Obsolete books?

[reef tank 2.0]

With me starting out in the SW hobby, from ground up, I decided to get a few books at the library. After glancing at them I noticed that on is from 1999, 2008, and 2009. Then I got to thinking, is it possible for these types of books to become "obsolete"? Fish are the same now, as they were 20 years ago, right? the only thing that I would think would be different is the equipment they may refer to or the equipment they are saying I would need, right?

the whole process of setting up a tank and all the details would be the same, i think.

anyone shed some light on this for me?

if you are curious, here are the 3 books I picked up:
"The Marine Reef Aquarium" - Philip Hunt (2008)
"What Fish, A Buyer's guide to Reef Fish" - Philip Hunt (2009)
"The Idiots Guide to Saltwater Aquariums" - Mike Wickham (1999)

I did BUY these books of of Amazon:
"The New Marine Aquarium" - Michael S. Paletta (2002)
"Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies" - Gregory Skomal (2007)

 

[thegrun]

IMHO you would be better off reading the stickies at the top of this forum, especially the "How To" stickies. There have been numerous changes to the way things are done beyond just equipment over the last 15 years.

 

[disc1]

Your point that the fish haven't changed in 20 years isn't relevant. Sure the fish haven't changed, but the book isn't full of fish now is it? That would be a stinky book. The book is full of knowledge and information about fish. That has certainly changed over time.

 

[Rob6311]

Your point that the fish haven't changed in 20 years isn't relevant. Sure the fish haven't changed, but the book isn't full of fish now is it? That would be a stinky book. The book is full of knowledge and information about fish. That has certainly changed over time.

Totally 100% agree knowledge about things does change significantly over time, think of old people for a minute, a lot of old people think that vaccines cause autism (idk if that's the real spelling) and back many years ago that used to be a very very common thought, but we have now disproven that. And actually I got my tank from my grandfather who is now very very old, and he gave me all of his old books and even a VHS tape about salt water tanks and you wouldn't believe some of the totally wrong things that are on that movie, like the host of the movie said that coral absorbs and breaks down ammonia, which is totally false. So I'd trust the ones from 2008 and up

 

[reef tank 2.0]

thats what I was kinda hoping to hear....the 2008 and up books. that gives me a better window to start with

thank you.

i plan on using the forum as well but its easier for me to read a hard copy of information thats actually in my hands.

 

[jeperry3]

I'm kinda weird, but I like to read the old and outdated stuff as well. I like to see the evolution of a process, as I feel that it helps me better understand why certain things are done. Probably a product of my academic background.

JP

 

[Sammykonga]

The only book IMO that's worth much is Bob Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". That being said there is outdated info in it and I'm sure there are other good books as well. However it has been my experience that this is the best book. Lastly, Mr Fenner is world renowned for his knowledge in marine aquaria.

 

[davidfrances]

I have a few hundred old aquarium books, mostly saltwater and a few freshwater. I find it interesting to revisit those books and see how things change. Some of the older books, especially those by Tetra Press and Moe are an absolute hoot.