The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums (Simple Guide to...)
by David E. Boruchowitz
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Book Summary Information
Author: David E. BoruchowitzBrand: TFH Publications
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2001-05
ISBN: 0793821010
Number of pages: 256
Publisher: TFH Publications
Product features:
- Concentrates on providing you with a complete plan and all the information you need to choose and use the right-for-you aquarium equipment and the right-for-you fish and plants: it wants you to succeed
- The information is presented in a completely straightforward text that's easy to read, easy to understand - and very definitely easy to put to good use
Book Reviews of The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums (Simple Guide to...)
Book Review: A must read book for beginners!
Summary: 5 Stars
I wish I had read this book before setting up my first aquarium! Out of 40 fish I bought, 8 died within the first 2 weeks. One thing this book taught me is that you cannot always rely on the honesty of your local pet dealer. Pet stores sometimes want to get rid of unwanted pets, and might find your lack of knowledge to their advantage. Reading books about fish care and how to set up a first aquarium is way more important than relying on your pet shop's advice.
For example, the pet shop told me to wash my aquarium well before filling it with water. He omitted to say that I should not use any chemicals, such as soaps or window cleaners detergents, such as Windex. The chemicals in such products will dissolve in your aquarium's water and eventually kill all of your fish. Always wash your aquarium with water only! You may use bleach, and the author explains how this should be done.
For your first aquarium, the author recommends avoiding goldfish. They will quickly dirty your aquarium with their waste and increase the ammonia content of your water. My pet store neglected to tell me this and advised me to buy mostly goldfish!
The pet store told me to keep the fish in their plastic bag, and have it float in my aquarium for 15 minutes on arrival at my house. This is so that the temperature in the plastic bag becomes the same as the temperature in the aquarium. The author says thin is a misconception. The correct way of doing it, and the way that will cause the least stress on the fish, is to pour the fish and the water in the bag in a small container of about 2 liters. Gradually add a cup of water from your aquarium to this container every few minutes until it is almost filled up. Then net the fish out of this container and into your aquarium. Discard the water in the container. NEVER put the water back into the aquarium, lest you run the risk of introducing contaminants and disease into your aquarium from your pet store's water!
My pet store told me to feed my fish once every day. They even sold me a tablet that I can put in my aquarium during my travels which will provide food for my fish for about a week. The author cautions about overfeeding your fish. He explains how fish can easily survive 2 weeks without being fed. It is healthy for fish to be put regularly on a fast. The author explains that there are many microscopic food in the water for fish to eat! Beware of pet shops trying to sell you food you won't need.
The pet shop gave me a plastic bottle with fish food in it and told me this is good for all types of fish. The author explains how different species need different foods, and how fish food should be supplemented with vegetables. Giving your fish the same food repeatedly is not good for their health, and they will quickly grow bored. Feed your fish an assortment of food, but always specific to the species in your aquarium.
Fish can easily jump out of your aquarium says the author. Always keep your aquarium closed. My pet store told me fish can't jump, and that it is safe to keep your aquarium without a top cover.
The author also talks about the cycling principle, the 3 Ns (ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites), the different species of fish and why not all fish can be mixed together (some fish will eat others), and the placement of your aquarium, among many other interesting and important topics.
I can go on with the list of advice the author gives. This is truly a great book for all beginners, and I am glad I read it. I can now be a better parent to my new pets. I highly recommend this book!
Summary of The Simple Guide to Fresh Water Aquariums (Simple Guide to...)
The key to becoming a dedicated aquarium hobbyist is to succeed with your first aquarium. The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums concentrates on providing you with a complete plan and all the information you need to choose and use the right-for-you aquarium equipment and the right-for-you fish and plants: it wants you to succeed. The information is presented in a completely straightforward text that's easy to read, easy to understand - and very definitely easy to put to good use.Fish & Aquariums Books
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