That's what I'm hoping to do - Natural Reefs is pretty darn cheap at amazon, but stuff like Coral Propagation still run fairly close to retail and for that one it takes about 4 - 6 weeks to order it in.

I might just start out with Natural Reef and go from there, seems a good beginners book - I had seen some discussion regarding a previous book the author did that had a lot more information, I dont' remember the title but I'm going to try and hunt it down.

I've had mixed results with Amazon. Sometimes 4 to 6 weeks can be more like 4 to 6 months, I guess it depends on how hard it is find a stash of the needed books. So if you're patient go for it, but if you're impatient (like me sometimes :) ) then ordering it from the aquaria vendors is a sure bet because they'll likely have a stockpile.

Also with some of the newer titles, like Fatheree's clam book, you can pretty much ONLY get at the aquaria vendors. Well maybe it's better by now since it's been out a few months but for a while there it was only those vendors who went to MACNA and picked them up there that had it .. places like Amazon and Indigo didn't even recognise the title when I was looking for it.

I had the *hardest* time getting the Kuiter Wrasse book last year. I ended up buying it from the U.S. Now there seems to be more places you can buy it (ie. I see it on J&L's site NOW). Basically, sometimes it can be a wild goose chase if you're looking for a title that's not in the mainstream. I guess it's all part of the fun. ;)

LOL - yeah, I felt that way when I was ordering books (mostly obscure comics, way back) - and it was enjoyable to a degree, but this stuff seems pretty cut and dry - either you gets it, or you don't.

Seems like starting with Natural Reef is a good launch pad, and I'll branch out from there and just keep my eyes open! :)

I've found for general tank setup and such, the internet is great. www.advancedaquarist.com is great for learning about gear and the obscure species here n there. The latest findings are usually found on there if you're looking for "up-to-datedness". I've sat for hours just perusing through that site.

As for books, I like my two PocketExpert Guides.

Marine Invertibrates, by Ronald L Shimek Ph.D.
Marine Fishes, by Scott W. Michael

Both are good books for beginning research that don't break the bank ($22 each on chapters.ca/amazon.ca) Their small size makes them great to take to the LFS, too if you're doing a "nono" and making an impulsive purchase ;)

I'm a bookworm, too, but I've found it's hard to find good books for marine aquariums that aren't out of date. Not saying they don't exist, just saying you have to do your research before you can do your research lol.

Take Elegance Coral for instance: Most of the specimins being collected nowadays don't last long in captivity, yet many of the books say they're hardy. Research found online suggests it's because of parasites they catch while kept in holding tanks with the huge assortment of corals now being kept by distributers. I had one die on me because I read in two books they're hardy (Shimek did say they're not as hardy as they used to be in his pocketexpert book, though). Up to date information is generally easier to find online than in a book. Be sure to cross-reference what you read on paper with some information online, and vice versa if possible :)

But either way, I have fun reading about the hobby, in any form I can get my information, and I'm sure you will too :) Damn this hobby is expensive! lol