A Good Fish Book...

[Becca]

Ok. I'm tired of newbie mistakes. I'm a little disappointed with myself for not researching my new hobby BEFORE I jumped into things, but - my fish are still alive and I can take steps to correct what I've done wrong as well as prevent any future mishaps due to lack of information, or worse, advice from a LFS or LPS because I don't know any better.

I mean, seriously. On whims, I've bought a couple of fish which look BEAUTIFUL in my tank now, but I'm facing either buying a new tank or donating them because their adult size is not going to be compatible for my current setup.

So, here's what I'm looking for: Fish References. Ideally, I'd like to have a book, but online sources are more then welcome as well. Something that lists a good amount of your Freshwater Fish along with their stats, such as adult size, eating habits, preferred habitat, type of tank required, amount of "swim space" preferred, compatible fish, and perhaps even some resources telling you what you Should/Should Not do with your fish, and maybe even a troubleshooting guide for things that might be wrong.

Any help that any of you might be able to give me would be Greatly Appreciated. The only way I'm going to make sure my current and future fish are as happy and healthy as they can possibly be is if I educate myself properly instead of listening to a Pet Store salesperson.

Thanks much,

Becca

 

[Dragonslair]

Your local library should be your first port of call. Then if you find what you're looking for then your local books stroe.

 

[Dragonslair]

Your local library should be your first port of call. Then if you find what you're looking for then your local books store.

 

[Becca]

Thanks, I was already there, but since they're building a new building, most of their books (and by most, I mean any one that hasn't been checked out in the past 6 months) has been put into storage until they get moved.

I was hoping that someone may have one that they highly recommend so I could pick it up from the bookstore. Also hoping for some online references as well, since those tend to be free. D

 

[heresmike]

There's a wealth of info on the net... just by doing a google search, you should be able to find anything you're looking for. The problem I've found with books is that they're one person's point of view, and that one person might be way off. By searching the net or this forum, you'll find more opinions and experiences, and will be able to take a more educated approach.

 

[bunjiweb]

I have this book:

http/www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...4196283-8570038

Very cheap and seems very reliable info with Great pics and info on all usual breeds of tropical, marine & coldwater. Also has guids on how to set up tanks, healthcare, breeding and LOADS more.

A bargain at £6.99!!

 

[MadCow]

Here is a post I started awhile back. These guys came through with some real good links. Maybe this will help some.
http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?sh...7&hl=reference#

 

[sinistral]

I recommend a book called "The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums" by David Boruchowitz. Contains a ton of useful information for newbies, as well as some recommendations for beginner tanks. It's a little less info on specific fish than I think you're looking for, but it's a great source for info of all stripes. I've read it cover to cover several times (no, I am not David Boruchowitz! He's the editor of Tropical Fish Hobbyist).

For fish profiles, I recommend this link. It's a bit sparse, but it can get you the basic information you're looking for.

 

[cometcattle]

I see by the inhabitants of your 29g what your talking about. I hate when lfs employees recomend fish and dont know what their talking about.
I have the same book as bunjiweb and its good. I highly recomend a book called "Aquarium Fish" published by Barrons. I got mine at either Barnsnoble or Borders for $13.95. It profiles 100's of freshwater fish.

 

[plecoperson]

not all lfs people are bad! ask them if they have a tank before you ask them for advice - those who have a tank of their won will usually be more helpful and entusiastic about the subject.

I recommend the book Bunjiweb says - i have it it lists sizes, compatibility, feeding, ease of keeping, and a big section on illneses - it even has a section on photgraphing the fishes!