The Conscientious Marine Aquarist
Reference Environmental Conservation Marine Biology Saltwater Aquariums Pet Care Reefkeeping Aquaculture
The Conscientious Marine Aquarist (2nd ed., 2008) is the single most respected reef-aquarium reference in the hobby, and this sturdy, 456-page hardcover is the copy everyone hopes to find used. Robert M. Fenner’s decade-plus update from the first edition triples the full-color photography and adds the latest science on filtration, lighting, and coral nutrition, yet the book still reads like a friendly mentor talking you through every tank decision. Beginners get step-by-step setup walkthroughs; experienced keepers return to its 100+ species profiles, disease charts, and troubleshooting flowcharts when things go sideways at 2 a.m. At 9 × 8.5 inches it lies flat on a workbench, and the smyth-sewn binding stands up to constant page-flipping and saltwater drips.
What sets this edition apart is Fenner’s “conscientious” philosophy: healthy fish and corals start with understanding wild ecosystems and replicating them responsibly. Instead of pushing pricey gear, he teaches you how to read animal behavior, test water chemistry, and choose hardy, captive-bred stock so you avoid common losses and costly replacements. The result is a tank that matures into a stable, low-maintenance ecosystem—saving money and protecting wild reefs. Owners consistently report that following Fenner’s stocking sequence and quarantine protocols eliminates the typical “new-tank syndrome” deaths that plague so many marine setups.
Collectors value this 2008 second printing because TFH used heavier, coated paper that makes the underwater photos pop; later print-on-demand versions lack the same color depth. This particular copy grades “very good” with crisp, unmarked pages and no smoke or mildew odors, so it can move straight from mailbox to bookshelf or gifting wrap. With used demand always high and new hardcovers long out of print, finding a clean copy under ISBN 9781890087999 is a win for reef-keepers, aquaculture students, and anyone who wants the hobby’s most trusted guide on their shelf for decades to come.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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