Customer Reviews

Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook (Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In the past two years, I have engulfed myself into Reef keeping and have finally been able to properly maintain a great mini-reef. Along the way, I have wasted tons of money because pure ignorance. Most of the things I wish I knew when I started were in the book. If you have a reef tank, are thinking of starting a reef, or want to improve your current set up, this is one of the books to add to your library.

This book clearly (but sometimes too technically) explains everything you need to know about:

- Live Rock - Protein Skimming - Heating/Chilling - Wave making - Proper Lighting - Care of marine fish - Care of soft and hard corals - How to save money on unnecessary items - How to feed your fish and corals what they really want - So much more...

For $15.00 bucks, you cannot beat it! I would also recommend: Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock ISBN# 1890087009

Yes, 5 stars! Pound for pound (and dollar for dollar) this is one of the best books on marine reef keeping you can buy.

I own several reef and aquarium books. They range from the brilliant, to the not-so-swift-waste-of-money types. The "Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook" by Robert J. Goldstein ranks waaaay up the list, kept from the top only because of its brevity.

This book touches on a LOT of topics, and it covers them in enough detail to really help you understand and apply what you need to keep your reef (or any aquarium) running well. Due to its (somewhat) small size, it does not cover topics in great detail. Depending on what you want, that may or may not be a good thing. There is however, enough information, written in plain English, for any aquarium keeper--from rank beginner, to the Old Man in the Sea--to learn something new.

No, this book doesn't contain the depth of information that one of those $80 marine reef books does. But it contains a wealth of information and will send you well on your way to starting up a reef or maintaining your current reef. Even if you're just looking for an interesting read, you can't go wrong with the "Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook" by Robert J. Goldstein.

This is a great book for under 15 dollars. It isn't that little either! It is full of good information on reef systems and the life that goes in it. It also has lots and lots of full cover photos. It is a must for anyone interested in starting a reef tank. It hits every subject from algae to water and chemicals, to skimming and lighting. It is laid out great.

I purchased this book to educate myself about reef tanks before beginning. I learned quite a bit; however, most of the information went over my head. It is pretty technical so I think I'll get more out of it after I have my tank set up.

The was is a great over veiw for people just getting started with the reef hobby. However if you are an intermediate hobbiest the book is very basic and you will most likely not learn anything that you do not know. If your new its a good book to start with.

The best way to describe this book is as follows: Its written by a highly intelligent person with a PHD and they aren't afraid to flaunt it.

I seriously felt like I was being talked down during the whole time I was reading this book- and I read it from cover to cover! Although it does contain a lot of helpful information, it was presented in a very "college Biology textbook" kind of format. Not really my style. Very technical, and very dry.

More recommended for more advanced marine aquariusts and marine biology students.

I like the pictures & the info is good for a reef beginner like me. I've had freshwater tanks for years, so the basic salt intro was what I needed & this fits the bill.

Purchased this book for my husband who would rather watch than read. He has actually enjoyed this immensely. Lots of good quality photos. Organized and referenced well enough that it is easy to quickly find a answer to a question.
Knowledgeable as well. My husband is a novice & I am just a beginner salt water enthusiast and this book contained info for both of us.

Very happy with the shipping. Came in perfect condition without so much as a dent in the corners from shipping.
We are both very happy with this buy.
Thank you!

This is an excellent study of all relevant aspects of the subject, I thought. But you must take the review in context that I am new to the Marine side of the hobby. But have over thirty years of fresh water experience.

Don't get me wrong, this book is good, however... while reading the book, it uses mostly the scientific names for everything. It would be nice if after the scientific name, it has a common name in parenthesis, you know, using the names the fish stores use. Other than that, it is a decent book.