-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"Just imagine that you are about to embark on a difficult undertaking and that you want to get expert advice from people who have done what you plan to do, with a proven record of success. Then imagine that you can get several of these people together and ask them a series of questions so that you can compare their responses in order to allow you to decide on the exact course of action that you will take. You would come away from the experience with a wealth of knowledge and with the confidence that you would be able to avoid the mistakes that others have made.
That is how I feel after reading 'Reef Keeping Basics', an eBook that is distinctly different from anything that I have ever experienced.
The concept, as outlined above is absolutely brilliant. What is so different about this book is that it does not try to convince the reader that one particular method is the "correct" one. Rather, it allows the reader to compare the responses to a series of questions from fourteen (!) individuals and then come to a unique conclusion, one that is "right" for them. The book is well thought out and every important topic is covered in detail.
The spectacularly beautiful photographs prove beyond any doubt that the aquarists who are providing the information know what they are talking about.
As a Mac user, when I first received the notice for this book I was disappointed to see that it was for a Windows only platform. The concept of this book moved me to install Virtual PC on my G4 Powerbook and I am happy to report that this book works flawlessly. Now that the new Intel-based Macs that can run Windows natively, having a Mac should no longer be a problem.
I can recommend this book without reservation to anyone who is interested in this fascinating hobby. I am inspired to build a new Reef tank, using all of the knowledge that I have gained from this book and confident of success!"
Jim Macho, MD
Chief of Surgery
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital
San Francisco
& Reef Keeper
--- Review by Jim Macho, MD
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"I downloaded your book and read a lot of it. You know what is going to happen? I'm going to get hooked on reef keeping. I have always been strictly freshwater but I think that is going to change. I must say, I am impressed! The instructions are so clear and the pictures alone (with their vibrant colors) are enough to persuade me to put together my own tank. You are told exactly what you need so that you aren't spending money on things you don't need and are able to start out with minimal expense. This book is so good that I have added a link to it on my HOME PAGE! It just didn't seem to fit on the "Links" page. Please check it out and let me know what you think."
Freda Ludwig
Your Aquarium Center
YourAquariumCenter.com
----- Review by Freda Ludwig of Your Aquarium Center (YourAquariumCenter.com)
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"Don t be fooled by the name 'Reef Keeping Basics', it is not only beginners that will find this book highly useful!
Reef Keeping Basics is filled with an abundance of information, tips and guidelines that will help the novice saltwater aquarists as well as the more experienced reef keeper to create beautiful and long lasting reef setups.
Eric has chosen to interview no less than 14 different successful reef keeping aquarists about their marine endeavours, which makes this book a great no-nonsense compilation of the real world of reef keeping.
The information and terminology in this book is easy to understand even for the less experienced aquarist and is accompanied by beautiful pictures that high-lights the various aspects of reef keeping.
I can truly recommend this book to all current and prospecting reef keepers that want to own a reef keeping book that is brimming with practical information, inspiration and ideas".
William Berg
AC Tropical Fish
AquaticCommunity.com
--- Review by William Berg of AquaticCommunity.com (AC Tropical Fish)
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"Reef Keeping Basics is a bit of a misleading title.
There is nothing "Basic" about this book, it is in fact truly unique and will take you from the basics to the very advanced.
I have never read an e-book before and was looking forward to see how one worked. I can see now why it has not been made into a standard book, the ammount of information and pictures in the book is simply amazing. You would need a trolley to move it around if it were your standard paper book!
14 reef keeping hobbyists, each divulging their own secrets and techniques, many going in different directions but all reaching the same ending - beautiful and successful reef aquariums. Whether you are thinking about keeping a reef tank, a beginer already starting out, or a professional, you will find this book truly outstanding and one that you will keep coming back to time and time again."
Steve Musgrove
Somerset, England
Muzzys-Reef.co.uk
--- Review by Steve Musgrove of Muzzys-Reef.co.uk
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"Reef Keeping Basics shows us that there is no single way to success. This unique e-Book presents the reef keeping methods of different people - sort of like a "tank of the month" compilation but in an organized format that makes comparisons easy. One learns through the experiences of others, and see the great results in detail. It's a great way to learn!"
Ken Uy
MASLAC.org (Marine Aquarium Society of Los Angeles County)
----- Review by Ken Uy of MASLAC.org (Marine Aquarium Society of Los Angeles County)
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"Eric, just wanted to drop you a quick note to say what a wonderful book you have created.
When I opened the book I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to read and navigate. Being able to read it on my computer rather than being a physical book is a great idea (if it had been a physical book with all the information it contains it would probably have been a foot thick!)
Potential aquarists who are interested in starting a reef tank are quite often inundated with the amount of information that they believe they need to learn. This is quite often why a lot of people believe that reef tanks are impossible to keep which in turn means a lot of people unfortunately do not start a reef tank.
Being able to see into the mindsets of successful aquarists gives people the ability to be able to ascertain where they should be focusing on. Being able to also see the stunning pictures which have been provided also provides inspiration. I think that this book is a wonderful idea, an idea which will help the entire reefing community and allow for more people to be successful at keeping a reef tank.
The amount of information which you have provided is absolutely second to none. How you managed to persuade 14 people to interview amazes me but I am glad that you managed to do so.
I was also pleased to see how much emphasis each aquarist placed upon research - this is an area which is often overlooked but it can save so much time and money by doing it at the outset.
A great book - a credit to the author and a book which any aquarist be they beginner or advanced must own."
Peter Cunningham
Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England
AquaristsOnline.com
--- Review by Peter Cunningham of AquaristsOnline.com
-- This review refers to "Reef Keeping Basics - Successful Reef Management", the original full edition (in electronic format) of this paperback book titled: "Reef Aquarium Success - Volume 1".
"This is not your normal aquarium book. This is an e-book (printable for personal use) that contains a ton of vital information for anyone interested in starting a reef type saltwater tank. Starting a reef tank can be very expensive and with so much money tied up in equipment it's critical that we get it right the first time. By reading this book before embarking on your reef keeping adventure, you could potentially save yourself a lot of money and prevent many headaches. Don't just read this book, STUDY it.
Here's the premise: Eric Van Der Hope interviewed 14 successful reef tank keepers and asked them really good questions on nearly all of the possible reef keeping topics and you get to read their detailed responses. This book provides you with a quick way to learn from those more experienced in this hobby. Learn from their mistakes, experiences and knowledge.
What's really interesting is to read the different approaches to the various aspects of reef keeping. It shows you how no two setups are exactly alike but they achieve the same end result - a thriving miniature reef in a home aquarium.
This book covers a lot of ground and covers it well. After reading these interviews you should be armed with the confidence and, more importantly, the knowledge needed to get started right in the reef keeping hobby."
Mike Magnum
FishLore.com (Tropical Fish Information)
----- Review by Mike Magnum of FishLore.com (Tropical Fish Information)
