5 stars (Wonderful Stony Coral and Clam Reference) - The good? This book is truly a comprehensive piece covering probably more than you want to know at times. For example, it explains the chemical reactions that occur during calcification of corals and why additions are necessary. After reading many other references, I must say I am very happy I purchased this volume. Contained in these pages are insights you won't find anywhere else. The book clearly explains the setup and maintenance procedures required to be successful in stony coral reef keeping. The bad? My main gripe is trivial. Guys, how about a larger font size and pictures? I had to do a lot of squinting. It could do with a minor revision of some references that are dated (such as collection of live rock from Florida) as the original was 1994, but make no mistake that all information is relevant. In summary... Obviously at this price it is unfortunately out of reach of the casual hobbyist, which is a shame. However, one could buy this book instead of various "reference manuals" which might be the same at the end of the day. Buy it if you can afford it. I also highly recommend Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals book. 5 stars (Perhaps the best book on reef care) - An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use. (Note: This volume covers stony corals and not soft corals). When I started keeping marine aquaria keeping back in 1970 one almost had to employ the skills of a chemist. In those days most people in the hobby? thought it nearly impossible to care for many of the species of coral now commonly kept. It was only through the encouragement of a local public aquarium (the John G. Shedd Aquar... Ricordea Publishing :: Tropics :: Nature&Ecology :: Nature :: Marine invertebrates :: Marine Life :: Marine Fauna :: Invertebrates :: Identification :: Fish & Aquariums :: Coral reef animals :: :: The Reef Aquarium- A Comprehensive Guide to the Identification and Care of Tropical Marine Invertebr
5 stars (This book saved me from disaster!) - Thanks to this book I was able to identify the fact that I had inadvertently introduced a small Mantis Shrimp into my reef tank thru the purchase of living rock. Mantis Shrimp can, when fully grown, either kill your fish, or even break the glass of your aquarium! When I realized what it was, I was able to get the shimp out of my tank. This is an excellent book which can help you to choose appropriate invetebrates for your tank. The descriptions help you to understand their needs and any possible compatibility issues with other invertebrates. This pocket guide is small enough to take with you when you go to your local fish store so you can check before you buy. 4 stars (Great reference) - This is an invaluable tool to use when shopping for marine invertibrates; its convenient to take with you and do a bit of spot research on animals you find in the fishstore and might be considering purchasing, so that you can make an informed decision. it briefly covers the different types of corals you might find and various motile (moving) invertibrates like crabs, snails, etc. Also on each entry is given: minimum tank size, lighting requirements, reef aquarium compatibility, captive care, foods and feeding, maximum size, and place of origin. Also I recommend the other 'sister' book, Marine Fishes by Scott W. Michael. 5 stars (Biggest Bang For Your Buck Out There In Aquarium Books) - The two "500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species Books" are the biggest bang-for-your-buck aquarium stocking and general information books out there. Even though both of the books, Marine Fishes (ISBN: 1890087386 by Scott W. Michael) & Marine Invertebrates (ISBN: 1890087661 by Ronald Shimek) are pocket guides, they offer so much more information than the other books that I have seen. They don't waste space telling you about fish that you will never see in an aquarium and instead give relatively in-depth information on the species that you are likely to ... Microcosm Ltd :: Reference :: Pets :: Fish & Aquariums :: Animals & Pets :: Ronald L Shimek :: :: A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates- 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species
Barcode Software/ Marine invertebrates free 
