Freshwater Aquariums: Basic Aquarium Setup and Maintenance (CompanionHouse Books) Beginner-Friendly Guide to Keeping Fish, Choosing Varieties, Setting the Tank, Achieving Optimum Water Quality, & More

by David Alderton

The ideal primer for the beginner fish-keeper! For the beginning aquatic fancier looking to start out right with fish, Freshwater Aquariums by David Alderton is the perfect guide! Packed with common-sense advice, Freshwater Aquariums explains the dos and don'ts of one of the most popular hobbies in the world, with the help of more than 140 full-color photos and diagrams. Choose and set up your aquarium, select your fish from the stunning gallery of possibilities described, and watch them thrive in your care! A vertebrate that breathes primarily by means of gills and swims by means of fins is the author's lead-in to the first chapter called "What are Fish?" Alderton builds your confidence by providing solid information about what fish are anatomically speaking, how they evolved, how they breathe, how they move, where they live, and how they behave. The new fancier's aquarium begins in chapter two with instructions on setup, including selecting the right size, figuring out how many fish, setting the tank, equipment, substrate, heating, lighting, filtrations, plants, water chemistry, assembly, and more. Get tips on choosing the right tankmates so you can ensure your aquarium remains peaceful and serene. Choosing the freshwater fish that appeal to you is the subject of "Introducing the Categories of Fish," which explains seven categories of Cyprinids (goldfish, minnows, and barbs), Characins (tetras), Cichlids (oscars, angelfish, and discus), Anabantoids (gouramis, bettas/Siamese fighting fish, and paradise fish), Toothcarps (guppies, swordtails, platies, black mollies, and killifish), Catfish, and others (like loaches and Chinese algae eaters). The purchasing, maintenance, and feeding of fish are described in considerable detail, and the author provides a basic overview of breeding and keeping your fish healthy as well. A list of resources, useful glossary, and comprehensive index are included. By always focusing on the natural habitat and behavior of the fish, this book will ensure that your aquarium is a perfect environment! Bring the wild and alien beauty of fish into your home with complete confidence, with Freshwater Aquariums !

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

David Alderton is a UK-based writer specialising in pets and natural history topics. Growing up in a home surrounded by pets, he originally trained to become a veterinary surgeon. An allergic dermatitis acquired in his final year of study forced a change of career however, and so led him into the field of writing about pets and their care. He has since become a regular contributor of articles on this subject to a wide range of newspapers and magazines in the UK and abroad, and also participates frequently in radio and television programmes.

His books have currently sold over six million copies, and have been translated into 30 different languages. David’s titles have won awards in the USA from the Cat Writers' Association of America and the Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers’ Association of America, as well as being nominated for the Sir Peter Kent Conservation Book Prize. He has also chaired the National Council for Aviculture, the umbrella organisation for bird-keeping clubs and associations in the UK, and is a member of the Kennel Club, as well as editor of the monthly magazine Practical Reptile Keeping.

Reviews

[Shroud · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty solid overview to get started. would NOT recommend it as an absolute or only source of information, though.

[Benjamin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite informative to beginner, intermediate, pro' and master aquarist.
I enjoyed how the author broke down each level of what comes into play when keeping an aquarium in detail. Easy to read and understand.
The author writes on almost all aquatic aspects to keeping a healthy aquarium and livestock. This is definitely a good purchase!

[Bobbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really? It's that complicated to keep fish? You have to balance the "air" they breathe? (The gases, with plantings and bacterial cultures and gravel vacuums?) And it's pricey. Hmm. Maybe not. Though it could become a sort of winter substitute for gardening...

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm considering setting up the aquarium my brother gave me. It's surprisingly relaxing to read about fish. I'll probably start with corydoras and guppies -- they're good beginner fish.

[Nanci · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth taking the time to read it. Very little information included.

[Hilary]

Not the best aquarium book I found, but fine. Can't remember the best one now.