Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms [Paperback]

John H. Tullock (Author), Jr. Martin A. Moe (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1997

Debunking the myth that reef aquariums need to be wildly expensive and technologically complex, John Tullock offers a new, radically simple approach to producing beautiful, captive microcosms.

Using live rock and live sand as part of a natural filtration system, the home aquarist can now create vibrant reef tanks that are biologically stable and simple to maintain.

With Tullock’s suggestions, the reefkeeper can now mimic natural habitats such as a Florida Keys Lagoon, a Caribbean Turtle Grass Flat, an Indo-Pacific Deep Cave, or a Red Sea Patch Reef. With more than 200 color photographs and illustrations, Natural Reef Aquariums provides inspiration for both beginning and expert marine reef hobbyists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Microcosm, Ltd.; 1st edition (January 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890087009
• ISBN-13: 978-1890087005
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,580 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Animal Care & Pets > Fish & Aquariums

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, great info on simulating regions, great photo, January 2, 2000

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully comprehensive book on the challenging project of keeping a salt-water reef aquarium. Although still technology dependent, it emphasizes natural materials and methods to simulate this complex environment.

Plumbing, temperature control, lighting & filtration systems are covered in detail with step-by-step instructions on setting up the aquarium and establishing a living reef colony utilizing live rock & sand.

My favorite feature of the book is the detailed analysis of the reef biology of different regions with recommendations for simulating them in the aquarium. These include Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific reefs.

There are great color photos throughout the book of the fascinating & beautiful corals, invertebrates and fishes that can inhabit the reef aquarium. A superb list of sources completes this essential reference.

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superlative, September 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms (Paperback)

John Tullock has created a significant work. This excellent book should become a benchmark in the hobby.

I am a beginner in the marine realm but experienced in freshwater. Mr. Tullock has managed to allay my fears of adding saltwater fish and reef-keeping to my hobby interests. In researching the marine aquarium, I have heard conflicting opinions over and over regarding how the environment should be built and maintained. This has been frustrating, furthered my confusion, and left me with little confidence and understanding concerning successful methods or that I could even hope to succeed. "Natural Reef Aquariums" is a work which satisfactorily answers my questions and compels me to continue my course without trepidation.

This up-to-date book contains "fact" concerning the mechanical and biological factors in maintaining a successful reef system and provides a much needed ecological perspective as well. Without being an extensive encyclopedia of invertebrate and fish species, it gives a clear view of which creatures will thrive in the various environments suited for the reef-keepers system and which species should support each other while successfully sharing the environment.

Tullock's book is full of in depth descriptions concerning filter mediums - including very detailed "live rock" and "live sand" information - lighting options, water quality, nutrients, disease, temperature, equipment options, feeding, etc., and is chocked full of gorgeous photographs and includes maps diagramming the world's major reef systems. The reader may be particularly interested in the descriptions of various reef biotypes that may be created to provide the most natural reef system imaginable.

Don't miss this book. It's solid.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent step by step practical guide!, March 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms (Hardcover)

John Tullock has written several books in plain English before. This one is elegant, clear, and concise with beautiful photography. He explains the basics for beginners and intermediate reef aquarists. He spells out exactly what equipment is needed, and what fish and invertebrates will and will not work. I have read the other books recommended here. They are all enjoyable. But Tullock writes the books that every marine aqaurium store should sell with each live coral display tank.

After reading it, I bought a copy for my local Aquarium Society. No one will ever complain about this book. It is that good. I strongly recommend it.

It is not too complex or obtuse. Only Julian Sprung writes books that are more technical and advanced (good for the ardent stony coral keeper). A delightful and informative book that will put any hobbyist on solid ground. He will tell you what works and what doesn't.