Authored by Anthony Rosario Calfo in partnership with Robert Fenner, the crew of WetWebMedia, for those of you unfamiliar with Anthony’s previous offerings, prepare yourself! A visual reference that goes beyond a "coffee-table" book and exceeds the definition of a textbook, by interlacing facts and humor with stunning here-to-fore unseen photographs, all the major inhabitants in a modern, home reef environment are presented to the curious, the initiated, and to the advanced aquarist alike.
- Description - A complete and concise 398 page guide to understanding, setting up, and caring for true reef aquariums and the marine invertebrates in them, color photographs throughout that include informative captions, and many other features.
- Price - Moderate range.
- Publisher - Reading Trees and WetWebMedia Publications
- Softcover; 2003
Special Features
Back cover of "Reef Invertebrates - Vol. 1"
Image from WetWebMedia
Practical Information Abounds in this Book
Following the tradition of basics first, the book commences to initiate the reader to the "whys" and "where-fores" of what makes for a true reef aquarium. Filtration is probably the most controversial of all saltwater topics and is presented right up front. Items such as live rock, live sand, Jaubert and NNR are covered in depth, but in a way that allows the reader to grasp the concepts as well as the pros and cons of each. I especially enjoyed the reference to "Uncle Al" in the live rock hero's caption! Humor is an excellent vehicle to use when presenting complex subject matter. The authors have utilized this tool extremely well throughout the book, and it carries the reader easily from page to page. The explanations provided are concise and to the point, not too detailed as to be boring, but comprehensive enough to satisfy the most inquisitive reader.While most photographs speak for themselves, and the captions on them are very informative, I’d simply like to state that the images presented in this volume are fresh and spectacular. Each specimen presented is clear and large enough to see plenty of detail. One can certainly tell that much time and care was used selecting just the right pictures to use when compiling the book.
Practical information abounds in this book, and many myths are explored and/or exploded. I especially respect the manner in which the trade is presented. Every company manufacturing an appliance for the industry touts itself as providing the ultimate in this and that. Realistic attitudes are given in the attempt to save the hobbyist much time and money. This is something I’ve been saying for many years. It doesn’t have to be in a four-color carton and cost hundreds of dollars to work, and viable alternatives are presented for reflection and consideration.
Each subsequent chapter below specifically deals with creatures encountered while pursuing a successful reef aquarium.
- Crustaceans: Crabs, Shrimps, Lobsters, Zooplankton
- Giant Clams: Tridacna and Hippopus
- Other Mollusks: Oysters, Scallops, Snails, Nudibranchs
- Echinoderms: Starfishes, Sand Dollars, Urchins, Cucumbers
- Worms: Feather Dusters, Fan, Bristle and Flatworms
- Sponges, Sea Squirts and Tunicates
- Algaes, Refugiums and Deep Sand Beds
