The best intro reefkeeping book right now?

[wade1]

Since many of us have been in the hobby for a long time, I wanted to ask this of everyone:

What is the best introductory reefkeeping book out right now? What book would you hand to someone as their first reading assignment?


Thanks all!

Wade

 

[Anonymous]

I wish I've been keeping up with all the new books but of those I have read The Conscentious Marine Aquarist is most notable. I don't agree with everything in there but it hits the concepts and terminogy well.

 

[Anonymous]

Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms - John Tullock.

This book may not be the best book, but it is the one that got me to go ahead and take the leap into this hobby. The book describes various setups and give you step by step directions on how to set it up. It makes it sound so simple that your not afraid to try it.

The pictures are nice too.

Louey

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I also have Tullock's Natural Reef Aquariums book, and I'd have to agree with Louey's observation. The book is well written and easy to read and understand. As we know, some of the things we need to know in this hobby can make your head spin! I like to be able to read through it and understand it the first time around as opposed to some of Randy Holmes-Farley's reef chemistry articles! 8O :lol: 8O I have to read those several times to understand just what the heck he's talking about. Good stuff though.

 

[Anonymous]

I would go with "The reef aquarium, vol 1', but Sprung and Delbeek. Good info and thick enough to make someone think seriously before starting.

I also hear tell that vol 3 is on it way.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree with Righty. The Reef Aquarium V 1 is an awesome book. It's a must read for all reefers. Much more detail that Tullock's book for sure.

Tullocks books breaks it down to simple steps. Like, add water, wait 24 hours, check for leaks, if no leaks add salt, and so on. It really is a How-to-Guide.

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

Of the books I have;

The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta is by far the easiest read and understand. I loan this out to complete strangers at the lfs, and it comes back a little more worn every time.

Followed by The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium by Viencent B. Hargraves.

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M. Fenner is the hardest to read and comprehend.

 

[wade1]

So the list so far.....

Natural Reef Aquariums: Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms - John Tullock

The New Marine Aquarium by Michael S. Paletta

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist: A Commonsense Handbook for Successful Saltwater Hobbyists by Robert M. Fenner

The Reef Aquarium Vol 1 Delbeek and Sprung

The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium by Viencent B. Hargraves

Anyone else?

 

[Mihai]

My vote goes as follows:

- Fenner's (nice balance between completness and difficulty). Great for FOWLR, not so good for reefs though.
- Tullock
- Paletta's (too simple to give you a true image of what reefing is really about)
- Sprung (too difficult and intimidating for a first book unless the individual is super serious about it).

M.