good book, lots of useful info, recommend it to anyone who dream about having the marine aquarium. Please read it before you go buy the equipment, because you may reconsider buying cheep stuff.

This book is well written, concise and very well organized. I have kept freshwater aquaria for many years but was a bit intimidated by the rigours of keeping marine fish. With the help provided in this book, I set up my first marine tank and have maintained it successfully for 3 years. The book covers everything from necessary equipment and how to set up a tank to choosing appropriate fish and invertabrates and common ailments you are likely to run into. The pictures are black and white but the write ups are excellent especially the sections on appropriate and inappropriate choices for your aquarium. Although I have several books now on marine organisms, this book is still my Go-To reference if there’s an issue. An excellent addition to your saltwater library!

This book contains the no nonsense approach typical of the Dummy series of books; and contains good basic information on marine aquariums. It is geared for those new to marine environments, and as such is simple to understand.
The main issues I have with this book begin with a very limited discussion about diseases, parasites and health issues that ALL new aquarists will run into (Sooner or later). Secondly, all the pictures are B&W which really takes away from the book.
Fair book, but if you want comprehensive details and color pictures; keep looking.