Maddy Hargrove

A solid, reasonably comprehensive introduction from a series I have come to distrust. The copy editor, however (if indeed there was one) should be eviscerated.

FRESHWATER AQUARIUMS FOR DUMMIES BY MADDY HARDGROVE might not have a current publication day (2006) but it is still the best fish book I've read so far. I am returning into the world of freshwater aquariums after about a ten year hiatus and needed a refresher course on keeping freshwater fish & the aquariums they live in . I have always been a big fan of the "dummies" series because the experts who write them get down on my level using little technical terms and lots of one syllable words show more that I can understand. This book is not only good for people like me returning to the fishy world by newbies & even experienced people can maybe learn a thing or two from it. One good thing about the book is you dont need to read it all you can skip chapters that are not needed & the information keeps coming and coming . Well worth the cost this one is going in my shelf of reference for when I and my finny friends need a little advice. show less

This is a great reference book for learning how to set up a freshwater aquarium and how to maintain it. It tells how to select fish and plants for your aquarium and how to spot diseases for both. They go over medications and other chemicals for the aquarium. It is all very easy to read and understand although the editor should be fired. There are several typos, two on the very first page! All in all though, it is a good book to keep on hand for reference.

I haven’t read the whole book. I’ve skimmed most of it and read in depth (as much as a Dummies™ book can be in depth) the parts that apply to my tank. Second, and more important, I cannot vouch for the validity of the information in it. It makes sense to me, but I haven’t the inclination to verify the stuff. So far, my fish haven’t died.

(Full review at my blog)