Customer Reviews:
 Beginner to advance July 11, 2007
I have used this book for years. I found it easy enough to read and help me through my first few years of dealing with marine tanks. And unlike a lot of my books from the beginning this one did have enough "meat" in it to still be relevant as I progressed through the hobby. Overall the content is great and it covers the gambit of marine life. On a different note, the paper and print is of a really great quality as well. This book takes a lot of use and abuse at my house and it really is still in suprisingly good condition. I only mentions this because some of the "cheaper" aquarium books I have picked up throught the years are all falling to pieces. Hope this helped!
 Essential but dated June 24, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Written by one of the foremost experts in the hobby, this is an essential book for beginner and intermediate marine aquarists. It covers the fundamentals of setting up, stocking and successfully maintaining a saltwater aquarium and does so in a common sense, easy to understand fashion. It is an approachable and well-written primer on the topic and is the best way to get started.
However, the book was written in 1999 and is now 8 years old. Remarkably, that means it is already out-dated given the rapidly evolving state of technology in this hobby. The author, Bob Fenner, frequently provides advice and suggestions to aquarists on an internet website and much of the information in his book is qualified or revised the advice he provides now. For example, he highly recommends that macroalgae calupera in this book but, while still recommending it some setups, cautions people today that this algae is not right for all setups due to a tendancy to take over tanks. Some of the modern trends in saltwater aquariums are also not covered in enough depth -- simply because they weren't a trend eight years ago.
Accordingly, this is a GREAT book to read as you begin your research on setting up a saltwater aquarium. Not only is it a first read, but it is a valuable resource that you will continue to turn to before, during and after setting up your aquarium because it is filled with useful advice. However, it is also advice that should be complimented by additional research with more up-to-date materials.
If Bob is reading this, I'd just like to say this: This book is incredible and I can't thank you enough for writing it. If you have the time, please consider writing a Second Edition -- the hobby would benefit from such an endeavor tremendously. Thanks!
Full of info May 7, 2007
I bought this for my mom. She enjoys all the color photographs and the helpful information about setting up a saltwater tank. She isn't ready to start one yet but this was the perfect book to help her when she does. She especially appreciated the photographs of the different types of fish which helped her identify those she would like.
The Salt Water Aquarist Bible April 10, 2007
This reference manual will guide you through the setup of your new salt water aquarium. You'll also find yourself referring back it later on.
Must read for ANYONE who wants to start a marine tank April 10, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I never write reviews, but this book is so amazing and wonderful that I felt compelled to write one. Book gives excellent and concise advice on all aspects involving the marine aquarium. A must have quick reference that will help you to become the best and most humane marine tank owner.
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