Nilsen/Fossa series of reef books

[Gary Majchrzak]

Anybody have 'em.. or read 'em?

 

[drtango]

Have volumes 1-4, read most of them, I think there's much more information than the Sprung/Delbeek books. Well written, quite scientific, great pictures.

My mother's Norwegian so that's an extra bonus!

John

 

[RandyO]

I've read volumes 1 and 2. Volume 3 was a little boring, so I didn't finish it. It's mainly about Single-celled Organisms, Sponges, Marine worms, Crustaceans, and other micro organisms in the marine aquarium including, Comb jellies, Entoprocts, Horseshoe worms, Moss Animals, Lamp Shells, Water Bears, Sea Spiders, and Horseshoe crabs. I think it's a good reference for when you want to know something about one of those animals. But a straight read through was difficult. The first 2 in the series are about the corals we keep, so it's easier to read though them. I haven't seen book 4 yet. What's that one about John?

I would agree with John's opinion on the series. I was just a beginner when I tried the read the first book. I also had Sprungs first book, The Reef Aquarium at the time. I found that it was an easier read for me. As my knowledge and interest grew in this hobby, I reread Fossa's and Nilsen's first book and found it much easier.

So, when customers ask for books at the store, I recommend The Reef Aquarium to the beginners and the Fossa/Nelsen books to the more advanced hobbyist.

 

[drtango]

Volume Four is a good one--mollusks, echinoderms, tunicates and like creatures. MUCH more detail than the few pages in Sprung.

John

 

[drjeff]

I have their book Reef Secrets. Not sure which volume it is. it has both fish and coral info in it. Very handy when I do my 'research' on what to add or not add to my tank.
Jeff

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for the book reviews. I never understood the "Norwegian reef aquarium connection", but I know reef tanks are quite popular over there.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Book recommendation time again. Has anyone seen or read this new coral book?

 

[drtango]

No, but Santa is bringing me Vol. 3 in the Sprung series!

JT

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

John- you must have been very well behaved this year! I have some credit at Barnes and Noble.
Unfortunately, (although their stores are very nice), B&N has a very poor selection of reef related books and the new Sprung/Delbeek isn't offered for sale there. Neither are a couple of other titles that I would like. And so the search continues...

It's kind of odd how the Knop book above infers that anemones are corals on the cover....

 

[jcanute]

gary, some books you're looking for might be here. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=21528 good luck.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Good link. Mostly freshwater books, though.
I do like David Doubilet's photos....

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I'm looking for another book to add to my reef library again. I can't believe they don't offer Wilkerson's Clownfishes in hardcover!

I've got Nilsen/Fossa #4 and all 3 Sprung/Delbeek.
Which is the next best one out of the first three?

How do you like the "Corals" book by Knop, PCIALF?
Speaking of Knop- does anybody have his book "Giant Clams"?

Here's another title that I've never flipped through..
it looks like it might be interesting- but it's another softcover!

I'm more inclined to spring for Eric's book (even though I've already read it) simply because it's a hardcover.

 

[PCIALF]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7228198#post7228198 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
How do you like the "Corals" book by Knop, PCIALF?

I am really enjoying it. The pictures are very good as well.

As far as the 3 on your list here

I have all 3 and also can't believe the first 2 are not offered in hard cover but would not let that stop me from getting them, they are both very good IMO

as far as Eric's book what can you say it is kind of a bible over here

definitely a must have for all three

 

[dalbrecht]

It's a different perspective but I really recommend David C. Powell's "A Fascination For Fish". It's an amazing look at the historical approach to marine aquariums & issues of display of fish & inverts. It doesn't have nearly as much information of direct interest to aquarists tho. It's also a more entertaining read. $4 on amazon used

 

[drtango]

As far as Nilsen/Fossa goes, volume 1 is about setup etc., OK but a bit out of date, especially with Sprung/Delbeek III out now.

Vol 2 is about Cnidarians, from hydroids to SPS, with a slant towards natural habitat. Excellent book, more scientific than Sprung/Delbeek, but likely a bit "repetitive" considering what you likely have in your library.

Vol 3 contains detailed info not found in many other books--it's about the "simpler critters" in the tank/on the reef, from single celled organisms to sponges, worms, comb jellies, crustaceans et.al. There's a great section at the end showcasing amazing tanks from around the world.

I think you'd like Vol 3 Gary, why not work your way through the series backwards?

John

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

Good sugeestion, John. #3 is on it's way .