The science and common sense behind creating an inexpensive, flourishing marine aquarium Marine Aquarium Keeping is the first complete, step-by-step handbook to bring scientific perspective and insight to the practical basics of assembling and successfully maintaining a conventional marine aquarium. While minimizing gadgetry and underscoring a simple, commonsense regimen of looking, seeing, and understanding, author and marine biologist Stephen Spotte offers logical, chapter-by-chapter guidance to every facet of the hobby - from choosing equipment and setting up an aquarium, to selecting healthy animals and maintaining a flourishing underwater environment. Inside, readers will discover:How to make a new aquarium suitable for sustaining lifeHow to select healthy animals from species demonstrating good captive survivalThe step-by-step basics of routine maintenanceHow to easily meet the nutritional requirements of marine animalsThe key to disease preventionThe use of seawater and artificial seawatersThe living subgravel filterAquarium decorations as shelter spaces and as aesthetic featuresThe marine aquarium as a living communityAn extensive health and disease section offers detailed, easy-to-follow treatment regimens, several unique to this volume, for a variety of common diseases. Current controversies and popular myths surrounding aquarium keeping, such as the benefits of supplemental light and the superiority of plastic filtrants, are also examined. A wealth of black-and-white and color photographs that strikingly depict marine animals in their natural habitat bring key facets of the text to life. Indispensable to the amateur aquarist who appreciates both the beauty and science of this fascinating pastime, this newest edition of the popular classic is the complete guide to successful, inexpensive marine aquarium keeping.