Selling ARI? - 10/10/06
Bob Fenner,  we needed to pass the library on.  We tried to place the library where it could remain whole, but could not find anyone who could afford carrying it on.
<What a shame! I had hoped the Packard folks... Foundation, Monterey Bay Aq.... would have seen the logic, purpose in its acquisition>
At least the publications are being acquired by those interested in them. We are keeping a core collection in fish, pets and aquaculture to  keep us informed. /.R3
<Thank you for this Dr. Bob (Rofen). Bob Fenner>

The Handbook of Marine Science-Compounds  from Marine organisms vol 2 going out of stock, hurry and order both vols.!   10/1/06
Dear Sir/Madam,
<Howdy "Book Club International">
The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London is making the "The Handbook of  Marine Science-Compounds from Marine Organisms in two volumes by J.T.Baker and V.Murphy, published by the C.R.C.Press International available to interested Researchers  at a substantially subsidized price.
The contents include
:Vol.1:Introduction-Hydrocarbons-Sesquiterpenes-Higher Hydrocarbons-Marine Prostaglandins-Halogenated Derivatives-Furans-Carotenoids-Sterols-Phenols-Marine Quinones-Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Two Guanidine Units)-Compounds not covered elsewhere, Which display biological Activity-Tabulation of Compounds-Compound Name Index-References-Author Index-General Index.
Vol. II: Discussion-Isoprene Derived Hydrocarbons and Their Derivatives-Compounds containing Nitrogen-Tabulation of Compounds (Table 27)-Compound Name Index for Table 27-Tabulation of Compounds from Vol.1 Mentioned in References Listed in Vol.II (Table 28)-Compound Name Index for Table 28-References-Author Index-Taxonomic Index
The original price of these two volumes is $184(Rs.8000).
The pages number 447.These are  latest editions  in mint condition.
Although the original price is $184(Rs.8000),The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London, has made these  two volumes available to you  for Rs.4400 only($99),including freight  packing and registered postage to your door. This means a saving of  Rs.3600 ($85)
Volume two is going out of stock, maybe permanently, so please take advantage while both volumes are available for $ 99 only.( Soon it'll be volume 1 only for $ 99.)
To take advantage of this offer ,kindly fill out the acquisition form below  and send a draft in favor of World Book Centre to the address below
The books will reach you within three weeks.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
World Book Centre
<Will post on our site. Bob Fenner>
ACQUISITION FORM please fill in and post with draft)
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The Handbook of Marine Science-Compounds made from Marine Organisms  - 8/9/2006
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London is making the "The Handbook of  Marine Science-Compounds from Marine Organisms in two volumes by J.T. Baker and V. Murphy, published by the C.R.C. Press International available to interested Researchers  at a substantially subsidized price.
The contents include
:Vol.1:Introduction-Hydrocarbons-Sesquiterpenes-Higher Hydrocarbons-Marine Prostaglandins-Halogenated Derivatives-Furans-Carotenoids-Sterols-Phenols-Marine Quinones-Compounds Containing Nitrogen (Two Guanidine Units)-Compounds not covered elsewhere, Which display biological Activity-Tabulation of Compounds-Compound Name Index-References-Author Index-General Index. Vol. II: Discussion-Isoprene Derived Hydrocarbons and Their Derivatives-Compounds containing Nitrogen-Tabulation of Compounds (Table 27)-Compound Name Index for Table 27-Tabulation of Compounds from Vol.1 Mentioned in References Listed in Vol. II (Table 28)-Compound Name Index for Table 28-References-Author Index-Taxonomic Index The original price of these two volumes is $184(Rs.8000).
The pages number 447.These are  latest editions  in mint condition.
Although the original price is $184(Rs.8000),The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London, has made these  two volumes available to you  for Rs.4400
only ($99),including freight  packing and registered postage to your door. This means a saving of  Rs.3600 ($85)
To take advantage of this offer ,kindly fill out the acquisition form below  and send a draft in favor of World Book Centre to the address below
The books will reach you within three weeks.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
World Book Centre

----------------please cut here----------------

ACQUISITION FORM (please fill in and post with draft)

To,
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Churchgate,Mumbai-400020
India
Tel:+91 22 22027299
Fax: +91 22 22844891
email: sales@worldbookcentre.com
From:
Date:

Dear Sirs,
We would like to take advantage of the saving of Rs.3600
($85)on the subsidy on The Handbook of Marine Science by Baker and Murphy.
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Recommendation of a coral atlas   6/16/06
Hi Crew!
Thanks for your hard work and the excellent help you give to all of us.  I took a week off from work to read Anthony's coral propagation book and the NMA: Reef Invert books.... Ok the truth is it was the family vacation to the beach, but I was reading the whole time.  Both are invaluable!  I have just recently relapsed into Salt Water Dependency Disorder
<<Heee! RMF would have named this Saltwater Aquarium Dependency Disorder for the sake of the acronym>>
 and so much has changed since the trickle filter system I had in the late 80's.  My LR is finally cured, but after my information overload week at the beach I am going to add a refuge and let things mature a bit before adding any specimens.  (skimmer, ozone, Ca reactor, weekly water change routine all in place)
My question is in regard to the ONLY thing lacking in Anthony's book... purty pictures.  I have read everything up to the sections on the individual coral families and held there for my lack of being able to identify in my mind what critter I'm reading about.  I need an atlas or something that I can have open next to the book to make the connections.  I guess I could find pics of most on the web site(?) but would like something bound that would travel.  I am betting NMA: Corals will be all that in one cover but for now I need a recommendation, that or a time machine to go snatch the book from the future.  I didn't see anything in the book review section that looked like a match.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I have a couple of good marine fish atlas type books but nothing with corals.
I really enjoyed Anthony's humor throughout both books,  so I have an appointment with a psychiatrist soon and will let you know if there is anything to help that.  
Serum Salinity dropping. Will have to sign off now and snort some Instant Ocean to stave off withdrawal.
Ron Barton  Knoxville, Tennessee.
<<Ron:  The definitive atlas with pretty pictures is Veron's Corals of the World http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/coralsworld/cotw-01.html  It is a 3 volume set.  You can also buy a CD with the pictures and most of the CD is available online as a database.  There are many books with pretty pictures.  Veron's book is great for coral identification once you have a lot of experience.  Borneman's Aquarium Corals is the best all around book for how to take care of corals. Best of luck,  Roy>>  

TMC/Kuiter book review/s  - 06/06/2006
hello,
<Hi there>
I am planning to purchase the below named titles by ordering via the net, since these books are not available for purchase in any book shop where I live, so I am not able to preview the books before I order them....so I would really appreciate your review of these books. in terms of information, content, quality of photos etc....
1. Butterflyfishes, Bannerfishes and Their Relatives - A Comprehensive Guide to Chaetodontidae and Microcanthidae by Rudie H Kuiter
2. Angelfishes - A Comprehensive Guide to Pomacanthidae by Helmut Debelius, Hiroyuki Tanaka & Rudie H Kuiter
3- Basslets, Hamlets and Their Relatives - A Comprehensive Guide to Selected Serranidae and Plesiopidae by Rudie H Kuiter
4- Surgeonfishes, Rabbitfishes and Their Relatives - A Comprehensive Guide to Acanthuroidei by Rudie H Kuiter and Helmut Debelius
5- Fairy & Rainbow Wrasses and Their Relatives - A Comprehensive Guide to Selected Labroids by Rudie H Kuiter
All above books published by TMC publishing.   (http://www.tmc-publishing.com)
Thank you very much for your valuable support.
regards,
Dr. Anup
<I own all of these, and do recommend them highly... for what they are: Largely pictorial guides to the fishes of these groups, groupings. They are scant however on issues of practical husbandry... that is, surprising for their producer/TMC, these are not really "aquarium books" per se. If money is dear, you might want to just order one or seek them on inter-library loan to peruse, see if they are of use to you ahead of purchase. To me they are useful for color/marking identifications, ranges, the beauty of photography... Bob Fenner>

Info needed. Marine fish book recommendation    5/24/06
Hi,
<Hello>
I have purchased a copy of the Conscientious marine aquarist book by Robert Fenner and its an excellent companion to my hobby!
<Glad you have found it so>
Can you please recommend me an comprehensive book for main aquarium fish identification and detailed info on their individual care. It would be great if they have good quality photos for fish identification.
<The best small tome of this coverage is Scott Michael's Marine Fish Pocket Guide (sold by online etailers like Amazon.com). The best series (there are many species) is by Scott as well... under various titles in the Reef Fishes series...>
Also is there any monthly or bimonthly subscriptions or magazines exclusively catering to me marine fish hobby?
<Mmm, in other countries mainly... the best is Marine World Magazine in the UK... Aqua Touch distributes this in the U.S.: http://www.aquatouch.com/
Coral/Koralle Magazine is also worthwhile, as are the not-solely marine national periodicals Tropical Fish Hobbyist, Freshwater and Marine Aquarium and Aquarium Fish Magazine... all have their Net placement. Bob Fenner>

Rick, ACI, fish books 4/6/06
Hi Bob,
<Hey Rick!>
Long time no talk, how have you been, traveling the word I assume?
<Yes... about half the year. Just back from HI>
We are going to be doing some different advertising in the coming months and wanted to do some banner Ads with you.
<Mmm, will ask MikeK to chat with you re>
Also, we do not offer any books at this time and other than your's I don't know which ones would be worth carrying.
<There are a few... if forty points can be made to be of interest... along with the "good will", "blue sky" of promoting knowledge... associated with your biz>
If you have some time, could you give me a list of 5-10 books that you feel
are worthy of your recommendation? Also where we could purchase these books.
<Mmm, have a few dozen reviewed on WWM... You want to "buy from the source" as much/close as possible... Do you have a trade relationship with TFH? They now produce, do fulfillment for Microcosms titles... these are about the best on the market. There are a few independents but they just have "one offs"... not so sure you want to spend your time/effort on these>
I hope this email finds you well and less bored with the industry as was the case a year ago.
<Never bored, but at times semi-annoyed at certain acts, individuals. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Thank you in advance,
Rick Acero
Aquarium Consultants Intl <http://www.acicorp.us/>  Inc.

TFH Marine Aquarium Quaterly  3/16/06
>Bob
>I came across a couple of magazines called Marine Aquarium Quarterly. The overall quality of the mag and its photos are awesome. Is TFH still publishing them?
>Perry
><As far as I know... have you looked on their website? Now actually websites. BobF>
Bob
a few websites are selling them as closed out books. Over here they cost US$1.50 each.
Perry
<Are likely being "dumped" then. Cheers, BobF>

The Handbook of Marine Science-Compounds made from Marine Organisms
Dear Sir/Madam,
The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London is making the
"The Handbook of  Marine Science-Compounds made from Marine
Organisms in two volumes by J.T.Baker and V.Murphy, published
by the C.R.C.Press International available to interested
Researchers  at a
substantially subsidized price.
The contents include
:Vol.1:Introduction-Hydrocarbons-Sesquiterpenes-Higher Hydrocarbons-Marine Prostaglandins-Halogenated
Derivatives-Furans-Carotenoids-Sterols-Phenols-Marine Quinones-Compounds Containing Nitrogen Two Guanidine
Units)-Compounds not covered elsewhere, Which display biological Activity-Tabulation of Compounds-Compound Name
Index-References-Author Index-General Index. Velia: Discussion-Isoprene Derived Hydrocarbons and Their
Derivatives-Compounds contain Nitrogen-Tabulation of  Compounds Table 27)-Compound Name Index for Table
27-Tabulation of Compounds from Vol.1 Mentioned in References Listed in Velia (Table 28)-Compound Name Index for Table
28-References-Author Index-Taxonomic Index
The original price of these two volumes is $184(Rs.8000).
The pages number 447.These are  latest editions  in mint
condition.
Although the original price is $184(Rs.8000),The Commonwealth Education Foundation, London, has made
these  two volumes available to you  for Rs.4400 only($99),including freight  packing and registered postage to
your door. This means a saving of  Rs.3600 ($85) To take advantage of this offer ,kindly fill out the
acquisition form below  and send a draft in favor of World Book Centre to the address below
The books will reach you within three weeks.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
World Book Centre
A list of our international customers includes MIRADA & REAL (India), International Agricultural
Centre, Wagenigen Holland, Institute of Tropical Agriculture (2)(UK and Nigeria)
University of North Carolina, UNICEF, Kemik in Korea, the International Potato Centre and Indorama in Indonesia, USDA
ARS(2) CABI Nairobi, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Pesticide Education Center, an Fransisco, Energie-
Cites, France, Institute of Entomology, Czech Republic; Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden Corporation, Hong
Kong;FAO(2),Rome.IRRI,IIRR(2),IWMI, CRISAT, India & Niger) Lis Petterson, Force, Dk.,Ms.Riis Nairobi,GTI,Virginia Tech,ABB AG
and Univ.of Stuttgart,Germany, VA TECH WABAT,Austria,Xenomosis,USA,Brazos River Authority,USA,CMMYT,Texas,Mah.Hybrid Seeds,Univ.of Oviedo,Spain)Hydranautics,USA among others
----------------please cut here----------------
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OR
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From:
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Dear Sirs,
We would like to take advantage of the saving of Rs.3600
($85)on the subsidy on The Handbook of Marine Science by Baker
and Murphy.
We enclose a draft for Rs.4400($99)( in favor of World Book
Centre/We are effecting a wire transfer from our bank/Please
send us a proforma
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Air pump choices, Printed works on Aquariology  02-05-06
Dear Fenner,
<Stephan>
As i
<... I>
consider myself more immersed within the intricacies of the hobby i would like to ask you a few questions, if that's alright. I'm considering
building a fish room and would like to know the appropriate air pump for the job. I've done some searching around and found 3 types available to the
everyday consumers. Larger regular pumps, air compressors and blowers (diaphragms etc). What i wanted to know was whether high pressure low volume
or high volume low pressure air was more desirable for the longevity of the fish.
<Blowers are by far the most appropriate technology for such fish rooms... you don't (likely) need high/er pressure... or the noise that goes with such...>
As they seem to be the only discrepancy between the available models. Furthermore, i would like to ask if there were more sources that i can view
to learn more about the biology of tropical fish. Being a science major myself, i feel that the science behind living fish is pertinent to my needs.
Thank you for your time,
Sincerely,
Stephen Fang
<The last is a very good question. Presently there are few "scientific" works on Aquariology... so a person is faced with sampling from related fields (Aquaculture, Ichthyology, Physiology...) and making inference... Perhaps you will pen such a work. Bob Fenner>

Back for More, But Where to Start?  Recommended Reading - 11/15/2005
Hello:
<Hi there Shane.>
I am just getting back into marine aquaria after having been away from the hobby for 15 years.<Oooh, fresh fish...well almost.> I am planning on setting up a 30 gallon reef aquarium but would like some recommended reading to get back up to speed on changes before diving in head first.<Good call as there have been a few.> I will be focusing on live rock, soft corals, inverts.
<Well Shane, welcome back. Here are some of my personal fav.'s; "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Fenner, "Natural Marine Aquariums: Reef Invertebrates" by Calfo and Fenner, "Natural Reef Aquariums" by Tullock and "The New Marine Aquarium" by Paletta. I feel this is listed in order of importance for your current state, and should help you progress in a natural order towards the corals and inverts.>
Thank you for your time and trouble.  Shane 
<Happy to share. - Josh>

Review of Coral ID CDROM & Veron Books  9/17/05
Dear Crew,
<Paul>
I am interested in coral identification and have found two pricey coral
reference materials available from the following URL:
www.aims.gov.au/coralidcd.  One is a "Coral ID" CDROM and the other is a
3-volume set of books by Dr. Veron, entitled "Corals of the World."  If any
WWW Crew member is familiar with these materials, I'd appreciate reading his
review or comments.
Thanks very much.
Regards,
Paul.
<Am very familiar with both... My review of the CD is here: http://wetwebmedia.com/fis.htm
and have Veron's works... they are excellent... for identification purposes... not so much for aquarium use though otherwise. Do take a look at the survey text by Eric Borneman... Bob Fenner>

Re: Review of Coral ID CDROM & Veron Books  9/19.5/05
Dr. Fenner,
<Just Bob, please. No doctorate>
Dr. Veron is the author of the "Coral ID" CDROM in the URL:
www.aims.gov.au/coralidcd.  It is not part of the 3-CDROM set from Quantum
Leap or Two Little Fishes that you had reviewed earlier.  
<Oh... yes... sorry for the confusion.>
Nevertheless I appreciate your comments regarding Dr. Veron's "Corals of the World" 3-volume
publication that is often packaged with this CDROM.
<Yes... None other than another "Fenner" involved in these projects, sheesh>
Between Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals" book and the CDROM's that you have
reviewed, which would be better suited for the average aquarist such as myself
trying to identify his corals?
<For ID, the CD's... but if only one choice period, Borneman's book for overall usefulness. Bob Fenner>
Thanks very much.
Regards,
Paul.

Bound material vs. individual magazines
I have a question that I hope you can assist me in answering. Are magazines that are bound in a book form (many years worth) more or less valuable than having the same magazines as independent copies?
<More... usually these have been done "in-house" at larger libraries... to organize and protect... Bob Fenner> 

The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and Other Books
Dear Mr. Fenner,
I'm writing on behalf of my employer, Dr Larry Saul. He is a psychiatrist by trade but is sort of a fish nut on the side. He recently read your book *The Conscientious Marine Aquarist *and asked me to let you know that he thought it was fantastic - very informative and enjoyable. In addition, he would like your recommendations of the best up-to-date, advanced books on the following topics with respect to marine vertebrates:
Natural history
Anatomy
Pathology
Physiology
Veterinary medicine/infectious disease
We've taken a look at the bibliography at the end of your book, but Larry would like to know which of those you think are most essential and whether there are any books you'd recommend that have been published more recently.
Any help at all would be most appreciated.
Have a great day!
Sarah Mroue
<General ichthyology, fish biology I generally refer to Bardach & Lagler, though there are newer works of the same genre (college texts)... and the fabulous "Physiology of Fishes" series... and Ed Noga for medicine is unbeatable for a one reference guide to fish health. Bob Fenner> 

Good Petfish books
Dear Bob
Thanks so much for your prompt response. I've ordered the books you recommended below and Larry is excited to read them. I forgot to also mention that he'd also like to know your recommendations for the most current, advanced books on the topic of water chemistry and filtration. 
Thanks again - I've been doing a lot of research on Larry's behalf and it is hard to find anyone who is helpful and responsive.
Best
Sarah
<Likely Walter Adey's "Dynamic Aquaria" should get a plug here.... Am also enamored of Svein Fossa and Alf Nilsen's "Modern Coral Reef Aquarium" v. 2 in English, the (Hans) Baensch Atlases (fresh, marine, pond) for straight-forward, almost complete, modern presentations on the topics. Bob Fenner> 

Reef Aquarium book recommendations
I read your book and it was great. I was hoping you can lead me to a great book about reef aquariums only. Did you have any suggestions? Thanks
<I do... John Tullock's works on the subject, Alf Nilsen and Sven Fossa's "Modern Coral Reef Aquarium" series and Anthony Calfo's "Coral Propagation" book. Bob Fenner> 

Jack Randall has a New Book - "Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific"
Bob:
Are you living in Kona now or just vacationing?
<Mostly just visiting, though am buying/in escrow on another three on one property this go... Am intending to spend a few months a year in HI>
My book Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific has just been published by U. of Hawaii Press. Covers 1,496 species, with over 2000 color figs. I am having a discount order form prepared by the Press. Price is $75, but with discount, $60.
Aloha, Jack
<Outstanding. Where might I, others order this work? Will gladly promote its sale/distribution. BobF>

Aquarium Sharks & Rays Book (4/12/05)
Aquarium Sharks and Rays:
<by Scott W. Michael>
I accidentally bought the one published in 2001, not the newer one published in 2003. Are there any big differences? What are the updates? Worth getting the newer one? 
<Unless it states "revised" or "updated" on the cover, it is unlikely that there have been any changes. Sometimes you can figure this out by checking the publishing history on the copyright page. Your best bet would be to contact the publisher via their website here: http://www.tfhpublications.com/default.aspx?pageid=6  I hope this helps, Steve Allen.>

Mini Book Reviews (marine)
Hi Bob and / or crew,
In my constant search for knowledge, advice, recommendations etc. I dived to the internet in search of reading material, lots of. My finding of all of these different writers is generally very informative, interesting and kept me up late many nights. However I am interested in your comments on this list of books shown below (CMA not necessary due to it being 'the bible') as there are many generally small but still many conflicting suggestions between books. It's probably not right to go into specific details, but I am interested to get your far more knowledgeable input to each book so I can make an informed decision on the differences.  
Am waiting on delivery of the all new 'Reef Invertebrates' but Amazon and China seem to take a long time!  Thanks for all your time and effort to help us novice but smitten aquarists. Isn't after dark (Simple Reef system) just as interesting as the daylight hours?
<To/for me... definitely yes>
Books:-
1. The Marine Aquarium - Nick Dakin
<A wonderful writer, with many clear, carefully written volumes to his credit... blessed with good editing, layout...>
2. Water Chemistry for the Marine Aquarium - John H. Tullock (Barron's) - (Small but fascinating book.....I think)
<Me too... augmented with current reading on the Net (Farley, Bingman... a worthwhile read, reference>
3. CMA (Brilliant, no comment req'd or would be given I think)
4. Natural Reef Aquariums - John H. Tullock
<A good general survey work on the topic>
5. Aquarium Corals - Eric H. Borneman
<The best general work on the topic. Accurate, complete... the usual good job by the publisher (Microcosm)>
6. Saltwater Aquarium - Nick Dakin
7. The New Marine Aquarium - Michael S. Paletta
<A good "yes/no" book for folks contemplating whether they really want to go into saltwater keeping>
Thanks again guys, chiller is starting to work overtime in Shanghai now, getting very warm here!!
Best regards
Dave
<Be chatting, reading. Bob Fenner> 

Marine Fish Book
How is it going fellas? 
<OK> 
I got a quick question for you. I'm looking for a comprehensive book that goes in depth about all the marine fish species for identification and husbandry requirements, not a beginner book on setup. I recently checked out Dr. Burgess's Marine Atlas but was not that impressed. I appreciate your help. Have a good one. 
<You might want to look at Scott Michael's Reef Fishes, Volume I and Volume II. He also has a Pocket Guide To Marine Fishes. Drs. Foster and Smith handles these books and you also may find them on EBay. James (Salty Dog)> 

Finally the New IKAN-Volume!
Corals -- Indo-Pacific Field Guide
Appeared and I attach the cover as a jpeg. <No jpeg attached> This is another unique volume in my identification series, which includes from the Class Anthozoa:
Octocorallians (gorgonians, stoloniferans, leather and soft corals, blue coral and sea pens).
Hexacorallians (stony corals, sea anemones, corallimorphs, zoanthid polyps).
Cerianthid anemones, black corals, and from the class Hydrozoa filigree and fire corals.
There are coral ID books on the market, but only specialized on single groups of the above mentioned classes, whereas this volume includes all coral groups as listed.
For the first time the difficult identification of corals was solved, often even down to the species: one of the authors collected parts of the coral directly after photography to forward them to several scientists for correct identification.
Please expect another useful ID-book and spread the news.....
Greetings from Germany,
Helmut Debelius (author & publisher)
<Congratulations Helmut. Will post on our sites... Where can folks hope to order this work? Bob Fenner> 

New Marine Invert. Book
Re: the new Ron Shimek tome, very nice... Similarly arrayed as the fish guide... nice production quality. 
A winner. Bob F

Re: Was Refugium, Videos
Bob, can you look at the sent mail. I've sent a reply to Jim Aufiero, but also in his query he asks about producing "how to" videos. Thought you might want to read it and add your input if necessary.  James
<Will do. Bob><<Thanks James... I feel about the same way as you do re the instructiveness of videos... the reason why I rarely invest time in "watching" the news... too passive, non-instructive... perhaps (for me) too sensory indiscriminate. There are some videos detailing aspects of the hobby... some very boring... George Smit sitting in a chair for hours drolling on re the "Mini Riff/Reef" in the mid eighties... to each their own. The better of these videos is offered by Dr.s Foster and Smith (.com). Bob Fenner> 

Sandsifting Starfish 1/2/05
What do mean by algae and live rock? We are new at this and we have been going by what a pet store tells.  Thank-you
<Hmmm... I hate to say it, but listening to what the pet store tells you can be one of the worst and costliest mistakes you can make.  There are good ones, but you should always educate yourself.  Strongly suggested reading includes the following books:
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Bob Fenner
The Reef Aquarium, vol 1&2 by Delbeek and Sprung
If you hesitate at the cost of these books, consider that they will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in mistakes as well as the lives of many animals.  In the mean time, read up here at WetWebMedia for free!  I also very strongly suggest finding and joining your local marine aquarium society.  The combined years of experience and expertise is amazing, and they are generally nice folks.
I could not find your original question, but Live Rock is the foundation of any salt water aquarium.  It provides a surface for beneficial bacteria to provide biological filtration as well as a place for tiny critters to live and grow and process wastes.  It also provides an attractive "aquascape" as a background or place for corals to grow.  Best Regards.  AdamC.>

Tracking down a book
Dear crew members,
<Alan>
I am looking for the book " breeding the orchid Dottyback."
<Oh yes. By Martin Moe>
However, I do not
wish to purchase it online, I live in Vancouver, and checked the biggest
marine fish stores, but they don't have this book. Do you think the library
might have it. Also, one of my tanks has a lot of algae, and I was wishing
to buy a fish to help control, but the problem is that I have a very active
flame Hawkfish, he never bothers the Banggais though. Do you have any
suggestions what kind of fish would work in this condition.
<Don't think local libraries would carry this title, but maybe a college one would if they had a good-sized biology department on campus. Otherwise, I'd check with BigAl's online re. Bob Fenner>

Reef prep. book recommendations:
Do you have any recommendations on books to assist in the planning and setting up of a 75 gallon reef tank? <You are soooo in luck Jason, there are so many great books out there. One of my personal favorites is The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner.  I also enjoy John Tullock's book and if you want to get technical you can take a look at anything by Martin Moe.  All of the above are marvelous writers. Let me know, MacL>

Quick Note: Thanks for BOCP1 10/20/04
Dear Staff & Anthony Calfo,
<cheers, my friend... Anthony here>
I have recently purchased "Book of Coral Propagation" by Anthony Calfo. I have been in the hobby for about 9 months and after stumbling onto your web site I have learned so much. Most of all things that I would have done differently from the start. I am now back tracking and replacing or redoing most of my mistakes that I have made along the way from some bad advice from LFS. I guess I shouldn't blame them I was an easy target. I was willing to dish out big bucks without educating myself.
<very true/honest in assessment. Its really on each of us as consumers (of anything) to educate ourselves before making decisions>
Was there a point to all this? Ahhh now I remember. If anyone out there who is like me and is trying to understand this hobby. I highly recommend you buying "Book of Coral Propagation" This book reads like a novel that you are not going to be able to put down. The first day I got this book my wife was out of town for a few days and instead of going out drinking with the boy's I stayed in and read this book (Oh god what have I become?) I read a review on the book before I bought it. The guy said he enjoyed it except for the humor portion of the book. I totally disagree. It made some boring subjects like water chemistry more enjoyable and understanding. (like the Marble Analogy) I finally understand about Alkalinity and the relationship it has with Calcium. Don't let the title of the book scare you off even if you don't give a Frag about Coral Propagation. It has so much more! I highly recommend it to anyone in this hobby. Thanks again to WWM and Anthony Calfo - Jim
<wow! thank you kindly for the overflowing/kind comments and time taken to share it. Very much appreciated and humbling. And big(ger) kudos to the crew here for collective efforts and Bob Fenner for collecting us to all work in our shared passions for this wonderful hobby. Best of luck/life to you :) Anthony>

New Reef Tank
Do you have any recommendations on books to assist in the planning and
setting up of a 75 gallon reef tank?
<Yes. If you are very new to the hobby, please look into Mike Paletta's books (insert his name as author in Amazon.com or other book etailer site). If "ready to go" (i.e. with sufficient/comfortable background in freshwater) I'd read through John Tullock's "Natural Reef Aquariums"... Once you have at least this sort of exposure I would gather factual material from websites such as our WetWebMedia.com and bulletin boards like Reefs.org, ReefCentral... make a list of gear (tank, stand, lighting, filtration... AND livestock you'd like to consider further) and investigate your options thoroughly before purchasing/proceeding. You will be very glad you did this research as there is considerable "dis"information, some of it quite popular. Bob Fenner>

Building A Knowledge Base
Dear Bob,
<Actually, Scott F. in for Bob today>
Thanks for the great website!  My hubby and I have purchased a home
which includes an existing 100 gallon built in saltwater (coral and
fish) tank - established and running about 2 years and upgraded as
needed.
<You just gotta love that!>
We would very much like to become enthusiasts with the ultimate
goal of maintaining the tank ourselves (thus eliminating the aquarium service and related costs.)  But, we have zero base knowledge.
<Well, the learning is half the fun!>
Can we pick your brain as to some suggestions of "beginner" books? We are fortunate to have found a local saltwater enthusiasts group which meets monthly and hope to start attending those meetings in September.  
<Excellent. It will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine!>
Until then (and even after then) we would very much like to pick up reading material that is not too advanced for us, but that will help us gain a foothold of what we hope to be a new passion.  Thanks for any suggestions you might have.
<Ahh- I am a voracious reader of fish books, myself! I'd recommend Michael Paletta's excellent "The New Marine Aquarium", which is an excellent, not-to-technical guide to basic marine aquarium husbandry, Bob's "Conscientious Marine Aquarist", John Tullock's "Natural Reef Aquariums", Anthony Calfo's "Book of Coral Propagation", Scott Michael's "Marine Fishes", Eric Borneman's "Aquarium Corals", and Michael Paletta's "Ultimate Marine Aquariums". These books would give you a great library that will provide an excellent reference source, years of enjoyable reading, and inspiration!>
Thanks, Dana McGrath
<My pleasure! Have fun! Regards, Scott F>

Aquarium Careers book availability
Hi, I read your review of Jay Hemdal's Aquarium Careers and I was
wondering where I could get a copy of the book. I guess it went out of
print and I cant find it anywhere.  It is the exact book I am looking
for. Any ideas? thanks
-Becca
<Mmm, Amazon.com still lists this title as available. Bob Fenner>

Conscientious Marine Business Practices (8/8/04)
Thanks for your reply. <You're welcome.> The brittle star is not of the green variety. <Good. Not to bad-mouth the greens though--I have two in a tank with fish too big for them to mess with.> It is
a bluish purple on it's body and dark yellow feet. <Sounds pretty. I am a big fan of these and other echinoderms.> The reason I ask for more in-depth reading material is I own a pet shop that has sold freshwater fish for 20 years. <Congrats on the longevity of your business.> Lately we have had a large request volume for saltwater fish, so I decided I had better start up a tank and learn as much as I can so I can carry saltwater at my store and be able to properly educate my customers (we're not a "sell it so it can die and they can buy more" pet shop, we typically have less than a 10% loss rate with livestock sold to customers, because we spend copious amounts of time educating them, and explaining water chemistry and testing water for free.)  So far I have had
my tank set up for 4 months, and I haven't lost anything yet, except some little "alien" like creatures that came all over a bunch of plants I got, but I think they became food. <These small things do tend to come and go depending on conditions, predation, food supply, etc.> Thanks again for your advice, and I look
forward to reading more on your site. <Great to hear of your conscientious business practices. I'll bet this gives you a truly loyal customer base. The hobby needs more retailers like you. I think you'll find the books I suggested very informative. You might want to start stocking "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta for those who are interested in SW to start learning. My LFS sells it at cost to all new SW hobbyists. Step two is "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. These are a great start for most folks. I'd also suggest "Reef Invertebrates" by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner. Scott Michael's "Marine Fishes" is a great pocket guide to the most common fishes in the hobby, though many think his minimum tank-size recommendations tend to be too small. "Reef Secrets" by Nielsen & Fosså is also a great beginning reef book. The others I mentioned previously are much more advanced. Best of luck to you in expanding your business. Steve Allen.>

Several Questions and Book Recommendations (8/4/04)
  Hello all, I have a few questions to ask you all, and I hope not to trouble you too much with them. <No problem. Steve Allen here tonight.> I have a 72 gal tank w/ 4 misc. Juv damsels,<Good luck with these meanies.> 2 bar gobies, a coral beauty, yellow rope sponge, 2 spider crabs, some flame scallops and a huge brittle star (~2" disk and 5" arms). <What kind of brittle star? Many max out at this size, but the green ones (Ophiarachna incrassata) can get even bigger and eat fish.> small hedge plants, 2 other small plants, and some misc. invert life that came with my live rock.  My questions are:  Is my tank over populated by any means? <It does not sound like it, but be careful about adding anything else.>  Will the brittle star bother the sponge, etc? <Not likely.> I was told it would eat my scallops and hasn't touched them. <The brittle probably won't mess with them until after they starve to death, which the vast majority do in aquariums.> Will it eat any other crustaceans? <If it is not a green, it should be safe, as most brittle stars eat detritus, but no guarantees.> I feed it Tetra sinking tablets (almost look like multi colored aspirin and it seems to like them, as it will come across the tank for them. <Is this a food meant for marine aquariums? I am not familiar with it. I'd say small pieces of marine meat (shrimp, squid, etc) would be better.>
  Can you recommend any good highly detailed books on keeping saltwater tanks? I find the general hobbyist books to be too vague and cover too small a range of species. <Perhaps the "narrowness" is because there aren't all that many species that are actually appropriate for 99% of marine aquarists to be keeping. The loss rate in this hobby is heartbreaking. Do you have Bob Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist"? Great book. For a really detailed and comprehensive read, I'd suggest the 4-voulume set "The Modern Coral Reef Aquarium" by Svein Fosså and Alf Jascob Nilsen. Expect to pay at least $75 per volume. They have no coverage of fishes. For this, I'd suggest the comprehensive series "Reef Fishes" by Scott Michael. Volumes 1 and 2 are currently available. Volume 3 should be out this fall. Price is about $45-50 per volume. Two more are coming, but I'm not certain when. These have excellent coverage of fishes.> Thanks for your help. <I hope this is helpful.>

Cowry Book
I would like buying the book '' cowries of the world'' of C.M Burgess. IT is possible?
Didier Briche.
XXXX@mls.nc
<Am sending your note to some serious "shell nut" friends for their input. Bob Fenner>

NMA, book recommendations, anenome loss
Hello Anthony and Bob, << Sorry, you get Adam today >>
Just wanted to let you know I received a copy of your book Reef Invertebrates and what a great book it is with a wealth of information. << I agree, money well spent. >>
Please keep up the great work and look forward to more books from you folks.
Is there any other books that you would recommend? << Yep, Conscientious Marine Aquarist (by Bob) and Natural Reef Aquariums (by Tullock) and for corals get Corals (by Sprung) and boy oh boy I love books and could keep rambling on. >>
Also on your advice I have gone to a below tank sump refugium and out with the trickle filter. I am finding my Tank is more stable. Thanks is all I can say. << I would have given the same advice, so I'm glad it worked. >>
On a side not I have bought a Heteractis magnifica (Ritteri Anemone) with out  a lot of consideration and ended up losing it due to my own ignorance, it was a hard lesson learned and its not the money but needless loss of life that i am unhappy about.
when it was on it way out though and  from what i heard and read this is unheard of but it spawned, and not just sperm but thousands of tiny green eggs. well a month has passed and I have what appears to be a small anemone growing now, i can not be certain that it is a magnifica as of yet but it is not a polyp , it is small whitish with green tips tentacles, as it grows I will keep you updated on what it is for sure, just an interesting tid bit i thought I would share. << Sounds great. >>
on closing I would like to say to people looking to buy a Heteractis magnifica that they really research every thing and make sure they have the most ideal tank conditions they can or even better choose another species altogether. << Good Advice >>
Thanks
Drew
Canada
Ps. The book I received was autographed, and Yes i have liked my inverts today.
<<  Adam Blundell  >>

Marine Biology Textbook
Fenner and Co.
<Hi there>
I am looking for a good marine biology textbook that would give me a solid foundation of information.  I enjoy my aquarium and snorkeling/diving, and am traveling to South Africa in 3 weeks (going cage diving with the Great Whites! I can't wait!).  I would like a good textbook to read on the plane and afterwards.  I have read your book Conscientious Marine Aquarist many times over, but I would like to go a little deeper on the biological side.  Who knows, I might end up going back to school if I like it enough (currently an engineer).  Amazon.com shows Marine Biology by Peter Castro, Michael Huber   but since I really respect your opinion, I wanted some insight.  A good in-depth book that covers everything?  Thanks for your help.
Erik W.
<It's been a while since I've perused such texts... took a read through the link and this fourth volume does look like a winner. I encourage you however, to post your query to a larger audience... the various bulletin boards (ours: http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/) in the hope of gaining more and recent insight here. Bob Fenner>

CORAL magazine
Dear Bob,
How would I go about promoting CORAL magazine?  www.coralmagazine.com
<http://www.coralmagazine.com/>
Thanks,
Leng
<You just have! For those who don't know it as of yet, Leng Sy (yes, the "Miracle Mud man", is producing, distributing an English version (and more) of Daniel Knop's "Koralle Magazin"... do check out the website and consider subscribing. Bob Fenner>

Thanks, Kid-friendly Marine Sites? 
>Hi! 
>>Hello. 
>My husband and I are newbies at keeping a salt water aquarium. Just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for being a great source of info for us. 
>>Collectively, we are glad to be of help/service. 
>We have a feather duster that "popped it's top" thanks to your site we didn't panic and are waiting expectantly to see what happens next. 
>>Target feed it and that should help it regrow its crown more quickly. 
>We also have a small son (4) who is helping and learning along with us. 
>>Ah, my nephew's age. 
>Do you have any suggestions for kid friendly sites that we could log him onto about saltwater/freshwater inhabitants? 
>>You mean that he would understand? That's a tall order, as most sites, even those dedicated to beginners, may be a bit much for the average 4yo. 
>We usually research things all together, but he is very PC oriented and likes to explore (look at pictures and have text read to him) on his own. 
>>Then I would definitely look for public aquarium sites, for instance, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is dedicated to everything found around the Pacific ocean, and having worked there a short time I know that one of their #1 mantras/goals is to educate youngsters. 
>Also any book titles on these subjects that you can suggest which are geared toward kids would also help. Thanks again for great info site! DOD 
>>Hm.. well, it's been quite a long time, but the couple of books that I've found that my boys read were purchased at their school's book fairs. The Scholastic Inc., "First Discovery Book" series are short, hardbound, and geared towards grade school age kids (with nicely finished glossy pages that will withstand lots of abuse!). I think those would be appropriate, and a trip to your local public library would let you have a look before you buy. Marina 
>Diana D

Looking to get a copy of your new book - desperately! in UK 4/6/04 
<thanks kindly> 
Dear Crew, Thank you for your fantastic site, it is invaluable. 
We'd love to get a copy of your new Reef Invertebrate book, which we ordered from Amazon.co.uk at the start of January only to find out now that it's not currently available, and we've been given a new delivery date of late May. Do you guys ship directly or know of a UK distributor we can order a copy from? Thanks again for the site, our fish love you. Laura & Alec 
<we have a distributor right in merry ole England in fact! DO inquire with our dear friend Tim Hayes of Midland Reefs: 
website: www.midlandreefs.co.uk  
e-mail at: midlandreefs@inverts.demon.co.uk  
with kind regards, Anthony>

Book sales 3/9/04
Thank you very much for your reply. Were can I purchase the books that you have suggested?  Richard
<many places my friend... online you are pretty sure to find most anything at amazon.com... also be sure to simply try/support your local fish store if they have or can get these books. Numerous aquatic specialty places as well. I list our (Calfo/Fenner) dealers and distributors at readingtrees.com   Best regards, Anthony>

Allen, Allen and Steene's A's and BF's book
Mr. Fenner,
<Michael>
Thank you for recommending the book "A Guide to Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes". It has been an excellent resource, and I have worn out the binding! Just wanted to brag a little on something really cool. Due to the kindness of Rich Pyle, I was able to send the book to him, and not only did he autograph it, he got Jerry Allen and the one and only Mr. Jack Randall to sign it as well. He also emailed me a digital photo of Mr. Randall signing it with a smile.
<Wowzah! The worlds leading ichthyologist!>
Thanks again for the excellent recommendation.
Brandon Wilson
<A real keepsake my friend. Thank you for writing. Bob Fenner>

Scientific pronunciation
Hi,
I am trying to find a book which will help me with pronouncing the scientific names or marine fishes and invertebrates.  Do you know of a dictionary or encyclopedia which provides pronunciation?
thanks
Keith
<I have a few "old" printed works that I use, but I encourage you to "use the net"... Place the following search term: scientific names pronunciation and meaning book
in Google or other search engine... and read on! Bob Fenner>

Link (to Robert.G's Native N. Am. Fishes Book
at www.tamu.edu/upress/books/2000/goldstei.htm
<Will add to a few places on our sites Robert. Bob F>
Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Robert J. Goldstein & Associates, Inc.
8480 Garvey Drive
Raleigh, NC 27616
tel (919) 872-1174
http://www.rjgacarolina.com/RJGASOQ.PDF 
tel (800) 407-0889
fax (919) 872-9214
rgoldstein@rjgaCarolina.com
URL www.rjgaCarolina.com

Need to buy your books 1/8/03
Hi guys I am based in South Africa and am constantly reading about the books that Anthony & Bob have written. Which link can I use to purchase these books and ship to SA? Kind Regards, Werner Schoeman
<you can purchase signed copies here my friend:
https://secure.wetwebfotos.com/order_form.jsp
http://www.readingtrees.com/books_in_print.htm
we also have dealers and distributors listed on readingtrees.com and WetWebMedia.com where you can find these titles often at great prices. If you order a signed copy, I will personally post the book promptly. With kind regards, Anthony>

Need to buy your books II South Africa 1/8/03
Morning Anthony thank you for the link -
<good morning my friend>
I see that the only 2 books available are Reef Invertebrates & Coral propagation. What about the conscientious marine aquarist?
<that title is Bobs solely (the former two mentioned were co-authored and authored by me respectively). Bob can ship you that title from California and signed too if you like. He's away in Hawaii for the next month though and alas may not be able to post it until early February>
Which 1 of these books would you recommend that is not too much aimed at the newbies?? I wont say that I am an expert but I have been keeping reef aquariums for 3 years now . Werner Schoeman
<understood my friend. The nature of the content and even the subject matter of each of the three is rather different from each other. Bobs "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" is one of the best all-around books on marine aquarium husbandry ever written, if I may say so (and do look at the outstanding reviews of this and all of our titles on Amazon.com and the big message boards). Its not a reef book though. Our co-authored "Reef Invertebrates" is volume 1 of 3 (number 2 due this year) and covers all of the non-stinging reef invertebrates. It is heavily illustrated with about 1000 color images and has content that speaks to intermediate and advanced aquarists easily. It covers refugiums, live plants and macroalgae and most every reef creature except corals and anemones (Vol 3) that you can imagine. My coral prop book lastly is the most hardcore one for advanced aquarists. A funny/relaxed language... but topically for people with some reef experience. Its a nearly photoless handbook though (450 pages of text). Do check the unsolicited reviews of each on the big message boards perhaps to see which suits you best. With kind regards, Anthony>

Useful Book
Crew: I used the e-mail addresses from a recent e-mail from Bob to send this mail to everyone. It seems like there are more addresses than there are crew members, so I hope I am not pestering anyone who is not interested in this. I wanted to call your attention to a useful new book that I use and am going to recommend to some questioners on WWM. It is "Manual of Fish Health by Dr. Chris Andrews and associates. It is only $17.47 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1552978249/qid=1073200776/sr=1 -1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9344406-5336967?v=glance&s=books It is a 2003 revision of a book first published in 1998. The book is more about FW, but covers most important SW diseases as well. It includes the following chapters: The Balance of Health Living in Water (excellent basic intro to piscine physiology) Understanding Water Chemistry Planning for Health Recognizing Ill-Health An A-Z of Common Pests and Diseases A Guide to Treatment It has excellent photos and diagrams and tables. I quite like it and highly recommend it. Steve Allen

Re: Useful Book
Steve (and all), That is one book I use as a reference, but mostly only for the *exceptional* photography.  For content, it's good, but I'd also recommend to you (and all interested in such schtuff) "Tropical Fishlopaedia" by Mary Bailey and Peter Burgess.  This is *not* a book for a beginner, by any stretch, and has very few photos (and not great ones, at that) but it is FULL of good information, specifically on illness/disease and medications.  For content, this one is far more in-depth than "Manual of Fish Health".  That is not to say the info in "Manual" is in any way bad, it's just not as extensive as "Fishlopaedia".  But the photography alone is an excellent reason to have "Manual" on hand, that's for sure.  IMHO, the two together make an excellent reference. Now to save up for the Noga book!  :D  Illness/disease and treatment is probably the most fascinating aspect of our addictive hobby to me.  I would be overjoyed to hear of other good titles or publications of any sort that I should check out, if anyone can suggest any. -Sabrina