Best reef book?

[SomethingsFishy]

I'm looking to get a book or two on reef tanks...what books would you suggest? I'm not looking to spend 80 bucks on a book here so be reasonable...how's "Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies"?

And yes, Saltcreepette, we decided to go ahead and buy that fish tank that I inquired about a few days ago. We got it for $500, which I think is a pretty darn good deal. I was actually gone this weekend, but my dad has been doing a lot of research and calling around...he knows quite a few people who are experienced with reef tanks that can help us out, and when we move the tank (probably next week), we'll have one of 'em along to help out and make sure everything goes smoothly! He'll also be doing quite a bit of educating, and I'm going to read whatever book we buy cover to cover ASAP.

Thanks guys!

[PJ]

SomethingsFishy,

Congrats on the purchase. $500. is a good deal.
]
SW Aquariums for Dummies is okay, it's got a good index system. You might be able to pick up a copy at your local library too.

Check the libraries for SW books. Some branches are good resources.

There are more technical type books that someone here might recommend too.

Don't forget THIS site. They have EXCELLENT advice for you.

There's another good on line site that has some good beginner information ..www.about.com go to the SW aquarium forum.

Good luck, and have FUN.

PJ

[Tasher80]

I have just gotten into the hobby and all I can say is read as much as you can. I have about 7 books now that I have collected in the last month and every book I learn something new. I don't even have water in my tank yet and i read these forums here at least twice a day just so I can get good ideas.

[mapster]

Conscientious Marine Aquariums by Robert Fenner and Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullok are great starter books.

[Chem Guy]

Several good reefkeeping books are available. Older books tend to be outdated and only marginally useful. I only have a couple of the books on the list, used for reference, but have read the others. These books can be borrowed from other reefers, but are very costly if purchased. Really cheap through interlibrary loan:

The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium, Voumes 1-4, by Svein A. Fossa, Alf Jacob Nilsen
The Reef Aquarium, Volumes 1-2, by J. Charles Delbeek, Julian Sprung
Natural Reef Aquariums, by John H. Tullock, Martin A. Moe
Reef Secrets, by Svein A. Fossa, Alf Jacob Nilsen
Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook, by Robert J. Goldstein
Reef Invertebrates, by Anthony Calfo, Robert Fenner
The Coral Reef Aquarium, by Ron Shimek

+ many others.....

[salt creepette]

congrats on your new setup!!!!! Cant wait to see it when youve got it all reassembled!

--erin

[Tasher80]

I have the book Natural Reef Aquariums by John H. Tullock and I think it is a good book. Lots of information in it. It can retail for around $30.00 depending on where you get it. I have many other books too but this is a good book.

[MiddletonMark]

I'd go for Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman. Borrow the Nilsson and Fossa books as they're a good read [just a little spendy] ... but Eric B's book is quite good for the price [$35ish, used are available at times].

Fenner and Calfo's Reef Inverts. book is pretty good too.

Not really impressed with Sprung and Delbeeks [for the price] ... and while good, Fenner's and Tullock's I wouldn't buy both of - seem to have some overlap IMO in system-related stuff. Both are good reads, though.... maybe borrow or get from library.

Find a local reef club, ask people there to borrow. Read a couple books myself that way that I couldn't afford. That and check Ebay for good ones [like mentioned in this thread].

[salt creepette]

i have to make my shameless plug for half.com. I pay about half price for books there. some sellers are selling new, some used, i havent received one yet that was in bad shape. for example, I got clownfishes by joyce wilkerson for 8 bucks and I paid the extra 5 bucks for quick shipping, when I couldnt find the book for less than $35 retail.

[MiddletonMark]

Wow, nice!

Happily will take that plug [aka $$]

[Alice]

I'm with Salt Creepette; look for those used-book bargains and shop the prices online! I was able to get my Delbeek & Sprung TRA 1 & 2 for under $80 for the pair, including shipping, and they were new.