Recommended reading?

andsoitgoes · #1 01-09-2007, 03:14 AM

I know that there may be a post in this, but I've spent about 20 minutes and, knowing me, there's probably just a keyword I'm not using that would solve the problem...

Anyway, I'm looking for info on what some good books and authors are - I really want to get "into" this - it's not like standard freshwater tanks for me, this is something that's so much more, and I really want to go all out in my knowledge.

I've had a few good friends recommend some books, but without it down on electron-charged paper, I forget

Maybe a sticky can be added somewhere, or maybe a book reviews section? I know personally my focuses would be on the basics and a tad bit into things like setting up sumps, the premise behind stuff like that, etc.

And then going as far as propogation of corals and fish, and the chemistry side of things. I know there's a ton of books out there, but I made the mistake of buying one randomly and I wasted a good $20 on it.

Thanks in advance all!

Nick

AndyL · #2 01-09-2007, 03:17 AM

More than 20$ but anthony calfo's book of coral propagation should be near the top of that list... not really a basics book - but definitely worth reading after your first tank is setup - and before your first upgrade

wetcoast · #3 01-09-2007, 03:18 AM

I really found that things opened up a bit more for me after reading this:

http://www.amazon.com/Book-Coral-Pro...5?tag2=gp04-20

Or maybe it sticks out in my mind as it was the last Aquarium related book I read...

andsoitgoes · #4 01-09-2007, 04:02 AM

Wow, that's 3 recommendations for the same book (another member mentioned it when I was asking about it)

Just need to find it for a reasonable price, now! Anyone got a used one to sell?

J&L recommended "Natural Reef Aquariums" - anyone have experience with that book?

wetcoast · #5 01-09-2007, 04:36 AM

There are lots of places you can find Calfo's book - all are about the same price. It is worth it. There have been some other good books I have read by Julian Sprung, Ronald Schimek, and Bob Fenner. Look those names up on Amazon and you should be in a good place. And share the ones you have read afterwords in this thread so that others can do the same! - Regards-Dave

Delphinus · #6 01-09-2007, 04:54 AM

Kind of pricey but "The Reef Aquarium" by Julian Sprung and Charles Delbeek, volumes I, II and now III are really the bible of reefing.

Fossa and Nilsen also have a similar series, from a European perspective, said to be very good as well, but I haven't read those myself. There is said to be a lot of overlap between this and the TRA volumes.

Clownfishes, by Joyce Wilkerson

Anemonefish And Their Host Sea Anemones, Daphne Fautin and Gerald Allen
(This is the bible of host sea anemone identification, plus anemonefish identification and geographic ranges. Not a whole lot of relevant info for captive care, however, because the authors do not (or did not at the time of writing), approve for the practise of captive anemone keeping. Nevertheless these two are the worlds foremost authorities on the subject so it is worthwhile having, if your into anemones or anemonefish. For captive care, including breeding of clownfish, the Wilkerson book is a better bet. Ultimately, you'll have to have both if this topic interests you.)

Clams by Daniel Knop

Clams by James Fatheree

Knop is/was the authority on tridacnids for the longest time. His book however is slightly dated (yet the info is still relevant), plus it is translated into English from German. The Fatheree book just came out a few months ago so is very flashy and new. Both books are worth having IMO, if clams interest you.

Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman.

Fish books - pretty much anything by Rudie Kuiter is going to be an amazing reference. Also look for Scott Michael. There are too many titles to list but look for these authors.

There are, of course, so many others. Too many to list at once! These above ones are my favourites but I bet I'm overlooking a few too. My best advice is look to the serious reef oriented vendors such as J&L, Ocean Aquatics, and see what books they sell.

For a starter reference though, look to the TRA volumes (first one I mentioned). Can't go wrong with those.

Chaotic Cricket · #7 01-09-2007, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveatwinterpegca

There are lots of places you can find Calfo's book - all are about the same price. It is worth it. There have been some other good books I have read by Julian Sprung, Ronald Schimek, and Bob Fenner. Look those names up on Amazon and you should be in a good place. And share the ones you have read afterwords in this thread so that others can do the same! - Regards-Dave

Yes amazon.ca is a good place to find them, quite often you can find used copies there as well. I picked all of mine up used then after reading most were ut back there for someone else. Aside from a few I kept, which are at the bottom of a pile of things in a mini-storage unfortunatley.

fishface · #8 01-09-2007, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

J&L recommended "Natural Reef Aquariums" - anyone have experience with that book?

i've got this one and would recommend it for sure.

andsoitgoes · #9 01-09-2007, 08:10 PM

I was really hoping to find some used, I don't need fancy (I would like a newer edition, though - such as Calfo's Coral Propagation, which has lots of illustrations)

Shame these aren't more prevalent on the internet book sites (used to be into the used book market, and it's dry as a bone for this stuff, sigh)

Snappy · #10 01-09-2007, 09:24 PM

I agree with the Amazon scenario. This is what I did for my own library and would recommend it as a great source to find what you want at a lower price. Delivery is usually within a week.