Freshwater Aquarium Problem Solver

Animal Planet Pet Care Library

by David E. Boruchowitz

Use this as your troubleshooting companion to address a range of both common and infrequent freshwater aquarium needs, from keeping the water balanced and clear and maintaining equipment to plant choices and how to handle lost or missing fish. Useful tip boxes in each chapter show every member of the household how to make the most out of owning a pet.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's well-written, well organized, has a decent index and lots of color photographs. So, why did I only give this three stars?

Because it failed me in some ways. It either didn't address a problem I encountered, or gave advice that was just impossible for me to follow.

For example, one terrible December afternoon, my 20 gallon tropical aquarium sprung a leak at the bottom of the tank. After skimming pages on how to prevent leaks, this book advised me to place the fish in temporary housing. The only temporary housing I had on hand was a bucket. It then told me to seal a piece of glass over the leak.

What?

I'd no idea how to get the glass, the sealant or even if I had to wait for the tank to dry before attempting a poorly described DIY repair. I am not a DIY person. My Dad forced us to watch shows like This Old House back in the show's first seasons ... and that put me off DIY for life.

End result ... I wound up spending over $150 for a new aquarium. Just the aquarium. I transferred everything over, even the gravel. All of the fish died in less than 36 hours.

I spent a few months trying to get the new tank to work, but it killed fish after fish. I wound up tossing it in the trash.

So, I still have the book, even though I no longer have fish. Why I bother keeping this, I don't know. Anyway, back when I was a freelance writer, I occasionally had tropical fish article assignments, and this was a handy reference. It soon paid for itself.

[Sarah M. Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really happy with this little guide to aquariums. Other aquarium guides I looked up online for beginners still felt like they were written in a foreign language; this is easy to understand and written in plain language to help those of us who aren’t acquainted with the names of fish and diseases and aquarium environment and biofilters, etc. Friendly resource for parents and their excited new aquarists.

[Steven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in a Petland, but I'm totally buying a copy as soon as money and space aren't an issue. Because this book simply verifies all the hard-earned knowledge I've gained from my year-long experience in freshwater aquariums. I'm reading everything aquarium-related by David E. Boruchowitz cause this man knows it all.

[Jamesirwin19 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A neat little book that covers many of the "uh oh" moments that occur to most beginning aquarists. That being said, it's no marine biology textbook so if you're looking for in depth coverage of a specific problem, it's best to look elsewhere.

[Toni Zavadil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was extremely well written. Provides good concise facts and reminders for dealing with aquariums. Well organized, just wish there was greater depth on various topics. It is obviously written by an expert with experience. Highly recommend this one.

[Bob Prophet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book on remedying common aquarium and fish health problems. Very simple to read and understand.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference