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The Marine Aquarium Reference: Systems and Invertebrates
A major reference for the marine aquarist. The 512 pages of text, tables, figures, and drawings clearly explain the techniques and technology of modern marine aquarium trickle filtration, redox potential, carbonate hardness, protein foam skimming, biological filtration, high density lighting, .. The latest classification of invertebrates and all other living organisms is also included with expanded discussion of the invertebrate groups most important to marine aquarists.
510 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 2, 2019
The best book on reefkeeping/saltwater aquaria I have seen. I just started it, and looked up a few subjects, but it is clearly more informative. It is not overly technical (I am not a science person) but it is very detailed. It is the only book I have seen that actually explains what alkalinity and PH are and how they work. My experience is that if I have a question, it will help, and I will understand things better. Some other books might give me a few facts or a suggestion. There are tables for eqivalents and practical calculations (like water flow). Several things set it apart from some of the most popular books:
1. The text and style are much better. It doesn’t sound like a “hobby” book.
2. It spends more time explaining how things work than listing them.
3. It gives detailed plans for DIY projects.
4. It’s less concerned with deciding what is for “beginners”, “advanced”, etc.
5. It doesn’t have any photos, but it has good illustrations, diagrams, and tables.
6. It has a good index.
It is certainly dated with respect to equipment, and possibly some husbandry, but for the most part it is focused on how things work. Why filters and lights work is always the same, so most of that information is applicable to any equipment you choose. A book can have all of the latest “stuff” and still be less than informative. If you want to know what to DO, this will help.
I am familiar with “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist”, and Tullock’s “Natural Reef Aquariums”. I frequently refer to Borneman’s “Aquarium Corals”. I have Sprung’s “Algae Problem Solver’s Guide”, and just picked up Vol. 1 of Delbeek and Sprung’s “The Reef Aquarium”. I appreciate Delbeek And Sprung very much, but if I had to get one book, Moe’s “Marine Aquarium Reference” would be it. Moe recommends and refers to his “Marine Aquarium Handbook: Beginner to Breeder” as being a more general or introductory guide. I haven’t seen it, but plan to get it.
1. The text and style are much better. It doesn’t sound like a “hobby” book.
2. It spends more time explaining how things work than listing them.
3. It gives detailed plans for DIY projects.
4. It’s less concerned with deciding what is for “beginners”, “advanced”, etc.
5. It doesn’t have any photos, but it has good illustrations, diagrams, and tables.
6. It has a good index.
It is certainly dated with respect to equipment, and possibly some husbandry, but for the most part it is focused on how things work. Why filters and lights work is always the same, so most of that information is applicable to any equipment you choose. A book can have all of the latest “stuff” and still be less than informative. If you want to know what to DO, this will help.
I am familiar with “The Conscientious Marine Aquarist”, and Tullock’s “Natural Reef Aquariums”. I frequently refer to Borneman’s “Aquarium Corals”. I have Sprung’s “Algae Problem Solver’s Guide”, and just picked up Vol. 1 of Delbeek and Sprung’s “The Reef Aquarium”. I appreciate Delbeek And Sprung very much, but if I had to get one book, Moe’s “Marine Aquarium Reference” would be it. Moe recommends and refers to his “Marine Aquarium Handbook: Beginner to Breeder” as being a more general or introductory guide. I haven’t seen it, but plan to get it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review