Reveiws from others in the hobby

Table Of Contents

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The worldwide explosion in popularity of reef aquaria has spawned a number of worthwhile books and a small handful of excellent ones. This one belongs in this handful. When newcomers to the hobby ask, “What should my first purchase be?” 

I always suggest a good book, adding that this will not only educate you in the hobby, it will also save you time, work, and money. 

Many of those entering the hobby are somewhat overwhelmed by the myriad of products and equipment currently on the market----- many touted as the “magic” needed for success. With all the hype appearing advertisements, it is good to have a sensible reference to work with. Simplified Reef Keeping informs with sensibility, and helps the hobbyist work through the hype and understand all the basics, thus saving the purchase of unnecessary or esoteric equipment. 

The experienced hobbyist will benefit by learning maintenance techniques an cost-cutting procedures, as well as insightful information about the aquariums inhabitants. Practical money saving tips will benefit the hobbyist on a budget. 

What more can one ask of a book, except perhaps a comparatively low price-- which the author has also given us. 

Jack Freiberg - Owner, Reef Life, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A.

"This book avoids the complicated theories, complex methods, and vague summations that so plague this hobby. In fact, it takes just the opposite approach. One does not need a degree in marine biology or a Ph.D. in science to be a successful reef keeper. Although such education would certainly not hurt, the fact is that hobbyists are just that-hobbyists, who want to participate in this area. But many, like myself, have been intimidated by the implied complexity."

"I am writing to share my personal experience with you, so you won't have to be misled, confused or conned about this subject. My suggestions will save you more than enough money to offset your investment in this book. I will explain where and how to buy materials, supplies, and livestock at the most affordable prices; what to look out for; what to steer clear of. You can avoid the pitfalls I ran into, and learn from the mistakes I made when I was starting out. You can have a beautiful reef tank! There is no big mystery, I want to pass on what I have learned to you."

"Some people seem to like getting bogged down in information and ideas suggesting mysterious complexity. As I stated from the beginning of this reading, the coral reef is extremely complex. However, there are many discussions of what is not known, such as the needs of extremely delicate species that are difficult to keep alive. These discussions can intimidate the hobbyist, leading him to believe that all species have the same needs. This is not true. This is what can make the novice spend excessive and unnecessary money on products that imply they will provide a higher level of natural conditions in the reef. This is the "carrot in front of the horse" scenario, leading one to believe the equipment he has is not good enough, and that if he uses this new method or product he will be able to keep a more delicate array of specimens."

to page 7

Gives an accurate description of components both hardware and livestock including the cost. It warns the reader of potential pitfalls and common mistakes made. It describes and encourages the importance of planning your reef before you begin and a summary of cycling your liverock for the first time.

to page 15

Discusses mini reefs and problems associated with them. Common size tanks, tall tanks odd or second hand tanks. BOTTOM AREA gives a good description on what you are really looking for in a tank with a simple formula. Large tanks (over 125 gallon) self made tanks with an idea of the materials and cost involved in fabricating your own tank. 

"The tank must be designed for the environment you are trying to create: a well-lit, uncramped display of a natural-appearing coral reef. The choice of a tank can make or break this desirable goal."

to page 21

The chapter goal is to describe the need for proper bulbs designed specifically for reef tanks; also to discuss wattage and duration of lighting. This chapter illustrates an example of a self made lighting canopy, different types of ballasts, wattage calculations, the use of timers, amount of electricity used, measurement of lightwaves.

to page 29

The chapter goal is to address the most common mistakes of water usage, while directing the reader to the necessary method of using deionised or reverse osmosis water purification. The chapter begins with the most common oversight … using your regular tapwater, it continues with alternatives of using ocean water, then concludes with the authors water system. The chapter gives the reader detailed descriptions of mixing new saltwater and different types of salt. The last 10 pages describes water testing and a complete description of the nitrification and de nitrification process. It concludes with the types and frequency of water testing done by the author.

to page 43

The chapter goal is to explain the methods, components, and design for a modern filtration of an enclosed reef system This chapter discusses the concept of a modern reef filtration system which includes details on surface skimming , prefilter material location maintenance. The sump its ideal design location and function..It goes on to describe the specific location of the protein skimmer and sump. Protein skimmers and pumps, types of overflows, water flow discussed in detail. Page 70 explains the necessary and unnecessary components of a modern reef tank. Nitrate management nitrification and de nitrification are thoroughly explained along with the specific amount of liverock to use.

to page 65

The chapter goal is to direct the reader to the most efficient method of arranging live rock in the tank. Also to discuss using live sand. This chapter describes exactly how to design and setup a unique method of aqua scaping not found anywhere else. Live sand the advantages and disadvantages of using it and exactly how to make a live sand filter. How to determine the correct amount of liverock or live sand. Picking up the live rock handling placing liverock and undesirable creatures to look out for.

to page 83

The chapter goal is to inform the hobbyist about proven methods and practical ideas concerning all aspects of maintaining a reef tank. The chapter begins with importance of record keeping record keeping. It explains adjusting the protein skimmer and tips on waste collection. Mixing Kalkwasser is thoroughly discussed in 6 pages including how to make an inexpensive doser as well as the time of day to add alternate mixing methods, and the significant benefits of adding Calcium Hydroxide. Feeding your livestock, how, when and what with a brief comparison of foods. Methods of feeding and finally what not to feed and why. Algae management contains 8 pages of this chapter including preventive measures why reef stores do not have an algae problem, ratio of livestock for effective algae management. Maintenance of the protein skimmer, prefilter, adding trace elements, cooling fans water pumps, light bulbs, tank cover and replacing light bulbs. There is a detailed 6 page description on how to properly do a water change packed with tips not found elsewhere. The chapter concludes with a detailed reef takedown and set-up.

to page 117

The chapter goal is to direct the reader to the many practical money saving methods the author has found useful. As someone who has spent several thousands of dollars on equipment and products, I consider my experience in this area invaluable. The chapter discusses in detail money saving tips and interesting methods of buying

1. Tanks & stands
2. Sump
3. Protein skimmer
4. Water purification equipment
5. Lighting
6. Expendable items
7. Live rock
8. Live stock
It concludes with an interesting list of unconventional products not designed for a reef tank but can be useful money saving alternatives.

to page 131

This chapter explains the importance of and methods for, an emergency plan in the event of a power outage 

page 135 

This is the largest chapter in the book. All aspects of building your own tank, are described in complete detail. Structural concerns, styles, cost, volume calculations, location, glass thickness are all thoroughly explained. The chapter goes in precise detail of actually building the tank with a complete list of tools and materials. Other components such as . . .

1. Tank stand
2. Sump
3. Protein skimmer
4. Column denitrifier
5. Wave maker
6. Light canopy
7. Drip plate
All get the same detailed instructions

to page 193

This chapter deals with purchasing, and proper handling of livestock. Descriptions characteristics, and requirements of

1. Live rock
2. Invertebrates
3. Corals
4. Fish

to page 213

This chapter contains most if not all plumbing connections that could be used for a reef tank. Plastic fittings, common sizes, types, cutting and gluing, valves and shut-offs, bulkhead fittings, insert fittings along with basic fundamentals of plumbing and water flow are discussed.

to page 223

Glossary to page 285

Index  295

Order Form page 306