I really enjoyed the organized, practical layout of the book and your experience based pragmatic approach
Dr Bill Rivers

I received your book and I'm very pleased with it. Very impressive and much thicker than I thought!!
Dominique Lafleur
Canada

I've read your book cover to cover many times over. As my knowledge and experience with reefkeeping increases, I become more confirmed that your book is an invaluable tool in this hobby. Many thanks for helping me get a good grip on starting my reef. The book and your website are nothing less than outstanding
Bill Ticknor
CA

Robert, I found your book easy to read, very informative without being to technical, and one of the best books on the market! It is definately worth it's weight in gold, and shall become my aquarium bible. I plan on using a modified version of your eggcrate setup.
Again, thank you so much for eveything Robert.
Allen Zdesar
North Carolina

Hi Robert - great book!
Brian Pelkey
Berkley MI

I really love the book... it keeps my mind going on new ideas! I can say it is full of info that in the past was hard to get. Thanks!
John Stepler
Kokomo In

Your book is the best resource I have found to date. It is also the best at down to earth explanations us newbies could hope for. Thanks!!
Richard Turner
Salisbury MA

This book is the greatest! As you say it simplifies everything. I have been an aquarist for 25 years but just recently got involved with reef keeping. The information avaliable is overwhelming but your book and software is money well spent
Thanks
Allan Shultz
York PA

Great book, using it as a planning tool for the setup of my tank. (Should have it setup in the next month or two)
Anonymous
Noblesville IN

When I decided to convert my 55gal freshwater tank to a reef tank, I bought your book. Now I'm a reef addict! Your book was a great resource for helping out somebody who knew next to nothing about keeping a reef. I stuck to most of your tips on how to keep costs down and my corals are growing happily. Of course, I'm pushing myself to get better and keep more difficult corals and animals so I'm slowly adding more equipment I didn't start with (i.e. MH lighting) because I need a challenge :) Adam Schneider Palatine, IL

"Its a very good book... very locical" Lee Kok Kei Singapore

"I love your book- it has helped me more than any I have read!" Mildred Smalley Fort Payne AL

"I have just received your book here in the United Arab Emirates and have read half of it in two days and I'd like to say that so far this is the best systemized precise book on Reefkeeping I have come across." Omid Yazdani United Arab Emirates

"First I would like to let you know how much my husband and me, enjoy reading and specially use your book. Was a big help for us, especially? that we start a reef tank that the person who promise to help and guide left us. " Monica

"Simplified Reefkeeping is a great resource for anyone interested in saltwater fish aquaria. For the reef enthusiast, it has great information about how to start and maintain a reef tank set up at a reasonable cost. The book is chock full of great tips about reef tank essentials including lighting, filtration, water quality, and livestock, among others. Simplified Reefkeeping is a pleasure to read and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who seeks to learn more about the living reef hobby." Cary Kletter Founder eReefTank.com

"I liked the DIY and the SIMPLIFIED get to it how to’s Robert. Thanks for all the support and time you and all who help put into the book and free revisions." John Crooks Dallas Texas

"This CD is so good. You maybe didn't hear from me after you've sent the CD, but recently someone was asking for a good book on rec.aquaria.marine.reefs, guess which book I have recommended? :) Robert, honestly, you're book is a great tool, the proof is that all my questions were answered during the last year. But this CD makes your book even better..." Sylvan Cazza

"This book has a realistic approach" William D Suskey

"I'm enjoying your book very much; It’s hard to put down. Looking forward to seeing more of your work." Ralph Santangelo

"I got your latest book in the mail! Thank you so much for that copy. Congratulations on great work! You must have been working very hard to get this done - I can't even imagine. " Happy New Year! Dan Lipton CA

"I liked the fact that it is simplified , using terms that I can understand" Armeta Lee CA

"I bought the book 2 years ago before deciding to switch my 75-gallon fish only over to a reef. SRK was so easy to follow it made the transition very easy. Although I did not follow ever single aspect laid out I used it as a solid foundation in attempting to keep my reef thriving. and from these pictures you can see how simple it can bee with proper lighting, filtration , water make up etc. as was laid out in your book.
My corals have just exploded in the first 18 months. My colt coral started out with 1 stalk about 4 inches tall, today it has over 6 stalks at least 2 inches in diameter and over 7 inches tall. My pulsating Xenia has almost over run my tank, but I was able to place small rocks and have them move onto them and give them too friends and my local coral supplier. everything has done well I owe allot of it to your book.

I could go on but you deserve the credit I just followed the SRK and the rest is beautiful " Ben Lefton Ohio

"Hi there. I think I have turned the corner, at last. Corals and other inverts doing very well, looking good. Water quality has stabilized. Like they say, you can't rush mother nature. Thanks again for all your help. "Sims Lowrey

"You've got a great resource! Thanks for your efforts" Todd Jenkins Grand Blanc MI

"Loved the CD and book!" Jeff Sawyer Blackwell OK

"I liked the book very much and it gave us good instructions about setting up our reef tank. Thanks for your help" Cindy Kirsch NY

"Your book has been a great help and confidence builder because I actually felt like I was understanding the material. Thanks for the CD!" Chad Schuler Indiana

"You got it right, everything looks great. And believe me I owe most of it to you and your book. I cant say that enough, again You are the Master. Mr. Metelsky, again fantastic book, I wish I had purchased it earlier, I feel I have a friend out there, instead of relying on L.F.S. who at times try to sell you something you don't need or want. I cant wait to receive the new C.D.! Thanks again" Mello- Erie PA

"Simple, direct, solution oriented!" Dan Huxley Washington

"I have read your book several times.  I learn more each time. The knowledge that I have gained from your book and others has giving me many hours of pleasure.  I am very much looking forward to building my new reef system." Rick Alba Henderson Nevada

"I'm looking forward to reading this book and gaining knowledge from a simplified source" Terry Lempka Omaha Nebraska

"Simple, easy to follow" Kenny McGee Columbus Ohio

"Good, easy reading. Practical approach to keeping a reef" Michael Fish Belmount MI

"I love the ABC's it lays out.  Probably would not have attempted the new tank without the book.  It has been a real work book and being able to communicate  with the author via email has been a huge help." M Poore Kansas

"This book has everything I need to know and then some!" Jack Calvert New Jersey

"Lots of good info. Chapter 15 Questions & Answers was great" Dan Ross  Henderson Nevada

"Extremely informative" Peter Occhipinti  South Carolina

"Easy reading and straight forward" Joseph Pellicane Staten Island New York City

"I enjoyed the book because of its simple honest approach" James H. Findley California

"This book is full of hints and tips form someone who obviously knows. A very useful book!"
Julian G. Gillott Sheffield UK

"A great book!" Todd Lovell St George Utah

"Step by step simple explanations. Very informative" Nigel Woo Coral Springs Florida

"A very helpful book" John Bain Toronto Ohio

"The organization and layout is great for someone researching whether or not to move into reefkeeping"
Michael Liberman McLean Virginia

"This book has an incredible amount of information... all in one place!" Ron Schanlaub Cypress Texas

"I just started but I know this will assist me in my DIY projects" Mike Middleton Tallahassee Florida

"I liked the up to date construction techniques" James Meader Moultrie Georgia

"Easy to Read" Tony Dicken Ocean City Maryland

"Simple to understand" Jack Stewart Ft Lauderdale Florida

"This is a book that tries to explain all options and then explains what works. I only hope the rest of the book is as helpful as the first 39 pages! Thank You!" Jimi Misztal Denver Colorado

"Excellent book! We need more like this one, everything is in laymans terms" Eric Graff New Jersey

"I beleive this is the book I was looking for" Jacobo Soler Spain

"We feel the author really connects to what it's like starting a tank, the book has a direct and easy to read approach"
Doug Brown Illinois

"Clear and easy to understand" Gordon Bredel Virginia

"Really enjoyed the tone of the book. Great practical ideas with the emphasis on proper planning. Thanks for a great book!"
Allen Englebert PA

"Informative" Mark Lutz MD

"Easy to read" Chuck Beck NC

"Self explanatory" Darryl Moll PA

"Very straightforward formula" Duffy Carter TX

"Step by step guide. Good reef starting reference" Henry Green CA

"I thought it was a great book for a beginner. I should have read it before I started" Robert Broadman PA

"Easy to understand" Ron Stranahan Medford Oregon

"I think this is one of the best books I've read yet!" John Mortola NY

"Its a great helpful book with information that is hard to find in libraries and fish stores"
Paul Pagnozzi East Meadow NY

"I quite enjoyed the layout of your book. Its the first I've seen that didn't assume the reader already knew allot" Dawn Webster Washington

"Easy to understand, very informative. Good do it yourself stuff."  Paul Camandona Mass

"Straightforward... shows how to cuts costs" Frank Manetta NY

"Easy to read and straightforward reefing in plain english not technical talk" Joseph Pellicane NY

"You've really helped make allot of confusing things simpler - great info!" Bob Dustin Kansas

"Excellent Resource!!" G.R Vukelich  Land O Lakes Florida

"When I bought my pet store set-up I didn't know anything about aquariums much more saltwater or even so far as a reef setup.  I listened to what everyone told me and spend an incredible amount of
money, for college student, finding a new non recreational hobby on the side of a full-time school workload.

Unfortunately, I didn't do what I should have done.  After reading the majority of your book, I see an easy, thorough understanding of the basics of the hobby which, in my opinion, is the part where a
wanna-be reefer can get mixed up and find themselves broke and exhausted before it really ever gets started.

What I like the most about my discussions with you, via your book and your e-mails, is the simplified approach that exists when you do it right the first time.  And most importantly, following ONE persons
advice.  Without a doubt, I have obviously heard thoughts to contradict yours from some pet store owners locally. However, after searching around I find more times than not that the people with the
good looking tanks, and healthy, thriving specimens, whether locally or via internet photos, follow almost to the 'T' the same fundamentals found in your book and voiced in your return e-mails to me.  In addition to local pet store owners and their opposing views, I find more times than not a direct correlation between their views and their urge to sell a product.  In closing on the aforementioned subject, your advice is free.  If you will recall with me, I first heard of you (not your book) via an internet link to veteran reefers leaving their e-mail addresses to novice reefers with earnest questions (Reef Mentors Database).

I want to express to you, and anyone else who may read chunks of this testimonial, that knowledgeable, provable (your tank photos) advice that isn't fueled by the mighty dollar is a characteristic of an
individual that wants people to enjoy and most importantly, succeed, in this hobby.  I think you, by your constant reply to e-mail after e-mail (four of mine in ONE day you replied to) fit the above
description.

It is nice to know I have someone in the hobby to ask any question, no matter how novice, and get an honest non-profit motivated answer."

Thanks, Robert.
Sincerely yours,
Ted Low

"I liked the cost saving methods and easy to understand approach" Shawn Lim Singapore

"I love the layout, the notes section at the end of each chapter and straightforward presentation. You wrote the BEST  DIY section ever!! Great job!" Andrew Terney Aurora CO

"Straightforward" Craig Prickett San Ramon Ca.

"I really enjoyed the book and read it cover to cover in 2 days!" Mat Cousseas St.Johns MI

"To the point - straight talking - Easy to read" Paul Jay Godalming Surrey England

"You have really helped make alot of confusing things alot simpler Thanks!" Bob Dusin Fairway Kansas

"This is the first book I've found that I can understand" Steven Bera West Salem Ohio

"I liked the simplicity in which the topics are discussed (laymens terms)" Mike McKee Hayward California

"Thanks for the book. Im sure it's one of several I will purchace" Royce Smith Valencia California

"Lots of how to do it yourself information" Scott Witkowski Nashua New Hampshire

"Thank You for this reference work. I will recommend it to all I can!" Jacob Farmer Long Beach MS

"I bought Simplified Reef Keeping about one year ago, and it is the foundation I used to start my aquarium.  It was very helpful and informative.  I have repeatedly referred back to it for help with new problems.  Thanks for the great start." Kevin L. Hudson Texas

"Easy to read, and the step by step methods for construction." Greg Valosky Iowa

"Very informative and educating. A MUST HAVE!" Ralph Paez Florida

"I love this book and hobby!" Keith Riley North Carolina

"It's easy to read and follow. Good book." Paul Key Kentucky

"Very complete, yet easy to follow" Matt Hanson Iowa

"Clearly written and complete yet not overwhelming with un necessary / extra details"
Doug Sturgis Texas

"Good straightforward advise" Matt Jochin Georgia

"Easy to read!" Joe Poteet Clayton Indiana

"Sensible... step by step" Mark Bagley Nevada

"You did an excellent job with your book. This is what I was looking for, for a long time. If I had this book before my current reef tank it would be very different and more efficient" Marcelo Saavedra Venezuela

"The information is presented for the layman in this fantastic book" Adam Sherman Colorado

"Very informative thorough explanations and examples are given. Your book was my first purchase into the hobby and I couldn't be happier!" Paul C. Lowe Arizona

"Very clear explanations" Anthony Peters Florida

"Thanks for your work put into the book" John Crooks Texas

"High tech information, in low tech talk. Overall awesome reading!" Peter Christoforou New York

"Even I could understand and follow the DIY and how things worked! " Eddie Kim Hawaii

"I like the book. Finally someone is willing to say: Follow this recipe and 95% of your problems will never arise. The hobby has needed this type of non-scientific advise for years"
Kyle W. Greer  Texas

"If I had this book when I first started I would have avoided many mistakes. Allot of what the book says Ive already learned the hard way but its still valuable as a reference and to confirm the things Ive learned."
Richard Castillo Missouri

"Enjoyed the book! Easy to understand and thorough" Diane Batson South Carolina

"Simple - No techie language I would highly recommend to others like myself looking for consistent reef info... Good Job!" Mike Trybul Illinois

"I liked the section on building components for reef aquariums (i.e.: lighting, protein skimmer)"
Ronny E. Arndt Utah

"A great resource book - all through" Cooki Pales Illinois

"This book told me what I needed, period." Brian Emery Mass

"First, I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude. I received your fine book today - very speedy delivery, and already am most impressed and learning some important things I wish I had known sooner. I intend to sit back and read it cover to cover a few times. This is a book that no reefkeeper should be without." Gordon Moynes Canada

"Great book! it provided easy access to information, well laid out, well written"
Erik Jambor Alabama

"Simplified Reefkeeping is FANTASTIC! It offers a new realm of procedures and techniques for simple set-up and maintenance of a reef tank. Im looking forward to the revised edition"
Kelly JA Bohnet Alberta Canada

"To the point and simplified" Patricia Cassel Pa

"Good clean definitions. Quality information. I look forward to building a tank into my wall when I finish my basement. I would have never considered this before your book" Brent J. Peterson Utah

"I like how easy it was to understand!" - Brian Tulley of Royal Oak, MI

"It answers most of my questions, I love it!" - Allan Shultz of Mesa, AZ

"Easy to read I liked the step by step instructions for construction of various equipment"
Greg Valosky ,Iowa

"It's the first book that wasn't intimidating to me. Very thorough!" Daniel Manko of Pittsburgh, PA

"Very thorough in its explanation of how the hobby should be done, the smart way. The book is very insightful in showing how to keep a reef aquarium. I know this book will be a valuable reference tool." Jonathan Austin of Great Falls, Montana

"An amazing book that has information for the beginner to expert. I gave this book to a neighbor and he loved it, since he is starting up a 90 gallon reef. He was interested in what you had to say about lighting fixtures. Thank You for writing the book...it is a must for anyone starting in the hobby and I cant wait to see the revised edition." Chad Becker., Quebec Canada

"Just wanted  to say thank you for your book.  I purchased it 10/96 when I was starting my reef tank. Your book was very clear and easy to understand.  It has gave me numerous tips in setting up and maintaining my tank." Allen Wada  Honolulu  Hawaii

"When I have a question that needs to be answered... you answer it!" Raymond Hawkins Texas

"You cant imagine how much confidence your book has given me!" Danny Kim California

"Very good general reference, it gave me allot of guidelines to use and has has great advise"
Randy Horan Minnesota

"The book seems to anticipate my questions or problems and address them in a straightforward easy to understand manner Thanks!" Nick Antonaccio New York

"Good, concise, easy to follow" Michael Noel California

"Great book!!" Douglas Sams Indiana

"Easy to read, lots of illustrations" Art Geffon California

"Excellent book Im looking forward to the revised edition!"  Randel Straub Florida

"I wish I could have found this book before I started, it would have helped me avoid costly mistakes"
Todd Hopkins Minnesota

"Thanks to your book and Arthur Yessayn we have created new business and an interest in reef systems" Freddie Goodrum North Carolina

" I found the book Simplified Reef Keeping very useful" Ken Brown Windermere Florida

"The DIY ideas were very informative.. eggcrate method, wave maker building your own tank. The projects were very well described. Peter Newman Champaign Illinois

" I hear many different views that do not match when using multiple sources, but Simplified Reef Keeping is understandable, step by step and WORKS!" Jason R. Pohl Arlington Texas

"This is the first book that I found that I can understand!" Stephen C. Berg West Salem Ohio

"Thanks for a great book!" Dale Duffer Ormond Florida

"Loving the book!" Frank LaTorraca Sparta New Jersey

"Too many things to list here... keep the info coming!" Robin Knowles Memphis Tennessee

"This book is straight forward & easy to understand" Karl Schatz NY NY

"Very useful how to instruction. It provides a base to establish a tank maintenance schedule"
Judson R. Lohmeyer Aliso Viejo California

"Has most of the information I needed and is easy to understand"
William Thomas Mary Esther Florida

"Very straight forward" Mark Keys Flint Michigan
 

My Talk

F.A.Q

Get The Book

Preview

Reef Survey

Index

Critics

Meet Author

I liked the fact that it is simplified , using terms that I can understand Armeta Lee CA

"Easy to read yet authoritative. Also tells why or why not to use certain approaches. I like the concise
summaries. Thanks for an excellent book!" Kevin S Brown Normal Illinois

"Keep up the good work, you people are THE driving force in Reef Keeping Management"
Thomas Romer Ottawa Ohio

"I really liked Chapter 13 Reef Livestock, well organized and simple."
John Gilman Shawnee Mission Kansas

"Most of the material I have read hasn't given a lot of the little details like this book has. Very Good!"
Dan Hunt Grand Prairie Texas

"You have been a great help and a sensible voice guiding me to progress satisfactorily."
Vince Perri Miami Florida

"I liked the step by step practical approach" Kevin Hoyt Brighton Michigan

"Simple & concise" Tom Chen Champaign Illinois

"Simple, well detailed explanations. I liked the advantages & dis-advantages detailed on set-ups"
Mark D Benson Highland Heights Kentucky

"It contains common talk" Earl Carpenter Cincinnati Ohio

"Organized approach from initial set-up to follow through. I didn't have this when I started 9 years ago" Marsha Carry Manhattan Beach California

"Full of information & money saving tips" Tony Yu Coppell Texas

"A Hands on book!" Paul Donahue Niskayuna New York

"A basic text for beginners. I have really found it useful" S Michael Maddox Pensacola Florida

"Easy to understand, Quality info!" David Baxt NY NY

"I love that it shows how to build things" Tom Spanjer Dalton Georgia

"Comprehensive, well written and understandable".  Carl V. Hunt Manassas Virginia

"Robert, Your advise and information are greatly appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you again." John Unzicker Rolling Meadows Illinois

"I liked all the do it yourself stuff.. was great! Very complete  & practical"
Todd Meadows Blair Minnesota

"This book has been a great learning tool for me, I will reference it often."
Doug Winker Lynnwood Washington

"It is understandable without a Ph.D. in biochemistry"  Anthony Damiano Long Beach New York

"This book is focused on how to.. not science"  Charles Christison

"I like everything about it! It is an excellent book for anyone." Nancy Mills Nichols New York

"Good.. simple and very informative!" Luis Pizarro Nashua New Hampshire

"Easy to read...Very straight forward" Eric Gardner Woodbury New Jersey

"A very well put together book. I have learned allot and am using it as a guideline for stocking my tank and building my filtration setup" John Jackson Belfast Tennessee

"Many helpful hints!" Gary McGrath Tucson Arizona

"I really benefited from your simplified approach. Im tired or reading chemical equations"
Christopher Fricke Lewiston New York

"This will be very useful. Great information!" Judson R. Lohmeyer

"Good practical examples of different parameters, lighting, liverock, bio-load etc."
Robert Beaumar Leroy Illinois

"This book contains and vast supply of information and knowledge to get me started on the right track." Stephen Peak Lenexa Kansas

"I have been interested in reef tanks since about 1989.  I have spent in excess of $500.00 in literature and reference material, trying to get an idea of how to set up for this endeavor.  From this literature, I think I have pretty good idea about the principles involved with filtration, water chemistry and the scientific operation of a closed system reef.  However, I still did not have the foggiest idea of how to physically set up and operate a reef. I recently purchased your book, and I would like to compliment you on your efforts.  Out of all my reference material, your book has helped me achieve a thorough understanding of what I must actually do to obtain, set-up, and maintain a reef tank.  I think your book is one of the foremost for the actual "nuts & bolts" of this hobby."
Dan Tutt Oklahoma

"This book speaks to beginners and breaks everything down into steps." Shan Smith Deltona Florida

"This is the first how to manual I have come across... more practical than other books  I have read."
Stuart MacLean Herrdon Virginia

"Easy to read" Hal Newell Waconia

"This book has practical approaches for set up and maintenance" Alan Godofsky Cincinnati Ohio

"As a beginner this book answered all my questions and MORE Great Book!"
Shane Cunningham Ypslanti MI
 

"I guess that the greatest  compliment that one can give an author is to say that in the three weeks that I have had it, it is already dog eared, coffee stained, and about a third of the text is highlighted.  It is a darned good read as well!  It is, for the most part, a 'page turner' and is never boring.
What has the book actually done for me in the planning stage?

• Alleviated a lot of confusion.
• Helped me to develop a sound plan with a clear focus on the final objective.
• Answered many, if not all, of my questions at this stage.
• Provided me with a method that I am comfortable with.
• Proved to me that you can't go cheap, but there are components that can be bought more economically
• Helped to trim the fat out of my original list of components showing me the essentials that are must haves and allowing me to forego the purchase of unnecessary dry goods and equipment.
• While I may not be able to go top of the line, I certainly will get components that are adequate (and a little more) to  do the job.
• Now that I know what I don't need, I can now reallocate the saved moneys to a larger tank, skimmer, etc.
• Showing me where, why, and how the money goes into the project allowing me to set up a budget.
• Showed me that I can build my own components: I plan to build my own lighting system and sump.