No comments about Mini Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants (Mini Encyclopedia).

1 comments about Marine Aquariums: A Complete Authoritative Guide.

1. I have to admit it, I've bought, borrowed, and checked out a ton of books on aquariums and fish keeping. Richard Stratton's "A Complete Authoritative Guide" is, in my opinion, neither complete nor authoritative. There are however, some fantastic pictures of marine fishes. Some of these are printed on thick, glossy photo paper--making a nice picture into an exceptional one.

   The content of the book however, is a quite weak. This book might serve as a very basic introduction to marine fish keeping, but it offers little to nothing to someone who knows anything at all about the aquarium hobby. In fact, it recommends some things that would most likely result in total failure if someone new to the hobby were to attempt it. For example, its recommended fish list for various sized aquariums would result in horrible overcrowding. The information on such basic filtration components such as protein skimming, cannister filters and UV is practically non-existant.

   To be honest, I didn't read it all, as it quickly became apparent that doing so would be a waste of time. I have a friend that is completely new to marine fish keeping, and I won't even loan it to her, in the event that she might heed some of the advice in the book.

   Nice photos, but this is one that was sold electronically. If I'd been able to look at it before purchasing it, I never would have taken it out of the store. I see that at this moment in time, a couple of copies are available used. Think about that one--would you sell one of your trusted aquarium books?

1 comments about Piranhas: Fact and Fiction.

1. Like all books, this book also contains its pros and cons. Lets start with the pros.

   This book gives first-time piranha keepers a general idea on what piranha keeping is like. Its topics range from introducing what a piranha is and highlighting the untruths of the this fish to the code of conduct of keeping this fish. The description on the species are accompanied by vivid photographs. There is also a section on advising readers on tank setup procedure. Other topics include the breeding, handling and feeding of the piranhas. I find topics such as the suitability of tank mates for piranhas and how to choose a piranha extremely useful.

   However, although this book covers a wide range of topics, it is not written in detail. It does not even state what is the suitable tank environment for this fish. The classification is also outdated. For eg. Serrasalmus Nattereri has been reclassified to Pygocentrus Nattereri in the eighties, but it is still being referred to as Serrasalmus Nattereri in this book; and Serrasalmus Niger is still being reflected as "the black piranha", which in actual fact should be Serrasalmus Rhombeus.

   In summary, I would say this is a great book with lots of colourful photographs for beginners, but not for people who have been keeping this fish for sometime.

No comments about The Bumper Book of Garden Ponds: An Essential Guide.

No comments about The Deep: The World's Only Submarium - An Icon for Hull.

No comments about The Tropical Fish: A Guide to Selection, Housing, Care, Nutrition, Health, Breeding, Species and Plants (About Pets).

No comments about Environmental Management for Aquaculture (Aquaculture Series).

No comments about Marine Fish (Pocket Companions).

No comments about The Aquarium Technology Handbook.

No comments about Concise Encyclopedia of Tropical Fish.