Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques [Hardcover]

Alf Jacob Nilsen (Author), Svein A. Fossa (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Micro-Reef Secrets (H)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: TFH Publications (January 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 189008767X
• ISBN-13: 978-1890087678
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #95,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

  #20 in

  Books > Home & Garden > Animal Care & Pets > Fish & Aquariums

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Starting a Reef, October 11, 2003

By	Too Cold in Madison (Madison, WI, USA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

This review is from: Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques (Hardcover)

This is a beautiful book. There are lots of great pictures. The book is an excellent resource for those who are starting a reef tank. There are thorough and informative chapters on issues such as set-up, live rock, lighting, fitration, feeding, etc. The sections on selection & care of corals, other invertebrates, fishes, and algae are excellent. Issues of care, compatibility and conservation are addressed for all species.

I did notice a couple of incorrect pictures, but this is a very minor problem.

Overall, this is an excellent beginner/intermediate book by a pair of recognized and respected authorities in the field. Their superb 4-volume series is beyond the budget of most at a per-volume list price of around $90. Most of what the average new reefer needs is here in this book. It is an excellent value for the price.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Think out of the box, May 6, 2005

By	Erik Cornelissen - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques (Hardcover)

You won't have to go over the ammonia cycle again here, though there is enough info to get you started. The title is a great indication of what to expect. This book is about thinking out of the box in aquarium keeping and planning them correctly.

My favorite section talks about ideas for aquariums and how when we start, we usually try to replicate a hodgepodge thrown together because we want a little of everything instead of a real underwater scene which could be much more interesting. This book has opened my eyes to new planning possibilities, I wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

It has a great section on all types of fishes, invertebrates, cnidaria, etc... of options for choices with clear and concise care guide and potential pitfalls.

There is one or two things that might surprise if you have aquariums in the Americas, such as stating that 10% of water changed per year is reasonable. Maybe very large aquarium, but I change that per week. Then again, only because I have read elsewhere and heard advice to do so even though it does seem to make sense to me.

I wish I had found this book before planning my current aquarium, but it has certainly gotten me thinking about the next one. I recommend this as an additional starter book (perhaps to accompany Paletta's New Marine Aquarium) or for anyone who knows the simple basics and wants interesting new ideas to rehash the passion. Without question, worth it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to select animals for your aquarium, November 29, 2003

By	L. Spencer (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques (Hardcover)

The best part of this book is the stocking guide section. It describes many, many common fishes & inverts that are found in the aquaria trade in great detail. Makes stocking a tank very easy.

They're very environmentally aware without being preachy about it. For instance, they will point out which fishes should be tank bred and why.

Beautiful photography!