Discusses the basic aspects of selecting and caring for tropical fish and setting up an aquarium.

Discusses the basic aspects of establishing an aquarium in the home and developing it into a successful miniature ecosystem, including equipment, maintenance, and the requirements of coldwater, tropical, and marine aquariums.

Discusses the care and breeding of tropical aquarium fish that give birth to offspring that develop within the mother's body.

In a straightforward, accessible format, this book introduces the hobby of tropical fishkeeping, outlining what is required in order to set up the correct environment, and what varieties of tropical fishes will thrive in an aquarium. Detailed information on choosing equipment, setting up a tank, plant selection, and water chemistry is included. You also get comprehensive coverage of how to feed your fish and how to maintain their tank. With special sections devoted to signs and symptoms of disease and first-aid treatments, as well as breeding tropical fish, this book has everything for the beginning hobbyist and the more experienced fishkeeper.

The number of corals imported into the U.S. rose 249 percent between 1995 and 1996, an indication the coral reef hobby is booming. Concerned hobbyists have begun growing corals domestically so that people can enjoy reef tanks without destroying natural reefs. This book combines information on setting up and maintaining a reef, as well as ecological concerns.