Book Review:

"Reef Invertebrates, An Essential Guide To Selection, Care and Compatibility",

by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner.

Published by: Reading Trees and Wet Web Media Publications

Retail: $42.95, U.S.

398 pgs., Soft-cover

By Don Carner       

By the time you read this, "Reef Invertebrates, An Essential Guide To Selection, Care and Compatibility" will have been available for awhile. The advance copy I graciously received has sat idle these many months while life imposed itself on my time. I stand here today, ready to remedy this by providing you with some insight on a delightful work, certain to become a valued addition to anyone’s collection.

For those of you unfamiliar with Anthony’s previous offerings, prepare yourself! Partnering with Robert Fenner, Anthony has produced a visual reference that goes beyond "coffee-table". It even exceeds the definition of a textbook. By interlacing facts and humor along with stunning here-to-fore unseen photographs, all the major inhabitants in a modern, home reef environment are presented to the curious, the initiated and to the advanced aquarist alike.

Bound in a heavy coated stock, this book is sure to survive the occasional splash and back-bending we so often inflict on books of this nature. I especially appreciate the pre-creasing of the front and rear covers. This allows for a more uniform opening and also allows the book to remain open to selected pages while reading. I don’t know about you but I hate having to use old powerheads to hold my place open while referencing a particular page or article! Nice touch, gentlemen…The page glazing provides a quality satin gloss finish that resists excessive "glare" from reading lamps and Metal Halides alike!

Ok, enough of the introductory stuff…let’s get into the book.

Following the tradition of basics first, the book commences to initiate the reader to the "why’s" and "where-for’s" of what makes for a true reef aquarium. Filtration is probably the most controversial of all saltwater topics and is presented right up front. Items such as live rock, live sand, Jaubert and NNR are covered in depth but in a way that allows the reader to grasp the concepts as well as the pros’ and con’s of each. I especially enjoyed the reference to "Uncle Al" in the live rock heros caption! Humor is an excellent vehicle to use when presenting complex subject matter. Bob and Anthony have utilized this tool extremely well throughout the book and it carries the reader easily from page to page.

The explanations provided are concise and to the point. Not too detailed as to bore but comprehensive enough to satisfy the most inquisitive. Captions on the photographs are very informative. While most photographs speak for themselves, I’d simply like to state that the images presented in this volume are fresh and spectacular. Each specimen presented is clear and large enough to see plenty of detail. One can certainly tell that much time and care was used selecting just the right pictures to use when compiling the book. Kudos to the editors and authors!

Each subsequent chapter deals specifically with the creatures and fishes encountered while pursuing a successful reef aquarium. Practical information abounds and many myths are explored and/or exploded. I especially respect the manner in which the trade is presented. Every company manufacturing an appliance for the industry touts itself as providing the ultimate in this and that. Realistic attitudes are given in the attempt to save the hobbyist much time and money. This is something I’ve been saying for many years. It doesn’t have to be in a four-color carton and cost hundreds of dollars to work and viable alternatives are presented for reflection and consideration.

So, should you consider adding another book to your library? The best answer I can give is this: If you plan on investing in only one book this year, have an existing system you want to improve, haven’t yet decided if reefing is for you or simply love the promise of interesting reading, BUY THIS BOOK!

What I’m excited about is the header on the front cover: "The Natural Marine Aquarium Series". Obviously, here’s a promise of more to come from the collaborative talents of Mr.’s Calfo and Fenner.