"Book of Coral Propagation"

Authored by Anthony Rosario Calfo, the "Book of Coral Propagation Volume 1; Version 1.0 - Reef Gardening for Aquarists: A Concise Guide to the Successful Care and Culture of Coral Reef Invertebrates" is a very thorough book in its approach to coral farming. Anyone who is currently a reefkeeper, or aspiring to be one needs to acquire this book.

• Description - A complete and concise 450 page Guide to the care and propagation of corals, with line drawings and concise explanations of concepts and techniques included throughout.
• Price - Moderate range.
• Publisher - Reading Trees
• Softcover; November 2001

With seventeen chapters commencing with conceptual dynamics and progressing right on through to our responsibilities as aquarists, Anthony Calfo has created a topical and important reference. However, you don't have to own a greenhouse with 80,000+ pounds of aragonite sand to appreciate the scope of Mr. Calfo's work.

My first impression upon removing the book from its packaging was one of disbelief. In today's age of slick advertising, high gloss printing and dozens upon dozens of photographs, I wondered why anyone would opt for a plastic ringed binder with only several dozen photos. Well I can tell you that after reading the introduction and the first few pages of text, Mr. Calfo’s strategy became apparent. Not many authors title their works in "versions" as this one has. The book lays open nicely for reference. Actually, the only drawback, if there be one, is the "dust" from the perforations that host the bindings.

I had to keep brushing my slacks, LOL. How best to allow ease of updates and page refinements other than the exact methodology presented here! My congratulations on original thinking.

As you get into the book, you'll learn the deep and caring attitude that the author has for his subject matter. His approach to the hobby and ultimately his philosophy regarding his aquatic charges, defines not only a dedication to the animals, but also the need to reform our thinking. No longer will we be allowed the luxury of unlimited wild caught animals and inverts. Propagation is the key to long-term survival of the hobby and our ultimate enjoyment of these wonderful creatures.

Line drawings and concise explanations of concepts and techniques are well thought out and easily assimilated. As mentioned earlier, if you're looking for fluff, this isn't your book! If however, your goal is to become advanced and more successful in your maintaining of exotics, then this "Book of Coral Propagation Volume 1; Version 1.0" IS your book!

Common diseases and their treatments, handling, collecting and transporting are all covered in great length. Basic setups, plumbing and accessories are included as well.

Lighting, one of my favorite topics, is covered here and I must admit with a level of no nonsense that I find most refreshing. It's always nice to have a thought shared by another in the hobby! The one area that I found most intriguing was that of the suspension of frags and the implementation of construction techniques. This area has been covered by others in the past but Mr. Calfo approaches it in a manner not encountered before. There is truly original thinking to be found in the pages of this book. Pests and pariahs are covered including the most expedient of eradication measures. All in all, a complete guide to propagation that will have many benefits to those running smaller systems as well.

With proposed updates, online access to the author and more, I feel the "Book of Coral Propagation Volume 1; Version 1.0 - Reef Gardening dor Aquarists: A Concise Guide to the Successful Care and Culture of Coral Reef Invertebrates" to be worth every cent and recommend it 100%.

I would like to thank Mr. Calfo for providing me the opportunity to add a most excellent resource to my library. Now, if only I can get him to autograph my copy.