Just starting out, looking for good books

[Maxxsgirl]

I'm new to the fish-keeping world and would like to stock up on some helpful books about freshwater aquariums. I need everything covered from how to set up your aquarium to understanding water chemistry to detailed species care (pH, dH, temp...)

Any suggestions?

[YaYgoldFish]

you can buy pretty good books from local pet stores. When my friend bought his first brand new 10g tank it had a dvd explaining everything from seting up to stocking it. But I like checking out the web and reading tips from people here or other forums.
Goodluck :)

ps. Download the "Free Aquarium Ebook" at the left hand menu, right under calculators, and on top of feedback. It covers more than any book ever could!

[Rue]

I can't recommend just one book either...and I'm a book fanatic...don't want to even mention how many I've bought (new or used) since January...

...but "Choosing the Right Fish for Your Aquarium" by Jeremy Gay, Hamlyn Press 2006...is my favourite for general info.

But NONE of them were able to answer all my questions...which is sad, because I don't think I have too many 'advanced' questions ...

[gm72]

Ditto on downloading the free ebook from the menu on your left. Really good resource. You won't find a book that tells you everything you need/want to know, but we are here for you!

[A340]

Although I find that the internet with forums such as this one the best source of any information you may need, a book is by far still the best way to start with aquariums. There are many great books out there, all with the same general information. My suggestion, find out what kind of tank you want to set up with what type of fish you want to keep, tropical, marine, goldfish, cichlids, etc., and go from there.

[gm72]

Aliz, good idea, but I have to disagree. A book is usually authored by one single person who does not necessarily have all of the knowledge pertinent to a given subject. The internet, and this forum in particular, has a variety of authors with varying opinions and experiences. In this way, information gathered from here is, I believe, far more valuable.

[Rue]

I don't know about that. People who write books generally have some expertise on the subject area and are willing to stand to scrutiny...

Info. on the internet rarely has the same security...so you have to sort through what's real and what's rubbish...reading some books and doing some official research will help determine if what you read is legitimate or not...

[A340]

Aliz, good idea, but I have to disagree. A book is usually authored by one single person who does not necessarily have all of the knowledge pertinent to a given subject. The internet, and this forum in particular, has a variety of authors with varying opinions and experiences. In this way, information gathered from here is, I believe, far more valuable.
I agree, but look at it this way:

If you are starting out in aquariums, the amount of information can be very overwhelming, yet there are very simple, basic guidelines to begin with, such as tank size, fish types, heating, lighting, filteration, etc. Books, IMHO, are very general in these topics. The internet has much more indepth information, but also contradiciting information which are based on peoples experiences and opinions, which as a beginner, can be too much.

Forums like this one, are great for getting advice on specific problems or questions, but not so for general information. As an example, nano reef tanks. One person will say that if you have no saltwater experience, don't try them because they are very difficult and need constant supervision due to their size, yet another poster or forum will say it's the best way to start out in saltwater for the very same reason. So who do you believe?

If you are starting out, you want the best and simpilist advice you can get, and I think that books are the the best way to start out, becuase they are very general. Once you understand the basics, it's time to move on and get more specific about things.

Also, a book is a much easier reference tool then a computer and the internet. It's always there, doesn't need to be turned on and doesn't have millions of pages on the subject. It's easier to bookmark pages, highlight important passages and revisit them if needed.

[crackatinny]

Keep an eye out for BAENSCH AQUARIUM ATLAS, I believe there are about 4 volumes, each around 1000 pages, its an older book, but a very good one.

[cocoa_pleco]

Aquariums for dummies was GREAT. Another good one i read was "the guide to freshwater aquariums". The dummies one was better since it went more thorough, but the guide one had more pretty pictures

[A340]

Aquariums for dummies was GREAT. Another good one i read was "the guide to freshwater aquariums". The dummies one was better since it went more thorough, but the guide one had more pretty pictures

I've got the Saltwater For Dummies book, pretty good. The best thing about these is that they are very easy to navigate.

As far as freshwater goes, I reccommend The Natural Aquarium Handbook by Ines Scheurmann.

[Maxxsgirl]

Thanks all for the great suggestions. I think I'll be heading out to the bookstore today to pick up a few titles.

[gm72]

That's great. The basic idea is to keep reading, keep asking, and keep learning. Keep an open mind. If you do these things, you will do well.

[jeffs99dime]

for starters, you can download the free aquarium e-book located in the menu of this forum. i also recommend "Dr. Axelrod's Atlas of Freshwater Aquarium Fishes."--this is the best individual species book i've ever owned, hands down.
as a new member of a.c, don't be afraid to ask questions. most, if not all of your questions on anything aquarium-related, will be answered by the other members of this site. now, let me say... welcome to aquatic community. glad to have you aboard.

[Drumachine09]

I would reccomend on of the "XXXXX for dummies" books. Great series too!



Another thing that could prove useful (it has been to me) is to sign up to recieve the FREE (come on, who doesnt love free) Dr.Fosters & Smith catalouge, and just read through them. They have articles, fish profiles, and MANY other useful things. Its not a magazine, but its almost as good.

[A340]

That's great. The basic idea is to keep reading, keep asking, and keep learning. Keep an open mind. If you do these things, you will do well.
Exactly, in this hobby you'll always be learning something new (that's why this forum is so great) and keep an open mind.

[gm72]

Completely agreed!