Authored by John H. Tullock, "Natural Reef Aquariums: "Simplified Approaches to Creating Living Saltwater Microcosms" is based on the theory of less technology, more biology. Combining John's simple approach of how to create and care for a natural reef system with over 200 color photos and illustrations to look at, step-by-step formulas for creating miniature reef aquaria that are simpler, cheaper, healthier, and truer to nature's own systems, this is a top pick book recommended for all reef keepers new or experienced.
- Description: 312 pages with full color photographs and illustrations throughout.
- Price: Moderate range.
- Publisher: Microcosm Ltd. (1997; Hardcover and Paperback) -- "Using live rock and live coral sand as part of a natural filtration system, the home aquarist can now mimic habitats such as a Florida Keys Lagoon, a Caribbean Turtle Grass Flat, an indo-Pacific Deep Cave, or a Red Sea Patch Reef. With more than 100 full-color photographs and illustrations, this volume provides inspiration for both beginning and expert marine reef hobbyists."
Table of Contents
- Understanding Live Rock & Live Sand
- The Biotope Approach
- Simplified Filtration Techniques
- Recommended Reef Species
- Beginner Planning Guides
- Authentic Aquascapes
- World-Class Reef Habitat Photographs
Review from Canseeker
I thought I would pass along some information on a great book I picked up last week entitled, "Natural Reef Aquariums" by John H Tullock. I now have six books on marine aquariums. I purchased my first book, "The New Saltwater Aquarium Handbook" by George C. Blasiola four years ago while on vacation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. My wife and I were staying at the Crown Reef Resort, which had a large saltwater tank in the lobby that sparked my interest. I read the book in one day, but did not understand a lot of it at the time. After talking to a few people in the hobby, including the guy who setup and maintained the tank in the lobby of the Crown Reef, my next book investments were two Martin Moe books, "The Marine Aquarium Handbook" and "Marine Aquarium Reference Systems and Invertebrates". Both are excellent books, but too technical in my opinion for the beginner.Three months after our vacation I purchased my 75 gallon reef ready Oceanic aquarium and set it up another three months after that as a FO (fish only) tank. A year passed before my next book purchase, "The Reef Aquarium Volume 2" by Sprung & Delbeek. I purchased this book because I was converting my FO to a reef tank. This too is a good book, but a bit over my head as a beginner in reef aquaria. Six weeks ago I got the same book, "The Reef Aquarium", but Volume 1. After reading it, Volume 2 made more since. When I ordered the first book I didn't know there were two volumes. Volume 1 was by far the best book, and I thought it would be the end of my book investments.
Then, while shopping for matrix carbon last week I picked up John Tullock's book and started reading it in the store. I could not put this book down. Everything I read while standing there for at least a half hour, I UNDERSTOOD! The book is full of info on different filtration systems I've heard about, but didn't fully understand, photos of equipment with detailed information on there use and packed with photos of invertebrates using common names. I found myself time and time again saying, "Oh, so that's what that coral looks like."
The book is based on the theory of less technology, more biology, a simplified approach to creating living saltwater microcosms. I will be on vacation this week and will read this book for the second time, as I am still confused on some points. I can't praise this book enough. It's without a doubt the best book I own, and would highly recommend "Natural Reef Aquarium" as the perfect book for the beginner.
- ~ Canseeker (Review Date: 1999)
About the Author: A zoologist and a leading authority in the reef aquarium world, John H. Tullock actively works to promote the use of sustainably collected marine species and the captive propagation of reef fishes and invertebrates.
