What book should I buy?

[tebstan]

I am learning the gist of what I need (kind of) from research, but I don't fully understand WHY yet. I want a beginner's guide to understanding the reef on a molecular level. What book should I get to read about marine chemistry? The only one I've flipped through was Marine Chemistry by Chris Brightwell. It seems good, but I don't want to impulse buy.

I've already got The New Marine Aquarium by Michael Paletta, Clownfishes by Joyce Wilkerson,and Giant Clams in the Sea by James Fatherree. I feel like I've jumped ahead by not studying chemistry more.

I like to have a book in hand while relaxing on the patio. Reading on the net too often feels like homework. Plus, I just like books.

[CoryDude]

Reading on the net too often feels like homework. Plus, I just like books.

Glad to know I'm not the only one. I just got my wife a Kindle, and I can't stand it.

The Reef Aquaium books by Sprung/Delbeek have a few chapters dedicated in each book to reef chemistry, but you may want something a little more substantial.

Modern Coral Reef Aquarium (I've only read Vol 1) was always an in-depth read.

[tebstan]

Kindle is a perverse obstruction of Gutenberg's intentions!!

Sorry, I'll step off my soapbox, and check out your recommendations. Thanks. :)

[txav8r]

You could always become a Charter member and check books out from the MAAST Library

[Mr Cob]

Yes, the library is full of great books that easily cost $30-$80! I just checked out two recently and they were both great reads. One (Ultimate Marine Aquariums or Natural Reef Aquariums, I forget) was really cool because it had profiles on various tanks that captured both pics and details of the systems. It was cool to compare.

Honestly, that in it's self paid for my $25 charter membership.

[Big_Pun]

3rd ^....also you learn the secret hand shake that gets you 25% at the LFS lol J/K

[Mr Cob]

Here's one my wife bought for me recently: (it has some great full size photos)

http://www.blog.thesietch.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/reefbook.jpg
http://www.blog.thesietch.org/2007/09/05/book-review-reef/

[Europhyllia]

What book should I get to read about marine chemistry? The only one I've flipped through was Marine Chemistry by Chris Brightwell.

That's a tough topic. It sounds like you already found one that focuses on what you were looking for.
Most general books only dedicate a chapter to this topic. The Conscientious Aquarist explains the basics really well (and is a wonderful book in general) but I get the impression you want to get a little bit deeper into the subject?

Sounds interesting. I might check out the book you mentioned by Brightwell. Or you could get it, read it and then write an article for the newsletter about it all! :thumbs_up:

[Third Coast Tropical]

Here's one my wife bought for me recently: (it has some great full size photos)

http://www.blog.thesietch.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/reefbook.jpg
http://www.blog.thesietch.org/2007/09/05/book-review-reef/

I just got this on clearance at Barnes and Noble for 15$...regularly 40$...crazy for such a great coffee table book....not good for water chemistry, but great picture book....

[Richard]

If you read "The Reef Aquarium" by Delbeek/Sprung Vols 1 & II, you'll know everything you need to know.

[Roo&Lis]

"Reef" is a really awesome coffee table book. I found it at the library by mistake found that the photography was really amazing.