Book Description
This book is the "bible" on the subject of Reef Aquarium keeping, covering the biology of coral reefs and relating it to the biological, chemical, and physical parameters considered when creating a reef aquarium. The book details how to successfully cultivate corals in captivity and also features the identification and care of numerous coral and giant clam species. Diseases and parasites, and methods for controlling algae are also featured. The book finishes with an exciting section of photographs demonstrating successful reef aquariums.
Customer Reviews:
Great advice.......2005-10-14
New hobbyist should read this book for advice, then read it again in 6 months.
Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference.......2005-06-09
The good?
This book is truly a comprehensive piece covering probably more than you want to know at times. For example, it explains the chemical reactions that occur during calcification of corals and why additions are necessary.
After reading many other references, I must say I am very happy I purchased this volume. Contained in these pages are insights you won't find anywhere else.
The book clearly explains the setup and maintenance procedures required to be successful in stony coral reef keeping.
The bad?
My main gripe is trivial. Guys, how about a larger font size and pictures? I had to do a lot of squinting.
It could do with a minor revision of some references that are dated (such as collection of live rock from Florida) as the original was 1994, but make no mistake that all information is relevant.
In summary...
Obviously at this price it is unfortunately out of reach of the casual hobbyist, which is a shame. However, one could buy this book instead of various "reference manuals" which might be the same at the end of the day.
Buy it if you can afford it.
I also highly recommend Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals book.
Perhaps the best book on reef care.......2005-05-16
An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use.
(Note: This volume covers stony corals and not soft corals).
When I started keeping marine aquaria keeping back in 1970 one almost had to employ the skills of a chemist. In those days most people in the hobby thought it nearly impossible to care for many of the species of coral now commonly kept. It was only through the encouragement of a local public aquarium (the John G. Shedd Aquarium) whereas a high school student I was able to participate in collecting trips that I got the encouragement to experiment. I started out with Robert Straughan's books back in 1970 which both helped to get me in trouble and helped me grow as an aquarist. both In those days there was an awful lot of trial and error. Later in the late 70's I helped to pioneer some techniques when I worked for the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. In those days in San Francisco I worked for one of the largest marine fish wholesalers in the world. We had a lot of shipments that went off to Germany and now I wonder if some of the species that passed through my hands ended up in the hands of the authors. Somewhat of a revolution went of in the hoby in the 1980 thanks in part to the efforts of the Germans. Thankfully the hobby is now much more of a discipline and a lot more humane. It is quite amazing how far the hobby has come. I am sure the hobby will continue to evolve. This is a pricey book but it is a pricey hobby and this book is one of the best, if not the best, books on the subject available. The best place to start with the hobby is a book like this one.
Helpful books.......2001-12-10
In some reviews the two volumes of "The Reef Aquarium" have been named "the bible of reef aquarists". This makes you expect a lot, but my expectations have not been disappointed in any way. Describing the natural habit at in the coral reef, explaining the established reef aquarium systems or introducing the suitable aquarium inhabitants - in these two books I found it all. Even here in Germany those two books are known as a German translation, and they're successful.
The Questions Are Answered.......2001-12-05
This book should be an example by which all other marine and reef aquarium books follow. Current and relavant information from cover to cover. This is the stuff you need to know if you are serious about being successful in this hobby. Great book but a great group of people.
Product Description
The Reef Aquarium Volume Three: Science, Art, and Technology Reefkeeping science involves the interplay of biology, chemistry, and physics. However, a reef aquarium is not simply a product of scientific knowledge. The application of engineering and its product technology, makes it possible to duplicate the specific biological, chemical, and physical requirements of a coral reef in a relatively small volume of water. This third volume in The Reef Aquarium series, provides the most thorough description of the science behind the creation of a captive reef, and critically reviews and explains the different philosophical approaches to reef aquarium design. It also describes and illustrates the existing as well as emerging technology for building reef aquariums, to help guide the selection of equipment, its proper use, and installation. While science and technology afford the blank canvas and tools to build a suitable life support system, the plants, animals, and of course the aquarist provide the final ingredient that we call art. This art also involves the system design as it relates to the living space, the aesthetic appearance of the display, and its ease of maintenance, safety, and functionality. To this end, this book provides a wealth of information regarding aquascaping techniques, which combine art, biology, and physics; and invaluable information regarding plumbing, electrical, and other aspects of the aquarium design that combine art and engineering. Lastly, this book discusses the benefits and potential environmental impacts of the marine aquarium hobby, the challenges for its future, and possible new directions. The Reef Aquarium volume three is the essential manual for all reef aquarium hobbyists, professional aquarists, and coral reef researchers who study, create, and enjoy coral reef ecosystems in the confines of an aquarium. Book Design: Daniel N. Ramirez
Customer Reviews:
Good Stuff.......2007-10-02
This book is packed full of tons of information. It is great for newbies and even has stuff for veterans; definitely a book for the library.
Well worth the money.......2007-07-13
This is a very complete reference. It covers all the nuts and bolts of a reef tank set-up. It does not cover any fish or inverts, but the first two books took care of that. This book is the first place to go for tank set-up and care. It is good for reference or just to read. Very well done!
1st and Last book you may ever need.......2007-06-28
I have all three volumes. Each volume is more dedicated to a certain area. If all you ever buy is the 3 volumes you will do very well in reef aquariums. These books cover the scientific as well as the beginner basics. Each book on its own has enough information to make your reef aquarium thrive. I would recommend getting all three if you feel you need more information.
Comprehensive Reefkeeping Information.......2007-01-28
Excellent book. There is quite a bit of information for the reefkeeper from novice to advanced. Covers water quality , aquascaping, plumbing, equipment, lighting, water movement, feeding and more in depth. I wish I had read this volume before starting my first tank. It would have saved me a lot of money, time and frustration.
Best value for money!.......2007-01-18
I own over 20 books on reef keeping and related topics. I must say that this book is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject I have read to date. I am planning to buy 2 more books from the series.
Book Description
Reef Fish3rd Edition, Reef Creature 2nd Edition and Reef Coral 2nd Edition Identification books packaged in a beautifully printed Shelf Case.
Customer Reviews:
Identifying things underwater in the Caribbean........2007-08-26
I am a Brit who has been travelling to the Caribbean to dive with a Rotary group on an annual basis for the past 5 years during which we have dived in the North, East, West and Southern areas. One of my diving colleagues brought along the Reef Set and having looked at it, I was so impressed that I decided to buy a Set for myself - a great reference work for someone who is keen to put names to the things they see underwater.
Wonderful.......2007-08-15
I was working as a scuba instructor down in Grand Cayman when the first edition came out. I can't tell you what an impact the reef fish identification guide had. I have the whole set and it's wonderful.
The best in print.......2007-08-11
If you dive, this is the guide you must have to identify what you see. Indespensible for any trip.
The Best Guides in the Ocean.......2007-05-21
This set makes identifying fish, creatures, and corals possible for anyone. The authors developed a revolutionary grouping system to help the user focus observations, from which one can then refer to the book to make a positive identification. The photos are fabulous, and in the Reef Fish book, the authors even tell you where they were taken. Information is geared to those who spend time underwater (both the "Reef Fish" and "Reef Creature" books tell readers how organisms react to divers). Although one can use these books by thumbing through the pictures alone, there is much valuable information in the concise writing leading up to the photos, especially the authors' notes and explanations of the identification groups. Descriptions accompanying the photos help one learn subtle differences and sharpen observations further. In all, these three books are "must haves" for those who want to know what they're looking at under the ocean.
Great Set of Books!.......2007-03-22
The handy carrying case and lovely volumes will come in handy for our next Virgin Island adventure...sorry we didn't have them along last time for identification purposes! They are terrific! Thanks.
Book Description
This second volume in the series features the anemones and soft corals associated with reefs, detailing their biology and husbandry requirements, and featuring numerous species descriptions, with the benefit of wonderful color photographs. Also featured is new information regarding parasites in reef aquariums, and captive culture of anemones and soft corals. The book finishes with another section featuring more stunning images of reef aquariums around the world.
Customer Reviews:
A Must for any Salt Water Aquarium Household.......2007-07-13
My husband took a dive into the Saltwater Aquarium world. ALL of Sprung's books are a must have. They have a lot of info and definitely is a great resource. Well worth the price. It has been referenced many times throughout the saltwater aquarium evolution.
not a beginner book.......2006-03-09
This book goes indepth about the anatomy and physiology of mushrooms, soft corals and anemones. Not a great reference guide for choosing specimens for your It tends to generalize by family and/or genus vs species. If you are new to saltwater and are looking for a reference to choose items for your tank this would not be my first choice.
THE reference for that field.......2005-10-06
Just like the vol. 1, that is a must-have book. Please note that the vol. 3 should be released late Nov. 2005.
Emmanuel, Los Angeles CA
One of the best of the best vol.2.......2005-05-16
This volume of the series covers the soft corals and sea anemones; very important topics indeed for reef aquarium. The two books together are still not complete as there are many organisms found in a reef aquaria still not covered. In this series. A fine glossary accompanies this book. Much of what I had to gleen by trial and error and by reading arcane publications over the years is covered in this book. Approachable to the beginner yet a lot of substance for the expert.
The Reef Tank Bible Part Two.......2002-10-22
With volume one and volume two, what more does a reef aquarist need? Answer: Volume Three !
Average customer rating:
- An excellent addition to the library.
- Awesome, must have
- Exactly what I was looking for!
- Absolute excellence
- Wonderful Information
|
Reef Invertebrates: An Essential Guide to Selection, Care and Compatibility
anthony Calfo , and
Robert Fenner
Manufacturer: Reading Trees
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Fish & Aquariums
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Aquarium Corals : Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History
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The Reef Aquarium: Science, Art, and Technology, Vol. 3
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Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques
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The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists
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A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species
ASIN: 0967263034 |
Book Description
At 400 pages, this first volume of the Natural Marine Aquarium series takes a comprehensive look at the wide range of wondrous organisms both large and small for modern marine aquaria. Topics include extensive refugium and natural filtration methodologies, dynamic living vegetable and animal filters, and... of course, gorgeous photo galleries and information on husbandry for all the magnificent reef invertebrates suitable for study and display including shrimp, crabs, sea stars, live sand infauna, microcrustaceans & plankton, sponges, sea squirts, gastropods, giant clams and other bivalves, and much more! Heavily illustrated, this reference is handsome, entertaining and above all informative. Written by the highly regarded team of Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner, the authors bring their humor, wisdom and talent for the art of content provision to the reader with their uniquely humble yet passionate style of delivery. It is an essential guide for every conscientious marine aquarist seeking to finesse their fish or reef aquarium.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent addition to the library........2007-09-07
I've been reading information penned by Mr. Calfo and Mr. Fenner online and was hoping this book would reflect the same wealth of knowledge and sense of humor I've come to expect. I wasn't dissapointed. If you're looking for information on selection, compatibility and geographical origin of many invertabrates for the reef aquarium this is the book to buy. As an added bonus there is a chapter dedicated to refugiums.
Awesome, must have.......2007-04-04
This book is awesome. Covers everything from basic waterflow and setup through animal interactions and suggestions. Lots to be learned from both novice and experienced.
Exactly what I was looking for!.......2007-03-27
I'm on a tight budget, so usually try to get a book through the library rather than buying, if possible. This one was not available, so I took a chance buying it. I'm soooo glad I did. There's an enormous amount of information. I will be referencing this book for years. I'm interested in raising macroalgae and dwarf seahorses, and compatible invertebrates. Everything is geared toward corals nowadays and live rock, neither of which are necessarily safe for 1 inch seahorses. I was thrilled to find a large section on macroalgae in this book. The focus is on using them for refugiums, but I easily adapted the techniques, including a deep sand bed, to my 2.5 gallon dwarf seahorse tanks. Start here for the easiest way to get incredible water quality in your tanks. The live deep sand bed with macroalgae technique in this book, keeps the approx 1.5 gallons of water in my tanks ammonia-free. Amazing. Also, explains which macroalgae go "sexual," so you can avoid purchasing the ones that may foul the tank (and which are often promoted and sold as the best to buy!). Thanks so much to Anthony Calfo & Bob Fenner - and for their website, too ([...]).
Absolute excellence.......2007-01-11
I have an extensive library of reef aquarium books, including all Sprung & Delbeek series. This book is beyond doubt the very best guide to reef inverts. It does not cover corals, anemones or, of course, fish. There will be future volumes for those topics. The authors provide extremely thorough coverage of the topic in an entertaining writing style. I anxiously await future volumes in this series. Highest recommendation.
Wonderful Information.......2007-01-10
If you're thinking of starting a marine aquarium or already have one this book is for you. Not only do the authors describe a plethora of invertebrates but there's a chapter on refugiums that is the most informative source on the subject that I've seen up to this point.
Book Description
Humanity pushed its way to the stars - and encountered the Gbaba, a ruthless alien race that nearly wiped us out. Earth and her colonies are now smoldering ruins, and the few survivors have fled to distant, Earth-like Safehold, to try to rebuild. But the Gbaba can detect the emissions of an industrial civilization, so the human rulers of Safehold have taken extraordinary measures: with mind control and hidden high technology, they've built a religion in which every Safeholdian believes, a religion designed to keep Safehold society medieval forever. 800 years pass. In a hidden chamber on Safehold, an android from the far human past awakens. This "rebirth" was set in motion centuries before, by a faction that opposed shackling humanity with a concocted religion. Via automated recordings, "Nimue" - or, rather, the android with the memories of Lieutenant Commander Nimue Alban - is told her fate: she will emerge into Safeholdian society, suitably disguised, and begin the process of provoking the technological progress which the Church of God Awaiting has worked for centuries to prevent. Nothing about this will be easy. To better deal with a medieval society, "Nimue" takes a new gender and a new name, "Merlin." His formidable powers and access to caches of hidden high technology will need to be carefully concealed. And he'll need to find a base of operations, a Safeholdian country that's just a little more freewheeling, a little less orthodox, a little more open to the new. And thus Merlin comes to Charis, a mid-sized kingdom with a talent for naval warfare. He plans to make the acquaintance of King Haarahld and Crown Prince Cayleb, and maybe, just maybe, kick off a new eraof invention. Which is bound to draw the attention of the Churchand, inevitably, lead to war. It's going to be a long, long process. And it's going to be the can't-miss SF epic of the decade.
Customer Reviews:
OK if you don't think about it.......2007-10-05
This is a good example of a book that reads better than it is. Weber is a fine storyteller at heart, but he has a tendency to over-embellish things. This is just book one of a series that, I would guess, probably should have been shorter than than this book in total.
Weber's commercial success and ability to write quickly has given him the freedom to publish almost an unlimited number of words. But sometimes more is not better.
Is this a story about Merlin and King Arthur? Yes. Is it a Weber treatise on the wonders of benevolant right-wing free-market monarchies? Yes. Is it yet another Weber story about a superhuman woman soldier? Yes. Is it yet another Weber book about the glories of the days of wooden sailing ships? Yes. Does it work to put all those together? No.
The book reads great -- much better than the typical recent Harrington book. But once you put it down and think about it, it falls apart like a house of cards. There's just no depth here.
And his oh so cute idea of shifting the spelling of names is really annoying after even a very short time. In fact, spelling is much harder to shift than pronunciation, so it's not realistic as well as being distracting and confusing. Also, slipping in a description of an Atlanta Braves baseball game or naming the most hideous villian "Clinton" really detracts from the story, since they take the reader out of the moment too much.
Good, but not sf.......2007-09-26
Only the first 20 pages or so is sci fi, the rest reverts to a primitive society (water wheels and galley ships). Weber is always more interested in politics then warfare, and this is no different. However, who hasn't thought about going back in time and pointing out all the blindingly obvious things we know now. And even better if your an immortal ai...The only thing missing is sex....
EXTREMELY BORING AND SLOW MOVING.......2007-09-16
I do not like to write long winded reviews, so I will get straight to the point. This book is 592 pages long. I would estimate that about 40 pages is science fiction. The rest of the book is about political machinations in a medieval, feudalistic society. I found the 40 sci-fi pages interesting. The rest of the book was not bearable- it was boring and had way too much irrelevant detail. It would theorize that the author committed to produce a series of books and therefore needs a huge amount of filler material to meet his commitment.
WEBER IS GETTING REALLY SLOPPY .......2007-09-03
My wife and son and I love David Weber, but this is one of a number of recent very disappointing books that have taken Weber off of my family's "automatic buy" list. Although Weber's action scenes are as good as ever, Armageddon Reef just doesn't work. The plot holes are gaping and intrusive and the stylistic defects are annoying enough to detract seriously from the story.
The worst plot hole is Merlin, the AI/android who is the story's protagonist. We are supposed to believe that mankind has been locked for centuries into a desperate life-and-death struggle against a large, implacably hostile, but only slightly more technologically advanced civilization. Furthermore, these aliens do not innovate at all; their tech base is completely frozen. Obviously, humanity's only hope is to force the pace of science and technology development.
At the same time, we are told that humanity has the ability to produce AIs that duplicate in every way the minds, memories, knowledge, and abilities of specific living humans. Merlin thinks, feels, and acts in every way like the real person he is based on, except that he has superhuman strength, reflexes, and mental processing speed.
So of course, in these desperate circumstances, mankind would use this technology to replicate its leading scientists, engineers, technicians, and military cadres, vastly multiplying the productivity of its R&D efforts and making it much easier to staff its star fleet. Need a dozen Einsteins? You got 'em. Need 20 copies of your greatest fleet Admiral? No problem. Need 600 starship engineers, all with the knowledge and abilities of the greatest starship engineer available? Coming right up! Oh, yes...the copies think and act faster than the originals, never need to eat or sleep, and never get fogged out by fatigue or distracted by bodily aches and pains.
Um, no. Weber tells us that this technology is used ONLY for RECREATIONAL purposes! We are supposed to believe that the human race would let itself be wiped out rather than make use of a technology that could easily multiply its scarcest intellectual resources a hundred-fold. Nor are there any ethical considerations that would explain it. After all, this is the same society that creates a secret colony by MIND-WIPING tens of thousands of colonists. Apparently they have no problem with the idea that desperate times require desperate measures.
I'm as willing as the next SF lover to believe 6 impossible things before breakfast, but the conventions of SF require that the impossibilities at least be logical and internally consistent. This is neither. It's just plain dumb...sloppy, self-indulgent, contemptuous of the reader, and DUMB.
There are other gaping plot holes, but compared with that one they seem trivial.
The worst stylistic problem is Weber's treatment of names. The book is written in early 21st century English. All of the place names are written normally. Yet ALL of the character names (except Merlin's) are bizarrely transliterated, using a pseudo-phonetic spelling. Weber takes normal names, substitutes vowels & consonants at random, adds H's, turns many different vowels into Y's, and changes J's, G's, S's, Ch'sand Sh's into Z's & Zh's.
Coupled with Weber's continued obsession with giving half of his characters "J" names, the result is hopelessly confusing. John becomes Zhan, Gerald becomes Zherald, Jason becomes Zhasyn, Janet becomes Zhanayt, Jennifer becomes Zhenyfyr, Jim becomes Zhym, James becomes Zhames, Jeeves (a valet - I kid you not!) becomes Zheevys, Jasper becomes Zhaspyr, Jack becomes Zhak, Joseph becomes Zohzef, Joshua becomes Zhoshua, Jacob becomes Zhaikeb, Johnson becomes Zhansan, Jepson becomes Zheppsyn, Jessup becomes Zhessyp, Jolson becomes Zhoelsyn, George becomes Zhorzh, Samson becomes Zahmsyn, and so on.
There is absolutely no justification anywhere in the book for the altered spellings. In fact, given that the colony world starts with an absolutely universal culture and language and that writing everywhere remains stable and uniform, the idea that the spelling of names - and ONLY names - would have drifted this far is patently absurd.
In addition, the proliferation of unintelligible but very similar names, loaded with Z's, H's, and Y's, balks the reader at almost ever line, utterly ruining the story continuity. I particularly treasured one section in which two minor characters named Zhaspahr Maysahn and Zhames Makferzahn - or is it Zhames Maysahn and Zhaspahr Makferzahn? - spend 3 pages talking and it is virtually impossible to tell them apart or to remember afterward who was a spy for whom.
Any author who creates a sprawling novel with many major and minor characters needs to give careful thought to naming his characters in ways that help the reader tell them apart. Making it this hard for the reader is either extremely sloppy or arrogantly insulting. The attitude it conveys is, "I'm so great I'm above the rules. I can shove any stupid thing down the reader's throat and get away with it." This attitude was evident in the later Belisarius novels and has become blatant in Armageddon Reef and Hell's Gate. Much as I love some of Weber's books, he's starting to remind me of another beloved author, Robert Heinlein, whose output became increasingly undisciplined, self-indulgent, and forgettable once he reached superstar status.
I would not recommend this book to anyone but a die-hard and completely uncritical Weber fan.
Not Science Fiction.......2007-09-01
This is a well written engaging book.
Nevertheless it is a 500+ page novel of which 44 pages are Science Fiction.
After the 44 pages it is an 18th century war novel with far too many characters with funny names, and muskets,swords, and sea battles.
The book sets a story and never comes back to it.
I am certainly not going to wade through hundreds of pages of sequels to fianlly see the rest of the story.
's just not worth it.
Granted it's a lot better than similar sword and sorcerer books that pretend to be Sci Fi, but not by enough to hold my attention. That is why I have read half of it and now skiped to the end to confirm that it does not take up the originnal story again.
I am well tired of authors stretching out single volume stories into trilogies.
I do not expect this to explode in my brain like Baxterr's Coalescent, Exultant, Transcendant trilogy did, so I am giving it up.
Good writing, good exposition, little regard for expectations of readers of a genre, who expect something different.
Product Description
336 pages, paperback. By John H. Tullock. Debunking the myth that reef aquariums need to be wildly expensive and technologically complex, the author offers a new, radically simple approach to producing beautiful, captive microcosms
Customer Reviews:
Understanding Reef Aquarium keeping.......2007-01-15
This is a very good book for those wishing to begin reef aquariums. Some of it is theory and some is opinions. Other sections are a little deep for the common person but overall it is a solid basis for those wishing to begin reep keeping. Reading this book should go a long ways to being successful keeping the different types of reefs.l
review ??.......2006-11-10
i am expecting the book to be a good one giving the inside i want to living filtration and a completely natural aquarium with very little artificial filtration help! i can not say yet if it will meet my expectances since i have order the book more than 2 months ago and i am still waiting for it....
Three Thumbs Up!.......2006-08-31
Recently I've read several books pertaining to the tropical marine hobby and after reading this book by Mr. Tullock I rate it an eleven out of ten. Very informative, easy to digest, excellent format, and one to refer to in the future. A quality production by the publisher. Thank you Mr. Tullock!
Great general Reef book.......2006-07-14
Well written and a good book to read for general information.
Reef keeping is NOT easy!.......2005-04-18
Buy and read this book twice before you decide to enter the hobby. Check it out at the library.. This is the book I loan to any friend who sees my aquarium and thinks of starting a tank of their own. Mr. Tullock presents the current natural methods of reef keeping in a very entertaining read.
Book Description
A comprehensive field guide for aquarists, divers and naturalists, with detailed full color photographs of hundreds of species, encompassing the majority of coral genera one is likely to encounter on reefs around the world, This book defines corals and distinguishes them form similar hydrozoans, zoanthids, and corallimorpharia. The corals are described and compared to similar looking species, and their range and the correct pronunciation of the Latin name is given.
In addition, for aquarists who grow corals in reef aquariums, information is provided in quick reference charts concerning each coral's requirements for light, water movement, and food, hardiness in captivity, aggressiveness toward other corals, and proper positioning in the aquarium.
Customer Reviews:
Good pictures.......2007-02-12
This book has very good pictures but very little written information about each.
Beautiful pictures, but incomplete text.......2006-11-29
This book is full of fantastic full-color pictures with which one can easily identify many of the corals commonly available. Also includes many rare corals.
However, the text material about the corals, care etc. is extremely brief - much too brief. General care and lighting needs for a particulate coral species is given in the form of bar graphs and placement diagrams. This could theoretically be a helpful companion and summary of a more extensive text about the coral species being described. However, in this book, these diagrams are a *replacement* for the text. In and of themselves, the diagrams are inadequate to properly gauge the needs of the coral species.
I was also disappointed that the book completely leaves out many commonly available corals (for example the corallimorphs ("Mushroom corals"), which are common beginners corals). Leaving these corals out while including many rare species which the average hobbyist will never see seems to dilute the usefulness of the book.
I would recommend instead Borneman's "Aquarium Corals" (which I have and refer to constantly), and/or perhaps Sprung and Delbeek's more extensive 3-volume "The Reef Aquarium" (which has received good reviews, but I don't own (yet)).
Good for quick reference.......2006-08-05
If you already know a bit about corals, this is a nice book to have around for quick reference. I especially like that it lists similar corals and gives some basic information on how to tell them apart. It can be deceptive, though. The information it gives on the specific corals is very general, and should not be considered a good source for research on a coral you're planning to actually buy. Don't get me wrong, though. I'm happy I have this book, but I'd suggest supplementing it with a text such as Eric Bourneman's "Aquarium Corals: Selection, Husbandry, and Natural History". This text will actually give you much more specific information on requirements to care for the corals, as well as some better techniques to identify certain corals, since many look very similar, and there's no way any book could show every possible shape and color for many species.
good picture book.......2006-05-31
Book has lots of good pictures to help you identify corals. IN this manner it can be used as a min-coral atlas.
However, the book comes up seveley lacking when you wish to get information on said corals. All info is in bar graph form -- not narrative. A coral may be listed as preferring light 3-7.
That is not helpful... 3 could mean keep it in the dark while 7 could mean it prefers direct light... the 3 and 7 are not informative! Same for feeding icons, coral placement icons, etc.
If you want a book that TELLS you all about different corals, how you care and feed them, etc, then this book is NOT for you!
BUT, the pictures are really nice, closeup, and clear.
Good First Reference Text, pity about poor quality binding and packaging.......2005-10-16
A wonderful first reference text from Julian Sprung. The necessary information is well presented and communicated in a clear manner. A word of advice, don't get the hardcover version as it looses pages through poor binding and Amazon's inability to package adequately results in the corners being damaged in transit.
Book Description
A concise guide to the care and culture of reef invertebrates. This book is for curious minds interested in discovering some of the exciting techniques of coral propagation. It is tailored for hobbyists looking to safely control the growth of coral in aquaria, professional aquarists producing invertebrates for sale and trade, and thoughtful resellers interested in inspiring customers and staff to explore the many rewards of keeping coral reef invertebrates. A comprehensive guide of 450 pages, Volume 1 topics include commercial mariculture in greenhouses (including fabrication, design and operation), concept aquarium dynamics, a large coral family overview with consideration of captive viability and, of course, coral propagation, securing, and growout techniques for private aquarists and commercial interests.
Customer Reviews:
A must have for people who are into coral propgation........2007-07-14
This book has helped me tremendously from everything to tank set up to introducing ideas such as hanging a coral on a fishing line to taking advantage of space and flow. Even after years of experience I can still go to it and learn some more information. I believe Calfo is releasing an updated version of this soon so be on the look out for it.
John M
http://www.lareefs.com
Practical, perfect for the layman........2005-11-30
I am not a marine biologist, but many of the authors of the more advanced books on reef aquariums seem to assume that of their readers.
Calfo's book is a practical guide for the rest of us.
I am new to the hobby and after having my eyes glaze over trying to understand some of the more scientific texts on the subject of coral, this book was a breath of fresh air.
Excellent practical text on the subject of coral propogation from industrial to small scale operations.
Excellent suggestions on all aspects of keeping corals, from tank design, hardware, maintenance, and of course husbandry.
My existing corals have already benefitted from the wealth of information in this book. And I'm already planning a new tank using Calfo's suggestions.
An excellent book!
for the pros.......2005-10-20
very excellent book. for the pros. maybe too much for casual aquarists
Assistance from the master himself.......2005-10-06
Calfo goes into minute detail with humor. As expected he hit the nail on the head with this one, again.
Calfo does it again!.......2005-08-27
Remember all of those mundane questions on the reef forums?
431 Pages packed with the answers and advice that we all seek. From newby grommets to advanced marine aquarists, Anthony Calfo has suceeded in putting his knowledge into the words that are understandable to all of us. And, that's without glossy photographs!
I couldn't put the book down and read it cover to cover.
Get this book and read it ...
Book Description
825 classic marine life photographs of 600 common and rare reef fish species. The easy-to-use, quick reference format makes it a snap to identify the myriad of fishes in Florida, Caribbean and Bahamas waters. A must for every serious diver. 6 inch x 9 inch, cloth stitched flexibinding that allows the book to lie flat.
Customer Reviews:
Impressive book........2007-10-05
As book reader and Diver, I just love this book, It gives me all the pictures and characteristics for an accurate evaluation of the creatures I found under water. Great pictures, and outstanding charcterization of fishes.
Fish ID "Bible".......2007-08-31
At one time I was the head of a volunteer organization in WPB, Florida that assisted Palm Beach County with their artifical reef program. Part of the qualification was to get training in a variety of related subjects (like fish identification) sponsored by the Florida Oceanographic Society. This book served as our fish identification "bible." I no longer live in FL, but when I go diving in the Caribbean I stil take this book with me. If you need to (or just want to) know the fish of the Caribbean, buy this book.
Caribbean Fish.......2007-07-20
This is a fabulous resource, and I wish we had bought it before to take with us on our trip to BVI
Wonderful guide!.......2007-07-19
I bought this item for my trip to the Caribbean. I'm a marine biologist by training, and I loved this book because it gave information above and beyond just identification. It also tells you how likely it was that the fish you saw was the one pictured in the book. Then there are lists of all the species in the back, with space for you to record when and where you saw it. I had so much fun combing this book after snorkeling to identify all the organisms I had seen! What a great investment!
Best Fish Book I Have Found.......2007-07-13
This book is a must buy for any diver who has moved beyond the "Oooh look at the pretty fishes" stage. If you want to know what you are looking at, use this book. It is an excellent companion to PADI's AWARE Fish Identification Specialty, and makes it easy to look up fish when you surface.
Books:
- The Reivers
- The Right Attitude to Rain: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (Isabel Dalhousie Mysteries)
- The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart Trilogy, Book 1)
- The Satyricon (Meridian Classics)
- The Secret Garden (HarperClassics)
- The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership
- The Story of the World Volume 2: History for the Classical Child (Story of the World: History for the Classical Child (Audio))
- The Theory of Investment Value (Contrary Opinion Library)
- This Moment on Earth: Today's New Environmentalists and Their Vision for the Future
- Walden: (Writings of Henry D. Thoreau)
Books Index
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