gives you the most for your money!

A great resource for fishkeepers.
This is one of my favorite books.It provides information and more importantly photos on nearly 2000 fish.The information gives you the basics about each fish, how big they get, what they eat, are they agressive, etc.

But the best aspect is the photos.With over 1900 photos it is the first book I go to when I want to look up a fish.Or when I'm thinking of what to put in that empty tank I'll often browse through this book looking for neat fish.

This book gives you the most for your money!

This is a must have reference for both beginner and advanced
This reference allowed me to find compatible species for my reef tank.Many aquarium stores have staff that aren't as informed as they should be.This reference saved me from a potential disaster in choosing the wrongspecies of fish. ... Read more

Product Description
Setting up and maintaining a themed aquarium requires careful planning for a correct and aesthetically pleasing balance of fish and plant life. This photo-illustrated book presents detailed instructions and specifications for several different attractive themed aquariums in any of three recommended sizes: 17 gallons (63 liters), 35 gallons (128 liters), and 55 gallons (200 liters). The author advises on selection of tanks, filters, heaters, lighting, plants, substrate, fish families to populate the tank, and miscellaneous decoration. He focuses on several geographically themed aquariums, which include populating a tank with compatible fishes from South America, Southeast Asia, North America, Australia, and Africa. He also advises on setting up tanks for cold-water fishes or for closely related species. All recommendations include water plants that are most appropriate for each fish grouping. The text is enhanced with approximately 70 color photos plus helpful checklists and attractive sidebars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great ideas!
Good general discussion about selecting your aquarium, the best substrate and decoration, and stocking density.Each section also has a question and answer section.Lots of extra tips throughout the book. Gives an example of community aquariums for 17 gal, 35 gal, and a 55 gal.This includes layout, plants, fish, and substrate. Then there are examples for livebearing toothcarps, peaceful cichlids, labyrinth fish, small tetras, barbs and barblike fish, & egglaying toothcarps.Also a small section on behavior interpreter. Then another section of examples of South American tank, Southeast Asian tank, African tank, Australian tank, & North American tank. Each example includes a shopping list also.The only negative I could say about the book is there is not a picture of the tanks so you have to use some imagination.All in all it is an excellent little book with lots of ideas. ... Read more

Product Description

Clownfishes and damselfishes are among the most popular aquarium species, particularly for beginning aquarists. Written by a recognized authority on marine ornamental fishes, this comprehensive guide covers topics essential to keepers of these beautiful aquatic pets, including selection, feeding, water requirements, diseases, breeding, and more. The book also explains which species are ideal for the home aquarium and which species to avoid. Full-color photos show over 20 species of clownfish and damselfish, while sidebars, charts, and tip boxes illustrate key points to consider.

... Read more

Product Description
Giant Clams in the Sea and the Aquarium provides comprehensive coverage of the biology and aquarium care of the unique and intriguing tridacnid clams, commonly called giants by aquarists and divers around the world. The book is an 8x 9hardback, printed on high-quality gloss paper, and includes over 300 color photographs and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Good, but a bit overrated by other reviewers
My impressions of Fatherree's book:

Pros --

-- The photos are almost without exception beautiful and help to explain and illustrate points the author is trying to make.

-- Chapter 6 ("Tridacnid troubles) sets out a good amount of information on diseases that I have never seen in any other place.

-- The third chapter, on identification of the various species, is very useful, clear and well done overall.The photos in this chapter are invaluable and beautiful.


Cons --

-- The "conversational style" is something a reader may like, or may not. I did not.I want a clear explanation of a topic, not a conversation with someone who is trying to be casual, witty and amusing for reasons that don't help the explanation along.The author is apparently trying, in part, to make the book entertaining enough so that the reader wants to learn about the subject; virtually anyone who buys this book, though, already has enough interest in the subject to sustain them through the reading of the book.

-- The text on pages 130 and 131 is juxtaposed one with the other.

-- The chapter that many readers would want to be the most complete and cutting-edge (that on care of clams in the aquarium, Chapter 5) is the least informational of the book.The worst section in that chapter is probably the section on lighting.This section includes absolutely no mention of lighting intensity in any usably objective terms (PAR or even lux), and wastes five paragraphs with a repetitive monologue of his subjective opinions on the 'looks' of various color temperature bulbs.This chapter also includes a section on feeding, which spends ALL of its ten pages explaining how, how much, what and when to feed, only to conclude with the recommendation "if you want to avoid all of this, just do what I've done for years (as have a gazillion other hobbyists) and only keep tridacnids in well-established, well-stocked aquariums with bright lights and don't worry about them.(p. 183)"It should also be pointed out that the book devotes most of Chapter 2 to why Tridacnids need not be fed at all!Lastly, there was no information in the chapter on care of clams that is not currently what passes for common knowledge in the hobby.While this is fine, in the sense that a book can be usefully a compilation of common practices, I expected more.


In summary: a book that most interested hobbyists will find is worth owning, in spite of the fact that it falls short of a bar that has been set by recent books in the hobby, including Wilkerson's "Clownfishes", Borneman's "Aquarium Corals" and the three volumes of Delbeek and Sprung's "The Reef Aquarium".

Your Clam Insists That You Purchase This Book
Put simply, if you are interested in purchasing a clam, buy and read this book first.You will more than likely save money in the long-run.In any event, you will have the go-to book on hand when problems and questions arise.The book is written in clear language and with a wry sense of humor.Recommended without qualification.

Great book!
I have met James personally and had the pleasure of having him speak for our marine club (DFWMAS).James knows Tridacnids and his book offers the most comprehensive up-to-date information on the care for Tridacnids.This is a must have book for all Tridacnid clam owners.

Great book with lots of knowledge.
Book covers everything from how to chose what to feed and differences of all of the species.Lots of great knowledge!

excellent book on clams
finish reading this book in 2 days. this book covers pretty much everything from the caring to selection of tridacnid clams. i hv 5 clams in my reef tank. this book has really taught me a lot of things i hv overlooked such as feeding. i highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Aquarium hobbyists looking to add variety to their tanks will find color photos and concise textual profiles of more than 400 species of freshwater and marine fish. This book's easy-reference format points out key characteristics of each breed and gives information on its origins, physiology, and maintenance requirements. Each entry includes an at-a-glance guide that notes feeding habits and compatibility with other fish. The color photos are detailed to show markings and other distinguishing features. Major freshwater groups include cichlids, characins, labyrinth fishes, catfishes, loaches, cyprinids, and others. Among the marine varieties are angelfishes, damselfishes, blennies, pufferfish, eels, groupers, and Atlantic seahorses. Here's a reference volume that merits a place on every aquarium hobbyist's bookshelf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

wonderful colorful aquarium guide
I bought this a long time ago, and love using it. My grown daughter has had an aquarium, so I bought this as a gift for her since I like it so much. It is a beautifully illustrated guide, logically catagorized, and very easy to use and to find info that you need. I strongly recommend it for anyone who loves to keep or know more about aquarium fish (freshwater and marine) 5 stars!!!

Pretty pictures, scary text, bad index
I concur with the other reviewers on bad proofreading.The icons cannot be relied on, even if you manage to figure out the mysterious equivalence between liters and cubic meters.Here's a couple other problems found in a quick read of a couple species I'm familiar with:Beta Fighting Fish (This book's symbols: Single Specimen and good community fish, minimum tank size 24 which is the same as most other beginner fish, but from reading another book they are happiest in 1 liter stagnant ponds with no other fish around to harrass them.I tried my beta in a 28 gallon tank and when three mollies were added, it showed signs of stress, so it is back in it's tiny tank and doing fine again.);Lyretail Black Molly is the only Molly listed while my pet store has a half dozen varieties.. Silver, Dalmation, standard tail, etc. (This book lists it as Single Specimen, not a community fish while another book that focuses on Mollies says these are happiest when scooling with others of the same kind.)

The organization and indexing is not suitable for a beginner.Suppose you wanted to find the Molly, like I did.You would have to know it is categorized as a Freshwater Livebearer AND called Poecilia Sphenops, or look it up under the common name index Lyretail Black Molly (sorted with the L's).Or, do like I did and flip through the pictures until you find it.

I'm returning this book and eagerly waiting for the 2nd or 3rd edition.Even though I really like the pictures, I need something more than a picture book.

WAKE UP THE PROOFREADER!!
We recently had the MISfortune of checking out the book: "THE AQUARIUM FISH HANDBOOK" from the library as we are beginning to get into tropical fish.While the reviews and cover-page blurbs sound glowing - within a few hours we found that the book was confusing (to say the least) on many points!
The first point is the "Minimum Volume" symbol;24, 36, 48, 60, or 72 WHATS?The "Key" page says it could be "...gallons/liters or ... cubic feet/meters."There's a BIT of difference between a liter and a cubic meter, isn't there?If these are 'relative numbers' then 'relative to WHAT?Tank size, fish population, square inches, ???
Then there are the illustrations on page 12!On the bar graph "Tropical freshwater" is blue and is supposed to represent 1 inch of fish per 12 sq. in. of tank, "Tropical marine" is pink and represents 1 inch per 48 sq. in.but in the charts at the bottom of the page - the "tropical" box shows 9 pink fish while the "marine" box shows 36 BLUE fish!All in all, those calculations are correct but reversed!Then, to add insult to injury, the calculation for "Coldwater": four hundred and forty two divided by ONE HUNDRED and thirty?The proofreader was napping on this one!
The other "Oopsie" we have spotted in our cursory scan through the book was on page 103, re Altum Angelfish.The little Hand Symbol of dificulty rates this fish as number ONE or "Easiest to care for" while the "Special care" paragraph of this section states "This fish ... is an extremely dificult and delicate fish to keep"????Which is it?
And this is just from a brief scan through the book from a simple, logical viewpoint.Paraphrasing the TV show "CSI": "little mistake - BIG mistake"!With these errors that should be easy to spot in the book - can we REALLY rely on the OTHER data presented therein?It is not too great a stretch of imagination that just these errors and confusions I have named could cost someone a good deal of effort, time AND money if someone relied 100% on this book!Clearly, we are glad that we checked the book out of our local library - for FREE - and didn't waste our money on it!

I'm returning this book
I've got to disagree with the previous reviewer, Gen, on this one! I would NOT recommend this book. It is very attractive with lovely pictures, but I found it full of errors and contradictions. Here are a few I found in about 20 minutes of browsing:

page 12: the graphics of tropical and marine fish are reversed, making it look like it's okay to keep 36 inches of marine fish when it's really 9 (the text is correct)

page 103: the Altum Angelfish is desribed as "an extremely difficult and delicate fish to keep," but the it gets a 1 (easiest) on the "ease of keeping" scale. Huh?

Numerous examples of fish being given a "safe with small fish" symbol, but being described in the text as eating small fish, See porkfish (page 239), flame hawkfish (238) and long-nosed hawkfish (239), for example.

I bought this book to help me select peaceful marine fish that would be reef-safe, but because of these issues it's useless to me and I'm returning it. It's a shame, because it is a great-looking, well-organzied book.

All the fish I need to know about
I've been keeping fish for 17 years and this is the best book I have found that describes all the fish I've owned!Great descriptions on cichlids and includes scientific names and common names.Very easy to read (not tiny print and not boring).I love this book - the photos are clear and not all blurry or cheap quality.DK books photograph quality!The fact that it's spiral bound means I can lie down in bed and browse all the different fish without having to push the cover back.I can do my daily stretching while reading about fish!How relaxing and convenient!GREAT BOOK. ... Read more

Product Description
From guppies to goldfish, this fantastic pocket-sized guide will give you a broad understanding of aquarium fish. Whether you are an expert or a fledgling fan, this handy book is packed with advice on how to ensure your fish has the best environment to thrive in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (22)

Sensational little book, beautifully done
Really a little gem of a book. It's small enough to fit comfortably in your hands and it's just stuffed with information and tasty graphics. The Art Director must have been giggling with delight, the book is really a showpiece. The colorful photos jump off the page and the text is handled in the usual effortless DK manner. Even if you have zero interest in fish, this book is a joy to page through. Beautifully put together.

Good Refference
This is a good quick reference guide & has has a good collection of species & varieties. You couldn't raise any fish from the information in this book - but it certainly makes choosing those right for you aquarium a little easier.

Ok for the price or a- - 3 stars
Like all DK books this little (72 page) book is very pretty and well organized.Unfortunately it provides little info and also misleads the buyer.At first glance it appears to cover 101fish ("101 Aquarium Fish" is in large print) but only 40 fish are covered and 5 of these are just different types of goldfish. Of the remaining 61 "Essential Tips" included are: Tip #61-Clubs, discusing joining a club, and tip #45 Choosing Prepacked Food, showing photos of different food types ie flakes (2 types shown), pellets, tablets etc.

Needs a companion book
While this is a good quick reference guide, I have found that I have needed another book for most things.This would probably be good for kids as long as parents have another source for more detailed reference.

Beautiful photos, not enough info
This is a handy little guidebook that features very high-quality photographs (it's another DK book) of just about every aquarium fish you are likely to encounter. It is useful primarily for those looking to distinguish their Five-Banded Barbs from their Checker Barbs or their Madagascar Rainbowfish from their Siamese Tigerfish - i.e. it is a book for fish nerds. I do recommend this book for the enthusiast and the beginner alike, however the beginner should not rely on this book alone as it does not provide nearly enough information on setting up the aquarium, choosing compatible fishes, and trouble-shooting. My main criticism is that while the design and layout of the book, and the large, clear color photos of the fish, makes it a pleasure to read, it provides only very basic information about each fish. For some unknown reason, the critically important subject of water chemistry and temperature is practically ignored. I also find it disturbing that the author does not really indicate which fishes are good for the beginner, and which are more fragile, and suitable only for more advanced aquarists. This is an unfortunate exclusion given the fact that so many fish languish and die in tanks owned by inexperienced people who lack the knowledge to properly choose and care for them. If you're looking for information you can really use, there is not much point in learning to distinguish between 500 different varieties of fishes, but not knowing which of those fishes you would be most likely to be able to keep successfully (taking into account such factors as your level of skill/experience, local water chemistry, the size of the tank etc.). Still, it's worth a look. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The History of Steinhart Aquarium: A Very Fishy Tale
John E. McCosker's "The History of Steinhart Aquarium: A Very Fishy Tale" is a bubble of fresh air in these button-down, briefcase-toting times of government regulation and institutional sameness.Although Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco is the focus, McCosker's most interesting tales are about two of the men who preceded him as director, with room given over to himself and to Robert L. Jenkins whose tenure remains a work in progress.What comes through clearly is that public institutions are only as lively as those who manage them, and that Steinhart's iconoclastic directors would not have played second guitarfish to anyone, including each other.

McCosker recounts his twenty-one years on the hot seat with verve and humor (in 1994 he moved to the Research Chair of Aquatic Biology at the California Academy of Sciences, parent organization of Steinhart).In that time he became known to television viewers for his work on the white shark, described numerous new genera and species of marine organisms, dived the world's oceans, searched for the coelacanth, successfully maintained the first white shark in captivity, and navigated skillfully through a labyrinth of city and institutional politics.And all while on the sunny side of fifty.

The precedent, of course, had been set by Alvin Seale, Steinhart's first director.McCosker writes, "He was a colorful adventurer, explorer, naturalist, and soldier of fortune who could have been the archetypal hero of the Raiders of the Lost Ark, were it not for his strong Quaker upbringing."Crusty and independent, Seale oversaw the design and construction of Steinhart in the early 1920s, finally retiring in 1941.Several interim directors kept the seat warm for Earl S. Herald's appointment in 1948.Only slightly less colorful than Seale, Herald held the reins tightly until age fifty-nine, when he was killed in a diving accident off Baja California.Herald was Steinhart's first TV celebrity as host of the weekly program "Science in Action."He was also author of "Living Fishes of the World," arguably the most reader-friendly book on fishes ever published.His was a tough act to follow.

At age 27, McCosker had recently earned a doctorate from Scripps Institution of Oceanography down the coast at La Jolla.Like Herald, his specialty was fish taxonomy and systematics, but ultimately he did it better than Herald - much better.Smart, charismatic, disarming in manner, McCosker settled into the job a few months after Herald's death in 1973 and never looked back.Any concern that his youth and inexperience might be a liability was assuaged quickly.

Unlike Herald, McCosker apparently delegated freely, allowing his curatorial staff wide latitude to work on new exhibits and husbandry problems.While commendable, this approach often leads to tinkering instead of experimentation.For example, public aquariums started transporting sharks by confining them in watertight boxes and bubbling pure oxygen over their gills.McCosker credits a former Steinhart biologist with perfecting this method, which experimental evidence showed even then to be retrogressive.Since the early 1960s physiologists have known that exposing bony fishes and elasmobranchs to hyperoxic water depresses ventilation rate, inducing hypercapnia.As ventilation rate slows, lactic acid accumulates in the tissues.The subsequent acidosis compromises any ability to expel carbon dioxide, halts oxygen uptake, and signals the impending collapse of aerobic metabolism.Survival of a fish or elasmobranch shipped in hyperoxic water scarcely validates Steinhart's technique, demonstrating instead that misapplied logic is not always fatal to the recipient.After all, many patients in the eighteenth-century lived through repeated bleedings by their physicians.

But McCosker's accomplishment here transcends minor criticisms.Few scientists can produce prose so crisp and light or flesh out their characters with such style and ease.And the stories he recounts bring the old institution to life, warts and all.The salt-saturated walls indeed can talk.In digressions set apart from the main story, McCosker discusses such subjects as the brine shrimp and its first use as fish food by the Steinhart staff, the history of public aquariums, and how Steinhart produces its species labels.Throughout, his text is accompanied by excellent period photographs.

Histories of zoological institutions are seldom interesting, which makes McCosker's effort clearly exceptional.I rate it with the best of its genre, notably "Gathering of Animals: An Unconventional History of the New York Zoological Society" by William Bridges and Christopher Lever's "They Dined on Eland: The Story of the Acclimatisation Societies."The pioneers who built such worthy organizations stood tall and fearlessly spoke their minds.Those who occupy their places today would do well to read about them. ... Read more

Product Description
"A reference guide for beginners to achieve a happy and healthy saltwater aquarium.Have you started your own marine aquarium but can't seem to keep fish alive, healthy, or happy?This book will provide all the details you need on fish acclimation, ideal water conditions, feeding, and many other aspects of care specific to each type of saltwater fish.For newcomers to the marine aquarium world, the authors have included easy to understand aquarium startup instructions and recommendations.In addition, this book will provide many new, unique, and innovative ideas on water temperature, fish compatibility, and many other aspects of your saltwater aquarium that will help your new system flourish." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

very very basic guide to starting a saltwater aquarium
In setting up my first saltwater aquarium, I was looking for a more in depth book.I was rather disappointed as all the information contained within, I had already read about with simple online searches and pamphlets from the pet store.It does have a comprehensive fish guide which is 3/4 of the book if you are interested in finding out what fish will live well together.

Great book
This book is the best I've found regarding saltwater aquariums.I think it's great not just for beginners but also for people like me who have started a tank some time ago and can't get the fish to last very long.It included just about everything I needed to know to get started but was very easy to read as it sticks to the basics without overloading you with a bunch of technical marine biology talk like some of the other books I've seen.Great in depth analysis of the types of saltwater fish.The book's information on water temperature was something I had never heard before and that alone was worth the price in my case.As they say in the book some of their ideas definitely go against what you normally hear in pet stores and other books so just keep that in mind.But I used to not be able to keep fish like Tangs alive in my tank for any length of time until I tried some of their new ideas.My tank is now in great shape after reading this, great book! ... Read more

Product Description
Packed with information on planning, setting up, and maintaining an aquarium, this revised and updated edition of the Aquarium Owner's Manual is the most complete, illustrated guide to the home aquarium. Offering detailed information on choosing the appropriate fish, tank, and equipment, as well as helpful tips on keeping fish healthy, this guide is the ideal resource for both experienced and novice aquarium owners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Decent Overview
The author attempts to cover all types of salt and freshwater aquariums and does a seemingly decent job. This book lacks the meat and potatoes you could find in other popular marine books that will help guide you to making informed decisions on the direction you want to take your tank. Also bear in mind that the author uses short and wide aquariums in her examples as opposed to the deeper tanks sold in the US, and makes blanket assumptions on the characterics of fish.

Good information to start
My daughter (7) and I setup our first tropical tank and used this book, along with resources on the internet and from our local fish store. I thought this provided a good overview that isn't too technical or long. I read it in an afternoon. Some things I thought were interesting;
-A history of fish-keeping as a hobby.
-Good photos and descriptions of the fish
-Several different tank setups with photos and fish selection.
-Keeping the fish healthy with photos of what common problems look like. I've heard of ich, but now I know what it looks like.

Plus, it also covers marine (saltwater) tanks which we may want to do if we stay with the hobby.

Overall an excellent book to start with. ... Read more

Product Description
If you're looking to dive into the wild world of aquarium ownership, this is your best guide to setting up a marine reserve of your very own. Aquariums For Dummies is your go-to guide for creating the underwater world that fits your lifestyle. Discover the pros and cons of a variety of aquarium types. From freshwater to marine to brackish, you get the lowdown on what it takes to maintain all these environments so you can make an educated decision on what fits you and your lifestyle.

After you know your environment, you can start choosing your little fishies. But where do you start? Authors Mic and Maddy Hargrove have included a whole section on the kinds of fish to choose from, which types of fish match up well, what to look for, and where to go to get the best deals. They also include fast, friendly advice on how best to care for you new aquatic friends (and even how to breed them for fun or profit).

Get started today as an active aquarium owner. Look on Aquariums For Dummies as your step-by-step manual to creating the aquatic environment that matches your lifestyle, your interests, and your living room. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Aquariums for Dummies
Excellent resource on aquariums and how to get started.I stiff refer back to this book when any issue comes up.

What not do to for aquariums
Great at telling you what to what to watch out for--look out for temperature.PH is important, etc.But your next question is of course, what is the right temperature?What PH should it be?It's not in this book.If you're a new person to this you need a more informative resource.This is only good at telling you what to look for, but not good at telling you what it should be, and certainly not how to fix things that go wrong.

Ugh... I don't know anything and even I thought it was junk
I picked up this book at a local bookstore and paid full price.This was a mistake.I would have felt ripped off even if it was in the bargain bin for a buck.About the only thing I would use this book for is a firestarter.

I as of yet own no aquarium, and even I could see that this book was sorely lacking in useful information.As others have pointed out, the most important topic of all, aquarium maintenance, receives scant coverage.Their coverage of fish species overall is spotty, and there is little to no information on acceptable Ph values, temperature, compatibility with other species, diets, common diseases, or suitability for beginners.IMHO, a book for beginners should contain pretty much everything a beginner needs to know to get started.This book is woefully lacking.I have no ability to know how accurate the information in this book is, but I can say that I would not rely on it for a second.

The copy I have was the 12th printing of the book, yet the quality of the text is something I would expect from a rough draft.Most glaring are the same sentences or facts repeated in two separate close-together sections.In one case, I saw the same thing phrased two different ways in successive paragraphs.Even the most blind and incompetent editor would have spotted this in a casual reading.

Given the major style issues, I have absolutely no confidence in the accuracy of the information presented in this book.If this book never went through a copy-editor, I doubt it was reviewed properly for factual content either.If you have the misfortune of owning this book, try and get your money back.

Worst book ever
I felt like a dummy after I read this book ( ripped off $$ ! ). Its like they had a one day deadline to write and published this book.

Very incomplete
I have a B.S. in marine science, and I decided I wanted to bring my work home with me. Someone bought me this book and I read through most of the sections.I was very disappointed.The author doesn't discuss cleaning of the tank in any detail, such as how often you need to clean the gravel, plants and other decorations; they also missed out on describing common problems such as bacterial or algal blooms and what to do.I found some of the information very helpful, but overall, this is far from a complete reference book for the beginner aquarist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Nature Aquarium
Beautiful photography with good ideas on the set up and maintenance of a natural planted tank.

Inspirational to hardcore aquarists
This book is beautiful. The photography is incredible.

Amano is the master of aquarium design and it shows in his photos.
This is the kind of book that you will pick up over and over again. And each time you will notice some new subtlety that you can incorporate in your aquascapes.

A Must-have Resource for the Advanced Aquarist
I have been an advanced aquarist since 1994 and have read (and own) most of the plant books on the market.This book, as well as his others, are not meant for beginners (or even intermediate users) in search of a solid how-to manual.Better sources for that would be The Dynamic Aquarium: Building Living Ecosystems (by Adey and Loveland) or Peter Hiscock's 2 books, Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants and Aquarium Designs Inspired by Nature or The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad.

But, if you are a beginner looking for inspiration or scope of what is possible, this is a good beginner book.I suspect that majority of aquarists who actually get a lot of practical use from these books are those who can readily take the data from each photo and put it to good use.Amano's books, if used as such, assume the aquarist has an advanced understanding of lighting, water chemistry, nutrient balances, biological filtration, fish behavior, etc.For advanced aquarists, these books are invaluable in that they supply tested permutations that can be immediately applied.This saves the hobbyist much experimentation when it comes to combinations of plant placement, relative to CO2 levels and lighting and nutrient regimes.

In my opinion, this book is not required for beginners, although they can certainly learn from and enjoy it.But, it is required for any advanced plant-loving aquarist. I would highly recommend it for anyone who loves aquariums or appreciates the natural world.

Book 3 (Nature Aquarium World
This really is a fantastic book. Try to understand the Japanese culture and you'll understand the way mr. Takashi Amano disigns his aquariums.
The use of simplicity is amazing but not easy to realize. For every aquarist is the whole serie 1,2,3 a must. Fantastic. Good written and very nice taken photos as well.

If you love the first two you will love this one too!
the first two books were great with my personal fave being Nature Aquarium World 1 but this one was beautifully designed and illistrated. Not only are the illistrations wounderful but the "about takashi" section of the book made for some brief and enlighting reading. ... Read more

Product Description
This book guides aquarium hobbyists through the intricacies of saltwater aquarium chemistry and recommends various species that make for an interesting aquarium. BarronÂ'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 animalÂ'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. BarronÂ's Pet Handbooks are filled with color photos, and many titles include line art and at-a-glance sidebar information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Dont buy it , waste of money
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!!!
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
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
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
I spent months researching marine and reef aquaria for my own involvementas a hobbyist, and this was my first book. While it covers thecharacteristics of different vertibrates and invertibrates, as well asdiseases and basic feeding information, it perpetuates many of the mythswhich cause so many tank "crashes", specimen deaths anddiscouraged hobbyists. This book does not address the most successful andwidely-used water treatment and filtration methods used today: Proteinskimming, live rock and live sand, and sump systems.

The science ofmarine tank and reefkeeping has changed radically in the past few years,lowering the mortality rate of tank inhabitants and increasing the ease oftank maintenance. This book seems to focus on the out-dated methods, and inseveral instances, leads the reader to believe that certain animals bestleft to advanced keepers are suitable for immature systems.

I wouldrecommend this book only if you are "iffy" about starting a tank.It is a decent overview; but if you do take the "plunge", dothorough research first. Pariticipate in online forums, and buy "TheConscientous Marine Aquarist" before even purchasing your tank. Youwill have a solid foundation to build upon, you'll save money by purchasingthe right equipment first, and you'll learn how to correctly cycle yourfirst marine tank. From there, you'll want to pick up more specific andtechnical books to lead your way. ... Read more

Product Description
A volume of Barron's Family Pet Series, AQUARIUM FISH offers information and advice on selecting fish for a freshwater aquarium tank, maintaining variety, keeping a chemically balanced aquarium, purchasing necessary equipment, feeding the fish, and cleaning the tank. This book also will help readers keep an aquarium that is enjoyable for both children and adults to observe. Profusely illustrated in full-color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great illustration and picture quality!
This is by far my favorite book.Excellent quality pictures and references

aquarium fish[reference book]
very good book for beginners in that it gives quick, direct,
and concise instruction on general care of a wide variety
of freshwater fish. outstanding photos so one can really
appreciate these fish. this book tries to cover so much that
it is forced to be too brief with its information on any one
group of fishes. excellent for quick references.

Not Bad
This is actually a pretty good book if you want information on fish ie. breeding, care, disease treatment and prevention, characteristics, benefits, what fish are good with what fish.It has lots of pictures offreshwater fish with brief descriptions of each. There is a page or so ofgeneralized information concerning each species and then pictures with aparagraph describing some of the specific subspecies.

It's really lighton plant info.So if you want info on plants go find another book. Also ifyou are looking for information on how to start up or maintain an aquariumyou'll need to go else where.

All the information is pretty basic so thisis definatly a beginner's book, it doesn't go into anything in any realdepth.

So I gave it three stars, it's not a must have by any means butit does provide some good helpful information.

Interesting and useful, but don't expect an all-in one guide
A reasonably good book for a beginner wanting to start an aquarium with a bit more thought than the usual community tank.The part on biotopes is not only interesting but is of great help fro the aquarist who would like toset up a tank/ecosystem which is as close to the real thing as possible.However, the 159 pages did leave the me "dissatisfied", I reallycould have done with a more detailed book. . If you want to keep/keep aplanted aquuarium like I do, then you do need other books like Amano,sNature Aquarium World series, and Barry James' Illustrated Guide.... formore details and ideas.

Interesting and useful, but don't expect an all-in one guide
A reasonably good book for a beginner wanting to start an aquarium with a bit more thought than the usual community tank.The part on biotopes is not only interesting but is of great help fro the aquarist who would like toset up a tank/ecosystem which is as close to the real thing as possible.However, the 159 pages did leave the me "dissatisfied", i reallycould have done with a more detailed book. . If you want to keep/keep aplanted aquuarium like I do then, you do need other books like Amano,sNature Aquarium World series, and Barry James' Illustrated Guide.... formore details and ideas. ... Read more

Product Description
Fishkeeping can be a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. But what if you don't have room for a 75-gallon tank? Or even a 40-gallon tank?

The popularity of mini-aquariums (defined as water features that contain less than 40 gallons of water) is on the rise. These systems can be freshwater or saltwater, can be filled with a wide variety of species, and generally take up a very small amount of space. Mini-Aquariums offers detailed information on all aspects of setting up and maintaining a mini aquarium. It includes sections on fish health and water quality management, explains the differences between aqua-terrariums, terrariums and vivariums, details how to use common species of terrestrial plants in container ponds, and provides extensive information on many other topics.

If you live in a small apartment, want to set up a mini-pond at the office, or just prefer the look of a tiny tank, a mini aquarium may be the perfect choice for you! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Mini Auqariums
Great book for those that do not have a large amount of background knowledge on the subjest.But if you are looking for inspiration there are not a lot of ideas.

Frustratingly vague
I had this book in my Amazon cart before I decided to check it out at the library first and then buy it if I decided it was a worthwhile reference book.I'm glad I went with the library first.This is supposed to be a general overview of nano aquariums 10 gallons and under (generally), but was frustratingly vague or silent on a number of topics.The author has authored numerous books for TFH Publications, so I'm surprised by this. I have 14 years experience in freshwater aquariums and was looking to get into freshwater shrimp on a nano-scale, so thought this would be perfect.
The book design:Many of the most intriguing photos of nano tanks have no captions.There isn't even a caption for the cover photo.Several of the freshwater shrimp photos went un-captioned.Some of the important info. is hidden under other headings.For example, in discussing substrates, there is no "substrate" heading.It is under "Keeping to Scale."There are chapters on freshwater fish, other vertebrates, invertebrates, vivaria, and marine life, but no chapter on plants.A few are mentioned here and there, but his attitude can best be summed up as "use foreground plants."I found this very unhelpful as there must be some that are better suited than others and plants and their care are an important part of an aquarium.
Other deficits in his emphasis:
In cycling a new aquarium, he only repeats himself over and over to mature things in a mature tank.Some people don't have one, so some advice on buying tank maturing products, etc., would have been helpful.
On substrate, he says to use fine gravel or sand without defining "sand."In looking at his un-captioned photos, I assume he means the "decor sand" you can buy next to the artificial flowers and vases in any store.It looks like pulverized gravel.He devotes a page and a half to electrical safety but doesn't mention that you shouldn't use sand from the beach or river bc of the mineral content and bc you don't know what it's been exposed to before you got there.That is, if that is what he means by "sand."
He doesn't mention that copper is toxic to snails, and shrimp and other invertebrates and to stay away from many fish medicines if you have these in your tank.He doesn't mention that if you have copper pipes in your home you may want to not use that water either.
He correctly states that goldfish do not belong in a nano set-up and then discusses betta bowls for a chapter.In the beginning, he says keeping a betta in a small bowl is like keeping a dog in a cage it can barely turn around in, but by the end of the chapter, he says that what a betta is kept in mainly depends on the number of water changes and that they can be kept in a cup of water with a 2x/day water change.Without mentioning how stressful this would be for the fish.
The only thing I found extremely helpful was his recommendations on heating.In the betta chapter, he showed a chart with a large watt heater alternately over-heating and under-heating a small (2 gall.?) tank.In a different chapter under the heating heading (see how the book doesn't flow well?), he says that for small aquaria, 5 watts for each gallon is a good idea with a little more added on for cold rooms or rooms where the heating is turned off at night.This is the only reason I gave it the two stars I did.In sum, I was intrigued by the possibilities show3 gan in the beautiful photos, but didn't feel this offered enough or the right info. for even an "overview" type of book.Unless you just wanted a list of fish that stay small and happy in smaller spaces...which wasn't what I was after.
Keeping successful freshwater nano aquaria can be summarized like this:
1. Keep everything proportionate--I would never keep fish in anything less than a 3 gallon tank and even then it would only be a single male betta or VERY small fish that don't need to school.Otherwise, the fish won't get enought exercise.However, snails and shrimp use every surface of the container so the exercise footprint of the container is actually bigger for them and you can go with a smaller container.The author talks of "thinking Bonsai."This is a good description.You can have a ramshorn pond snail, a rock, a little medium-sized gravel, and a few floating duckweed in a small bowl as long as everything looks proportionate.If the snail looks too big, then it's too big for that bowl.The same for the rock, etc.(Just make sure you give the snail plenty of its favorite algae.)A betta in a wine glass looks out of proportion.That tells you right there it's a bad idea.Too many small shrimp crammed into a small tank makes the tank looks crowded=out of proportion=bad idea.
2.Keep the temperature of the container in your creatures' and plants' optimum ranges and keep it STABLE.
3.Keep the water clean.
4.Keep the substrate clean.
That's it.That's what I finally pulled out of this book.

Lacking details
I was disappointed in the content of this book. I was hoping for technical information and details on keeping mini-aquariums. Instead I got a brief introduction to fish-keeping and a long list of livestock.

The sections discussing the actual setup and operation of mini-aquariums was very very weak, on par with any introduction to fish-keeping book or pamphlet. No details on specific equipment or practices suitable for the subject matter.

The only redeeming feature of this book is a fairly extensive list of livestock suitable for mini-tanks.

Offers potential and excitement for even the smallest space
Nano aquaria is tempting and difficult: here the nano concept in miniature is explored in detail, offering tips on buying freshwater and marine species suitable to the environment and plants guaranteed to survive in any nano setup from tanks to ponds. From choices to maintenance and proper setup, MINI-AQUARIUMS offers potential and excitement for even the smallest space, and is a pick for any library offering aquarium books to the general public.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Good reference for small fish species
This book provides a good reference for basic information about fish that stay small.I would not want to use a tank smaller than 5 gallons, though, and I definitely do not recommend a saltwater tank of less than 30 gallons.My only exception to the small-tank rule would be a single male betta, which I have kept by himself in a filtered three-gallon Eclipse tank.If you want to consider the best types of small fish to keep in your 10-20 gallon setups, this is a good reference.I also found his thoughts on frogs, newts, and other non-fish interesting.Basically, consider this book a helpful reference rather than a general how-to manual about fish husbandry. ... Read more

Product Description

A guide for beginners and experts alike, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Freshwater and Marine Aquarium Fishes is the most useful book an aquarium enthusiast can own. Whether you are interested in goldfish, guppies, or the most exotic marine species, the opening section on starting an aquarium covers everything you need to know. Illustrated in color throughout, the 295 entries cover plants, amphibia, reptiles, and invertebrates as well as aquarium fishes. Each entry provides the common name, scientific name, and family; distribution of the species in the wild; a description of shape, color, and size; information about sexual differences, feeding habits, reproduction, compatibility with other species, and much more. Next to each entry are easy-to-read symbols that indicate the proper water temperature, pH, and illumination.

This comprehensive guide gives you all the information you need to maintain a beautiful, balanced, and thriving aquarium. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good pictures - but OUTDATED!
Check the publication date for this book.I had a copy of this one in high school!Good pictures (especially of East Atlantic animals) but forget the care information - hopelessly outdated.

An essential field guide...
and book for the determined aquarist. However, this book is geared more toward aquarium species than ones found in the ocean or freshwater lakes. For instance, the Asian pufferfish is a species that has never been mentioned in any field guide, except this one. Without a doubt, it is an aquarium hybrid. There are not very many species of betas, fightingfish, or goldfish covered here. A person looking for heavy coverage of that will be slightly disappointed.
The other fishes covered, such as puffers, triggerfish, or cowfish, have more species listed, and more details given. People interested in pufferfish (such as me), will find this guide useful. The only downside that takes away one star is that some species are hybrids, including betas and goldfish. Most triggerfish and cowfish are authentic species.
If you are looking for a field guide to take along with you on a scuba diving trip to the Caribbean, forget it. This is not the one. However, if you are searching for fish to put in your aquarium, this book is definetely for you..

A good review of fish but a bad guide for setting aquarium
I bought this book as a fish familiarization reference after setting up my aquarium with another book and am glad I did.To say this is a bad intro book on aquariums is an understatement.Anyone considering fish as a hobby would immediatly change their mind upon reading the introduction to this book (which covers setting up an aquarium).For one thing it is way too scientific with diagrams of how pumps work and loads of discussion on things you don't need to know in detail and glaring lack of easy to understand explanations on what you do need to know.

I read a 40 page Wal-Mart book on setting up an aquarium that was 100 times better than this guide in that respect.So, if you're setting up a new aquarium and want to know (in English) how to set up an aquarium, or want to know information on aquarium products, chemicals, techniques, etc. don't use this book to do it.Any of a dozen short, "so you want to buy a fish" guides will do.You don't need to 4 pages of when/how/why to quarentine fish in order to set up your first aquarium.And even if you did, this book doesn't describe the "how-to's" well enough anyway.

This book IS a pretty good guide to freshwater and saltwater fishes, plants, reptiles, and invertibrates (like crabs, starfish, etc.)It covers about 300 specimens in total, 88 of which are freshwater fish and about 100 salt water fish.The rest fall into the other categories.It's not comprehensive by any means.There's ONE entry for Goldfish, for instance, even though there are dozens of readily available variations of goldfish.The one entry will give you generally what you need for the entire family, but it won't show you pictures of the many flavors available.Many generally available fish are also not in the book at all - but most are.

This book does, however, cover a good range of common freshwater and saltwater aquarium fish.And each entry discusses what you need to know about that fish such as required temperature, food, characteristics, behavior and what other fish (or fish types) it gets along with.All this information is necessary to have a happy community (or species) aquarium.

This book does Not adequately cover breeding fish and other expert topics.Its claim as "A guide for beginners and experts alike" is a bit of an overstatement in that regard. (At least that's my opinion.)

My conclusion is that I like it for what I got it for - pictures of possible additions to my aquarium with a general description of needs, behavior, etc of each fish.I didn't buy it as a comprehensive guide or a guide to setting up my aquarium.In my opinion, if you want that information go elsewhere.There may even be better pictoral fish guides, but I liked the compact size of the book and the easy to swallow ($$) price tag. Happy Fish Keeping

Great reference guide for those who keep pet shops to kids!
Awesome reference guide (I have a 1977 edition).

Over 300 full-color photos of freshwater & marine fishes, plants, reptiles and invertibrates. Includes common names, scientific names, families, distribution in the wild (where do these things live), a good verbal description, as well as a good photo, pH, temperature, water hardness, light and other pertinent info about where it lives, and what it needs in an aquarium, feeding info (a bit sketchy there, unless you are already knowledgable), as well as behavioral and compatability information (a MUST for keeping social fishes with others, and keeping those that don't get along apart from each other!)

Basic aquarium knowledge is not required to enjoy the book, but to use the technical stuff for fish keeping, one must have some other background info (another book on the basics, or several trips and brain picking of a reputable pet shop employee is helpful!)

Basic chemistry knowledge (especially dilutions [YES! There really is a use for all that math you took through jr. college!] for the disease treatment section is a must of using this to treat diseases)

Fish diseases section is small, but to the point, and covers most common diseases one will see in aquarium fishes, especially fresh water.

If you want to keep a salt water aquarium, this is a good reference, but you'll also need a great salt water aqaurium book!

My edition also does not cover Chloramines, which were added to our tap water after the book was published - use GOOD, distilled bottled water whenever possible, or perhaps a reverse osmosis system w/ filteration, if your house is so equipped. For salt water, I've found it best to change out water directly from the ocean (away from the coastline and rivers), but then too you risk getting diseases in your aquarium that way... I did keep a star fish (sea star)and a Spanish Shawl nudibrach in a goldfish bowl this way for about 3 years, then when we moved sent them back to the ocean... They were awesome, but required we change the water abuot every 2-3 days.

This is an awesome book, great pictures, but I'd suggest also getting another to supplement this one... My supplement is about 30+ years old, and is no longer in print, and I've not seen one in years.

Easy To Use!!!
YES, as title says - Simon and Schuster's Nature Guide Series - and I have several, are extremely easy to use.They do not contain alot of details about subjects - but enough to identify different aquarium fishes.And the pictures are quite good.
I have enjoyed this book and utilized it often to identify many fish. ... Read more

Product Description
After the Baensch Aquarium Atlas Volumes 1 and 2, no enhancement seemed possible. However, after laborious work we have again successfully collected over 1,000 color photographs of species not presented in the previous 2 volumes of the Baensch Aquarium Atlas Series.

This book describes over 900 fish species and 80 aquatic plants. It has been entirely revised and corrected.

This volume again emphasizes catfishes, killifishes and, naturally, the cichlids - the eternal favorites of most aquarists.But Russian species, hereto almost unknown in Western Europe, the United States, Canada, and the Far East, have been included to a larger degree than previously.

Now with the first 3 volumes of this series, over 2,500 fish species are described and provide the aquarist with all the information needed to keep those freshwater fish correctly.

A must for the serious hobbyist or professional alike! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Essential for the Dedicated Fish Hobbyist- BUT GET THE NEWER EDITION!
I have been an aquarist and aquarium literature collector for nearly 30 years. With all the hacks out there writing fish books, it is refreshing to have one written by, and edited, by real breeders/experts. Granted they are European, and the book is from a German translation, but the layout is handy, and the photos coloful, with textual information on maintenance and breeding (not just a table). I miss the old tetra hardcovers, though. Get the latest editions, too.

This is a book that really helps to spur ones interest further becauase SO MANY species with color photos and information are covered. THERE IS NOTHING ELSE LIKE IT. Period.

There are a handful of books every hobbyist needs. "Baensch Atlas 1-4" are one (some) of them. Hellweg's "Culturing Live Foods" is another, followed by the "Manual of Fish Health."

Makes a great gift.

Great Aquarium Fish Atlas
I believe this is a must for aquarium enthusiasts. Full of noteworthy information, and yet easy to understand and locate different subspecies of fish. I believe its a MUST!

Great Expansion to an Excellent Series
The Aquarium Atlas series is one of the best if not the best line of books for fish enthusiasts, especially if you are interested in some of the less common fish.

This book follows the example set by the first volume (what most of the other reviews here are referring to) in providing detailed information in everything from recommended tank setups, breeding information and water/food requirements.

Keep in mind though, many of the fish in this volume are very hard to find in most pet stores, so if you are looking for more common fish - go with volume 1 instead, you won't be disappointed in either way.

best aquarium book
This is the best book about fish and plant species that I know. Good stats and very extensive book every way. Pictures are good or at least ok.

Good
A really nice reference with lots of useful stats. ... Read more

Product Description
Do you have or want to own fish? Do you know the differences between certain types of fish? Did you know that certain fish require a certain kind of tank, light, and water? Have no fear, because being a marine biologist is no longer necessary to have an aquarium!

The Everything¨ Aquarium Book is your key to attaining and maintaining the perfect fish tank for the perfect fish! Marine expert Frank Indiviglio takes you through all the steps to having your own personal aquarium, right in your own home!Highlights include:

• Different types of water and the fish that can live in them
• Proper fish selection
• Marine plants
• Understanding fish behavior

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Read
If you want to understand what it takes to start an aquarium, this book covers all the basics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Pretty Good
This book is good as a basic reference.It has pictures of most of the popular aquarium plants and a basic how to guide for planted tanks.Definitely good for anyone just starting out or wanting pictures of basic aquarium plants.The care guide in this book is slightly vague on the water parameters/light preferences/nutrient needs for some of the plants.

Good Solid Concise Information on Aquarium Plants
I purchased this book because of the other reviews. I have not beendisappointed. Even though I just started reading it last night, I canalready recommend it. It's not overly technical, but technical enough toanswer all my questions (and I love technical info). For me it offersexactly the right mix of useful info, presented in a concise manner, and isenjoyable to read. After only 20 pages, I really feel like I understandplants better and know the inportant factors/variables under my control tohelp them grow better! Very useful, and inexpensive!

Great book and good price!
It is a very good book for beginners and a handy reference manual. When I read some reviews, I thought that the photos were microscopic, but they aren't. Very useful, includes 4 types of biotopes for aquascaping.

Fish Keeper's guide to aquariem plants
The comments from others hold true but I would like to add one more thing and that is that the book is very small. Although very informative and with good photography (it shows you what plants look like brought up under poorlight conditions) I will not reference it often due to its size. The printis tiny and hard to read and the photographs would have been splendid in alarger book. For the budget minded, this book is really worth it.

A great plant reference for all levels.
This is a great book for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. Nice photos, good explanations,descriptions, and care instructions for common and uncommon plants you might encounter. A very handy reference that youwill certainly get much use out of. ... Read more