Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies [Paperback]

Gregory Skomal PhD (Author)

Book Description

Series: For Dummies (Lifestyles Paperback) | Publication Date: March 1, 2002

The world of saltwater fish is both fascinating and fun. They come in a variety of different colors and sizes, and make for terrific pets. But you’ve probably been told that saltwater aquariums are complicated, need constant attention, and cost a lot. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. With today’s technologies and Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies, a saltwater aquarium can easily be mastered by anyone.

Whether you know little or nothing about aquariums, filtration, fish, and invertebrates or just want to switch from collecting freshwater fish to saltwater fish, Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies has what you need to get started in this new world.

Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies is a fun reference book that walks you through the entire aquarium process, from selecting the proper equipment to choosing the right fish. You’ll quickly move from having no aquarium at all to selecting one and setting it up. Once you’re aquarium is rea dy for fish, you’ll discover the basics of fish biology and select the right tank inhabitants for your aquarium. To help keep your aquarium clean and your fish happy, Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies also covers important elements that may affect your tanks life-sustaining ability. You’ll also discover how to:

• Choose the proper location for your aquarium
• Figure out what type of filter you need
• Set the right water temperature in your tank
• Properly light your tank
• Pick the right accessories—rock, coral, plants, and ornaments
• Find the right mix of fish
• Check your salt level
• Understand the nitrogen cycle in saltwater aquariums

With clear and easy step-by-step instructions on setting up your tank, maintaining proper water conditions, and feeding your saltwater fish, Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies can help you create a well-equipped aquatic ecosystem in your home in no time.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Select the best fish and equipment for your saltwater aquarium

Dive into the colorful world of saltwater fish This fun, hassle-free guide will help you to fully enjoy your saltwater aquarium. Marine biologist Gregory Skomal offers clear and easy step-by-step instructions on how to set up a tank, maintain proper water conditions, and feed and care for your saltwater fish. For more plain-English advice, see:

The Dummies Way(r) Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! @www.dummies.com
* Attention pet owners!
* Get free Dummies Daily(r) e-mail newsletters
* Sign up for tips on a variety of pets
* Keep your pet healthy and content - the Dummies Way

About the Author

Gregory Skomal is an experienced aquarist and Marine Fisheries Biologist at Martha's Vineyard Fisheries, Department of Game, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764553402
• ISBN-13: 978-0764553400
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #525,188 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed with Dummies, March 31, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies (Paperback)

I bought this book and The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide by Michael S. Paletta in order to plan my new saltwater aquarium. The Paletta book is fantastic, up to date and is everything a beginner could want. The dummies book still pushes the undergravel filter as the best method for filtration. About a dozen websites that I checked dissagree. That's my major problem with this book. Having read both books over the course of two nights, I was astounded by how little information you actually get from this book. No subject is given in enough detail, even for a beginner's book. You will see my copy on ebay soon.

40 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Out of Date and sometimes misleading information, December 14, 2004

By 

Karen L. White "Raveness" (Cumberland, Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies (Paperback)

I was very excited to start my aquarium and used this book to start, within a few weeks I found out by visiting stores that I was basically doing everything wrong. I went to buy an underwater filter and they laughed at me and told me that they haven't sold any since the 70's. They also fail to mention how important and easy to maintain live rock is. I didn't even get any until a very knowledgeable sales person mentioned it. This book mentions very little about it and even less of it's importance. Overall the book is terrible, I am shopping for something new.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Primer. The Only Marine Tank Book You Need, January 29, 2006

By 

Ryan M. Hart "Esquilax" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies (Paperback)

I first want to contradict some of the other reviews on this page. This is a great book for the beginner. I used it and followed it to the T same goes for two of my friends. We have all had successful and healthy tanks for well over a year. This book will touch all the basics. Once you learn those you will then know the terminology and concepts and be able to find any other information you need for free, on the web. It is also very previlent in the marine fish hobby to learn conflicting information. Much of the care of fish really requires observation what one person claims solves the problem may not be the best for another with a different setup and different fish. Keep this in mind when you do run into so said "contradictions" that other reviewers have claimed to exist.

The book does talk about live rock, it also talks about undergravel filters being obsolete. Some of the reviewers seem to interpret being concise as not being informative. The author even states that technology in the hobby is always expanding, so you need to talk with your local livestock dealer.

If I could take the time to improve this book I would do two things.
1.) Color photos it is hard to tell what a saltwater fish looks like in real life from a b/w photo.
2.) A fish compatibility chart that details fishes and their compatabilities . (These are availible on the web if you image:google fish compatability) Fish incompatability can be more problamatic than in proper tank care.