Customer Reviews

The Simple Guide to Marine Aquariums

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

 

 

I really have to give this book 5 stars - it is the first book I read on marine aquariums and it is the source that I bounce all new info off of. This book gives a great introduction to both fish-only and mini-reef aquariums. But that is also it's problem.

It took me a long time to untangle exactly what information in this book pertained to which set-up. The emphasis of the book is on mini-reefs (and I have since started a simple 55-gallon mini-reef, as well as a 29-gallon fish-only tank), but the best set-up for a beginner would undoubtedly be a fish-only or fish with hardy invertebrates set-up. And this book does cover these issues, but it all seems to get mixed-up with the full-blown mini-reef (which requires higher, and more expensive - way more expensive - lighting, filtration, and livestock). The sections on fish selection are informative, but incomplete (like exactly what should you feed each fish?).

All in all - no book is perfect, and this is a great place to start. For a briefer, but clearer, discussion of the types of set-ups, I would suggest that you consult The Conscientious Marine Aquarist. It covers the basic differences between each set-up in a much clearer fashion.

All in all, a fish-only saltwater aquarium is nowhere near as difficult as most people believe, especially if you have experience with maintaining water quality in a freshwater aquarium, and if you carefully choose your fish. This book will help you do both - but keep on reading when you're done - the more you know about this subject, the better. Especially for your fishies!

No doubt about it, if you need to buy one book to get aquainted with the hobby, this book is the one.

Being a librarian and new to the hobby, I have purchased about 12 books on marine aquariums now, some very good, but this is definitely the one to start with.

Information is current and presented effectively. It's filled with actual aquarium photos, unlike some great books that rely heavily on pictures from the ocean.

One complaint, and this was probably an editing ploy to sell more books, Kurtz claims you do not need to be proficient in fresh water aquariums in order to try marine. I HIGHLY DISAGREE WITH THAT, because you can learn a lot of lessons MUCH cheaper with freshwater fish than having to learn to manage water changes, overfeeding, medicating, and algae blooms with your salt-water friends.

Another complaint, my copy had poor binding and fell apart quickly.

I bought this book before making the big mistake of blindly plumetting into marine aquriums. It openes my eyes before hand to what ws in store. I truly got a head start of the game with this precise, simple great eexplaining fun to read book.

This is a good starter book for anyone interested in a saltwater (marine) aquarium. It provides some good information on tank set-up, water parameters, equipment, etc. It has a section on fish compatability and even gives a recommended list of fish for a 30 gallon tank. This is a good book to start with and is very easy to read. The author provides some good photos and did a good job separating information into each chapter. The book can be found on Amazon for only a couple of bucks making it well worth the money if you are new to the hobby. I would not recommend this book to those people that consider themselves advanced aquarists because it probably doesn't have the advanced information you might be looking for. However, it is a great book for beginners or those that are fairly new to the hobby.

read cover to cover! very useful book for a first timer. easy to read good information and photos!!!

Don't be fooled by it's title...the simplicity and well carried chapters allow everyone who reads this easy to follow book to jump start on this captivating hobby.
Many things can go wrong setting up a new acquarium and this book certainly helps avoid a lot of them.
A definite must read!

I really liked this book it gives you great information that can get you started and help you save money.

I have read countless books on Marine aquariums. while this is not the book for an expert it gives you a great idea on the basics of Marine aquariums. it will get you started. I love this book for things that the more advanced books seem to assume you already know. though there isnt anyting on corals in this book... basicly live rock and the fish... and a glimpse of what it takes for corals. a good read.