Good books?

Nothing against books, but in this day and age all you have to do is type "aquarium plants" into google and you should have enough material to hold you over for couple years...lol

All kidding aside, you're off to a good start just by being here. I've picked up alot just reading the forums here. Browse thru the threads here and you'll see what I mean.

Try the local library maybe. Ours in town here has a pretty good selection of books on fish, plants and the general aquarium hobby.

Of my collection, I would definitely have to recommend Aquarium Plants by Christel Kasselmann as a basic guide for identification.

Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad I've heard is a fascinating read. I've never had the chance to flip through it, not much for pictures from what I understand, but will you give you a good idea of what exactly is going on in your aquarium. Never met anyone who's read it who had anything bad to say about it.

However, if you need some inspiration for what to do with your tank, Takashi Amano's Nature Aquarium World vol 1, 2, and 3 are quite spectacular. Even if you don't buy them, I highly recommend flipping through them.

I'm sure there are others, I'm just not familiar with them.

Here are two of my favorites. I plan to buy Kasselman's Aquarium Plants also. Internet is great but sometimes I just like to hold the book!!

Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants
by Peter Hiscock

I recently purchased this one. Excellent book

Planted Aquariums : Creation and Maintenance
by Christel Kasselmann

Book are good so you have something to read in the car, for those of us who don't have laptops with wi-fi.

I remember the days when I went to school that we used books. Im the same way sometimes there is nothing better than a book where you can read and make notes in and my fav bend the corners over on the pages.

Just to throw in my two cents (btw I love the Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants), what you read on the internet is not always 100% correct. In addition, IDing plants through the internet is hit or miss based on the quality of photo and/or people's interpretation. I understand that in this day and age that anything can be found on the internet, but let us not forget anyone can post something to the internet, not everyone can publish a book.

Just my thoughts on the subject, take it for what you will. Have a good one all!

I wasnt trying to come off as a book basher...lol...I'm just saying if you need information the internet is a good source. Cross reference information if/when you have doubts.

On a side note books arent always 100% correct either. Especially if its an older print. Plant names and even genus have changed over the years and are still changing.

Completely agree, and I was not trying to argue or anything, just stating a fact. As a hobbyist we are bombarded with new ideas, new products, new books, and the "latest trends" and the MORE information we have at our disposal, the better we will be at making the correct decisions for our tanks. I think that is what we were both trying to say, right? Maybe? OK, I will stop hijacking the thread.

Please continue with your regularly scheduled post, already in progress.

BTW, I think we're getting a little off topic here. The OP is asking for some good books for "newbs" and now we're talking about reliability of the internet vs. books...

In my opinion, that Encyclopedia of Aquarium Books is a good one. You should also try to get your hands on one or all of the Nature Aquarium books by Takashi Amano if you want inspiration and information about setting up the nature aquarium from the guy who started it all. There are three volumes in all.
I also like the paperback "Style of ADA" book that I believe you can buy for $5-$10, but generally can get it for free if you buy something from Aqua Forest or ADG. That is another good reference for information as well as a catalog of ADA parts that you may want to check out.

I know there are some other good plant and fish specific books out there, but I can't remember what they're called. Maybe someone else will chime in.
Hope this helps.

-Ryan

It didn't even occur to me last night, but if your looking for good books on fish identification, I highly recommend Baensch's Aquarium Atlas's. I have volumes 1, 2, and 3 and love them.