Recommended reading?

[andsoitgoes]

LOL - yeah, I felt that way when I was ordering books (mostly obscure comics, way back) - and it was enjoyable to a degree, but this stuff seems pretty cut and dry - either you gets it, or you don't.

Seems like starting with Natural Reef is a good launch pad, and I'll branch out from there and just keep my eyes open!

[kwirky]

I've found for general tank setup and such, the internet is great. www.advancedaquarist.com is great for learning about gear and the obscure species here n there. The latest findings are usually found on there if you're looking for "up-to-datedness". I've sat for hours just perusing through that site.

As for books, I like my two PocketExpert Guides.

Marine Invertibrates, by Ronald L Shimek Ph.D.
Marine Fishes, by Scott W. Michael

Both are good books for beginning research that don't break the bank ($22 each on chapters.ca/amazon.ca) Their small size makes them great to take to the LFS, too if you're doing a "nono" and making an impulsive purchase

I'm a bookworm, too, but I've found it's hard to find good books for marine aquariums that aren't out of date. Not saying they don't exist, just saying you have to do your research before you can do your research lol.

Take Elegance Coral for instance: Most of the specimins being collected nowadays don't last long in captivity, yet many of the books say they're hardy. Research found online suggests it's because of parasites they catch while kept in holding tanks with the huge assortment of corals now being kept by distributers. I had one die on me because I read in two books they're hardy (Shimek did say they're not as hardy as they used to be in his pocketexpert book, though). Up to date information is generally easier to find online than in a book. Be sure to cross-reference what you read on paper with some information online, and vice versa if possible

But either way, I have fun reading about the hobby, in any form I can get my information, and I'm sure you will too Damn this hobby is expensive! lol