Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) [Paperback]

Julian Sprung (Author)

Book Description

Series: Oceanographic Series | Publication Date: June 25, 2002

Under specific conditions just about any seaweed, turf alga, phytoplankton or cyanobacteria can bloom and become "problematic." In this book Julian Sprung focuses on the varieties of algae that commonly do so in aquariums. He identifies them with Latin and common names, photographs of their gross morphology and photographs taken under the microscope that depict important identifying features. The author gives an extensive set of recommendations for ways to control the growth of each alga through a combination of aquarium husbandry practices and the use of specific herbivores.

At some point every aquarist encounters a problem with algae. Solving the problems and controlling the algae can be a real test of ones patience and skill. If you are about to give up your hobby because your expensive aquarium has an out-of-control algae bloom that is driving you crazy, don’t give up! Buy this book and follow Julian’s advice.

Identifies algae that become "problematic" in aquariums. • Explains the Physical, Chemical, and Biological requirements of algae.

• Over 180 color photographs, including photographs taken under the microscope to show important identifying features. • Extensive recommendations for ways to control algae growth.•How to eliminate Red Slime Algae once and for all.• How to stop Green Hair Algae from ruining your aquarium.•How to stop a dinoflagellate bloom. • How to control diatoms. • New herbivores for controlling Bryopsis and other hair algae. • New herbivores that eat Valonia.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A long awaited book. No magic tricks but a lot of good sense and numerous tips for the reef aquarist. -- Jean-Michel Bour, Bleu et Vert Diffusion (Bookshop in France), September 2002

A must have book for the reefkeeper. Scientific algae knowledge, profound aquarium experience and problem solving techniques. -- Daniel Knop, Editor, Koralle Magazine (Germany), September 2002

The book is a valuable tool for those seeking answers to problems of algae control in the marine aquarium. -- Doug Robbins, Advanced Aquarist's Online Magazine, September 2002

About the Author

Julian Sprung began studying marinelife more than 30 years ago in South Florida. He is a biologist, author and aquarium design consultant. His research of coral reef ecosystems in nature and in specially designed reef aquariums has involved travel to many countries. Julian photographed the algae and other marinelife for this book on reefs and in aquariums around the world. Julian writes about his work for various aquarium hobby publications, and his monthly column, "Reef Notes" in Freshwater and Marine Aquarium magazine has been compiled in a book series, Reef Notes Revisited and Revised. Julian also co-wrote with J. Charles Delbeek The Reef Aquarium Volumes One & Two, considered the "bibles" on the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Two Little Fishies Inc (June 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883693020
• ISBN-13: 978-1883693022
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #320,724 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Handy if you have a lotta algae, October 26, 2005

By 

R. Walker (Ellicott City, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Paperback)

This book is a decent guide to various types of algae. If you have an algae bloom this book is very handy. It tells you what types are good and what types are bad. It also tells you how to keep the bad types in check.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful information, February 8, 2008

By 

D. Walruff "fwk" (Kansas City, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Paperback)

This book breaks down algae into groups, tells you the good, the bad and the ugly, and how to deal with it. It caught my eye searching for info on refugium filters and I'm very pleased with it. Even if you don't plan to use an algal filtration system you should own it, because you will have algae in your aquarium almost immediately so why not be prepared. Not all algae is bad and after you read this book you'll be able to identify the ones you want to get rid of. Although, the author does like to use very large words, so get your dictionary out, it is still readable. It's not a very big book and gets straight to the point without "opinions or stories" and it doesn't have a hefty price tag either.

23 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Completely comprehensive, January 25, 2005

By 

S. Johnson (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) (Paperback)

If the reader cannot find a way to rid the algae problem from the tank(s) they have after consulting this book, they should likely not be aquarium owners. I maintain five different large tanks with various conditions, both freshwater and saltwater, and I am constantly being asked how do I keep the tanks cleaned of algae...I always refer them to this book! A must buy for any beginner aquarist, or the more seasoned aquarist who just can't get a grip on things!