Books for New to Advanced Aquarists

[snakeblitz33]

I have been answering a lot of questions lately with "Read a good book." So, I have decided to create a thread with a list of books to read. If there is anything that I have missed or not included, please post it!
I am going to post links to Amazon.com where these books can be easily purchased. I do not think that this will be in direct violation with the forum rules. There are also two nice books on SWF.com available for purchase.
Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: I consider these four books essential for beginners. It will answer some of your questions about setting up and maintaining a saltwater aquarium. The last two books on this list is a guide, so it will help you in selecting your fish and invertebrates.
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner


Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook by Dr. Robert Goldstein

A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species by Ronald L. Shimek

A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species by Scott W. Michael

 

[snakeblitz33]

Corals, Selection and Husbandry:
Aquarium Corals by Eric Borneman

A Practical Guide to Corals, By Eric Borneman

Corals: A Quick Reference Guide by Julian Sprung

 

[snakeblitz33]

Here is another good one for starting an aquarium:
The New Marine Aquarium

 

[snakeblitz33]

Here is a list of three books. They are kind of expensive, but they are thicker then textbooks! They all have to do with the care and maintenance of reef tanks. Volume one deals with SPS corals and clams. Volume 2 deals mainly with LPS and Soft corals. Volume 3 discusses the science, biology and art of reef keeping. I believe they are all about 500 pages each. Very technical, very specific and up to date information on all things reef. I highly recommend them. So does Anthony Calfo!

The Reef Aquarium: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates (Volume 1)
Julian Sprung (Author), Charles Delbeek (Author)


The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebrates
J. Charles Delbeek (Author), Julian Sprung (Author)

The Reef Aquarium, Vol. 3: Science, Art, and Technology
Julian Sprung (Author), J. Charles Delbeek (Author)

 

[snakeblitz33]

This is an awesome book that I highly recommend if you are interested in algae and how to prevent it or even how to grow it. It's an identification guide, a growing guide and a problem solving guide all in one, which is great. It's also pretty affordable. I recommend everyone to buy it.
Algae: A Problem Solver Guide (Oceanographic Series) Julian Sprung

 

[snakeblitz33]

For those of you who might be interested in culturing your own live foods such as plankton, rotifers, brine and their care and feeding and feeding your reef tank then this set of books is for you!

Algal Culturing Techniques Robert A. Andersen (Editor)

Plankton Culture Methods

 

[snakeblitz33]

Here are a couple of breeder books that I have found very informative and give a great base for what needs to be done to aquaculture livestock.
Complete Illustrated guide to Breeding Marine Aquarium Fishes by Matthew L. Wittenrich

Conditioning, Spawning and Rearing of Fish with Emphasis on Marine Clownfish by Frank H. Hoff

 

[snakeblitz33]

Here's a pretty comprehensive book on coral propagation for those serious coral gardeners out there. There are several of these types of books that I would recommend, but Anthony Calfo does a great job of explaining everything in his quirky little way - so it's easy to read.
Coral Propagation by Anthony Calfo

Other books such as the ones by Julian Sprung also discuss coral propagation in excellent detail.

 

[snakeblitz33]

I'll add more later.
I was thinking about posting a few more books that have to do with:
Large saltwater systems
species specific books
recently published beginners saltwater aquarium books

 

[bubblegurl]

This is an awesome thread! Out shopping I go again! Will save room on the forum with my newbie questions! Cheers!

 

[1guydude]

+1 good thread

 

[gemmy]

Is it bad if I never owned a SW book?

 

[snakeblitz33]

YES!!!
Bulletin Boards are great for advice and stuff, but they do not provide accurate, complete, and detailed information. Heck, I'm still learning... every single time I turn the page!

 

[dhendy]

It actually is best to read on a lot of materials first so that you would know what to expect before diving into this hobby. I mean, it is not an easy task to study marine life and all the more taking care of a big tank on your own. So before you harm creatures with not knowing what to expect and what to do, I suggest that beginners invest on learning about them first rather than jump into it without knowing that much.

 

[gemmy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/387791/books-for-new-to-advanced-aquarists#post_3415164
YES!!!
Bulletin Boards are great for advice and stuff, but they do not provide accurate, complete, and detailed information. Heck, I'm still learning... every single time I turn the page!
I agree, that is why I skim the ones at my work during my breaks. It helps that I have a photographic memory and remember everything.