Marine aquariums is a fast-growing hobby, and with today's technology, creating a thriving marine or reef aquarium is easier than ever. In Complete Book of the Freshwater Aquarium, hundreds of dramatic underwater photographs provide a fish's-eye view of 700 species of sea creatures while accessible scientific text explains the reef's fragile ecosystem. Written by an expert aquarist and diving enthusiast, this book also features a comprehensive guide to creating a home aquarium, from setting up the environment to selecting equipment, fish and invertebrates. Diving into this book will thrill both the advanced aquarist and the novice.
For beginning aquatic fancier looking to start out right with fish, Freshwater Aquariums by David Alderton is the ideal primer. A vertebrate that breathe primarily by means of gills and swim by means of fins is the author’s lead-in to the first chapter called “What are Fish?” Alderton builds the reader’s confidence by providing solid information about what fish are anatomically speaking, how they evolved, how they breathe, how they move, where they live, and how they behave. The new fancier’s aquarium begins in chapter two with instructions on setting up the tank, including selecting the right size, figuring out how many fish, setting the tank, equipment, substrate, heating, lighting, filtrations, plants, water chemistry, assembly, and more. Choosing the freshwater fishes that appeal to the reader is the subject of “Introducing the Categories of Fish,” which schools readers in seven categories: Cyprinids (e.g., goldfish, minnows, and barbs), Characins (e.g., tetras), Cichlids (e.g., oscars, angelfish, and discus), Anabantoids (gouramis, bettas/Siamese fighting fish, and paradise fish), Toothcarps (guppies, swordtails, platies, black mollies, and killifish), Catfish, and others (loaches and Chinese algae eaters). The purchasing, maintenance, and feeding of fish are described in considerable details, and the author gives a basic overview of breeding and keeping fish healthy as well. Resources, glossary, and index conclude the book.
A detailed and comprehensive guide. Freshwater and saltwater fishkeeping are challenging and tremendously rewarding hobbies. Aquariums is a big book that covers every aspect a fishkeeper needs to know. Step-by-step technical instructions are illustrated with hundreds of color diagrams as well as hundreds of color photographs of fish in their natural habitats. The book features: Choosing equipment Preparing the water and setting up the aquarium Saltwater and freshwater requirements Types of fish and their families Freshwater fish directory Saltwater fish directory Fish reproduction Plants for the aquarium Balance is the key to the successful aquarium, and Aquariums suggests fish mixes in combination with appropriate plants. Quite often, an aquarium will be thrown out of balance with the introduction of improperly prepared rocks and wood decorations. Simple instructions are offered for the preparation of such decorative objects for the aquarium. Packed with practical advice and useful tips, Aquariums shows how to set up a fish tank of stunning beauty.
In a straightforward, accessible format, this book introduces the hobby of tropical fishkeeping, outlining what is required in order to set up the correct environment, and what varieties of tropical fishes will thrive in an aquarium. Detailed information on choosing equipment, setting up a tank, plant selection, and water chemistry is included. You also get comprehensive coverage of how to feed your fish and how to maintain their tank. With special sections devoted to signs and symptoms of disease and first-aid treatments, as well as breeding tropical fish, this book has everything for the beginning hobbyist and the more experienced fishkeeper.
This book is a comprehensive, practical guide to setting up any type of fish tank. Everything a responsible fish lover needs to know - whether a complete beginner or an experienced enthusiast.
How do you choose the perfect combination of fish for your aquarium? How can you understand the nature and behavior of these slippery creatures? Is a freshwater tank ideal for my household and what kind of time commitment does a fish tank require? Discover an exciting underwater world with this invaluable guide to over 400 fascinating species of freshwater and marine fish. An easy reference format reveals the key characteristics of each breed, along with its origins, physiology, and care needs. You'll get peace of mind that you're aquarium will thrive for years to come. Cohesion inside your fish tank is essential to ensure that your fish and plants get in along in a healthy way and guarantee a long life inside your tank. Each entry includes an at a glance guide to basic aquarium requirements, feeding habits, and compatibility with other fish. Detailed photographs of each specimen clearly show its extraordinary markings and distinguishing features in glorious full color, and form a delightful visual reference. Discover your favorite fish and build your ideal tank before investing time and money. Whether you are a long time keeper, are looking to start an aquarium, or are simply fascinated by fish, this is the ultimate fish breed handbook.
"This updated, comprehensive, full-color reference covers 500 of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish. It provides concise at-a-glance information on their behavior, diet and breeding along with guidance and recommendations on setting up a freshwater aquarium. Species include: Cichlids, Catfish, Cyprinids, Characoids, Loaches and suckers, Gouramis, Rainbow fish and blue-eyes, Livebearers, and others"--
