Best Books?

[TheLegendaryBarlowe072]

Im wondering what your best marine/reef keeding Book suggestions are?

Looking for actual enjoyable good reads as well guides on husbandry and species ect that you use for refrence.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

That’s a really subjective question. I think two very popular books are the late Bob Fenner's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and Nilsen/Fossa's "Reef Secrets". Personally, I think that Delbeek and Sprung's 3 volume "Reef Aquarium" is timeless and the most well written/researched material out there.

Here is a sobering thought though: there is no longer an aquarium book market. Except for self-published material, no new general marine/reef aquarium titles have been written in many years. My last book was published by TFH over a decade ago.

Forums like this began to replace books as the "go to" information resource, then social media came into play (despite the lack of quality) and now AI has been the final nail in the coffin for aquarium books.

Here is a short article I wrote about aquarium books:
https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/
Here is an article where I evaluate informational sources for aquarists:
https://reefs.com/magazine/media-review-information-resources-for-home-aquarists/

 

[TheLegendaryBarlowe072]

That’s a really subjective question. I think two very popular books are the late Bob Fenner's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and Nilsen/Fossa's "Reef Secrets". Personally, I think that Delbeek and Sprung's 3 volume "Reef Aquarium" is timeless and the most well written/researched material out there.

Here is a sobering thought though: there is no longer an aquarium book market. Except for self-published material, no new general marine/reef aquarium titles have been written in many years. My last book was published by TFH over a decade ago.

Forums like this began to replace books as the "go to" information resource, then social media came into play (despite the lack of quality) and now AI has been the final nail in the coffin for aquarium books.

Here is a short article I wrote about aquarium books:
https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/
Here is an article where I evaluate informational sources for aquarists:
https://reefs.com/magazine/media-review-information-resources-for-home-aquarists/

Thanks for your input on my book question. But more then that thank you for THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR TOLEDO ZOO. I grew up in Toledo and my family is still there. Some of my best memories have been made at the zoo and the aquarium was always a favorite attraction of mine. And it has only gotten better over the years. I still try and visit there whenever I’m in the area. We love our zoo!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Thanks for your input on my book question. But more then that thank you for THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE FOR TOLEDO ZOO. I grew up in Toledo and my family is still there. Some of my best memories have been made at the zoo and the aquarium was always a favorite attraction of mine. And it has only gotten better over the years. I still try and visit there whenever I’m in the area. We love our zoo!

Thanks, that's great to hear! I mostly retired three years ago, but I still work for the Zoo about 10 hours a week as their manager of accreditation and compliance. The renovated Aquarium's ten year anniversary is coming up in 2025 - I can't believe how fast that decade went.....

 

[TheLegendaryBarlowe072]

Thanks, that's great to hear! I mostly retired three years ago, but I still work for the Zoo about 10 hours a week as their manager of accreditation and compliance. The renovated Aquarium's ten year anniversary is coming up in 2025 - I can't believe how fast that decade went.....

Wow 10 years already. Crazy how fast time goes. Must need to schedule another trip over there soon

 

[jimk60]

I recommend any book by Martin Moe. I started out with them back in the 1980s so they're somewhat outdated but still a source of great info

 

[reveriesh]

That’s a really subjective question. I think two very popular books are the late Bob Fenner's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and Nilsen/Fossa's "Reef Secrets". Personally, I think that Delbeek and Sprung's 3 volume "Reef Aquarium" is timeless and the most well written/researched material out there.

Here is a sobering thought though: there is no longer an aquarium book market. Except for self-published material, no new general marine/reef aquarium titles have been written in many years. My last book was published by TFH over a decade ago.

Forums like this began to replace books as the "go to" information resource, then social media came into play (despite the lack of quality) and now AI has been the final nail in the coffin for aquarium books.

Here is a short article I wrote about aquarium books:
https://www.amazonasmagazine.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/
Here is an article where I evaluate informational sources for aquarists:
https://reefs.com/magazine/media-review-information-resources-for-home-aquarists/

I am so thankful there are people like you in the world! Thank you for this incredible information and your willingness to share and pass on your knowledge. While utilizing online resources constantly I am beginning a library of the best books I can find. As an avid diver I’m accustomed to referencing books for the most consolidated information at my fingertips (Reef Fish ID, Reef Fish Behavior). However I’m still relatively new to the hobby (2.5 years) but have a beautiful thriving reef aquarium thanks to people like you. And I’ve just added several books to my collection thanks again to you. I hope one day to be able to help others even a fraction as much as you have.

 

[reveriesh]

I am so thankful there are people like you in the world! Thank you for this incredible information and your willingness to share and pass on your knowledge. While utilizing online resources constantly I am beginning a library of the best books I can find. As an avid diver I’m accustomed to referencing books for the most consolidated information at my fingertips (Reef Fish ID, Reef Fish Behavior). However I’m still relatively new to the hobby (2.5 years) but have a beautiful thriving reef aquarium thanks to people like you. And I’ve just added several books to my collection thanks again to you. I hope one day to be able to help others even a fraction as much as you have.

Apologies, I should have noted that Reef Fish ID is authored by Paul Humann & Ned Deloach.

 

[reveriesh]

Im wondering what your best marine/reef keeding Book suggestions are?

Looking for actual enjoyable good reads as well guides on husbandry and species ect that you use for refrence.

​

Dynamic Aquaria: Building and Restoring Ecosystems and the Biosphere​

by Walter Adey Is an extraordinary resource but very cerebral so make sure you read a detailed description to make sure it’s not more than you are looking for.