Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies, 2nd Edition
by Gregory Skomal,PhD
Saltwater Aquariums For Dummies, 2nd Edition
Published by
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Copyright 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2006936761
ISBN: 978-0-470-06805-2
Manufactured in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5
2B/RR/RS/QW/IN
About the Author
Dr. Gregory Skomal is an accomplished marine biologist, underwater explorer, photographer, aquarist, and author. He has been a fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries since 1987 and currently heads up the Massachusetts Shark Research Program. Greg holds a masters degree in marine biology from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD from the Boston University Marine Program in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. His research has spanned multiple fish habitats around the globe, taking him from the frigid waters of the Arctic Circle to coral reefs in the tropical Central Pacific. He has written numerous scientific research papers and has appeared in a number of film and television documentaries, including programs for the National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, ESPN, and CBS.
Although his research passion for the last 23 years has been sharks, he has been an avid aquarist for more than 30 years and has written nine books on aquarium keeping. His home and laboratory are on the island of Marthas Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts.
Dedication
Like the first edition of this book, this second edition is dedicated to those people who helped me pursue an incredible career namely, my parents, siblings (Vickie, Bernie, Lenore, Burt, Maggie, and Paul) and several childhood friends. In their honor, Ive made every tongue-in-cheek effort to incorporate them into the book as examples of how to do something and, in some cases, how not to. You will also notice the names of my incredible niece and nephews Nathan, Bernie, Ana, Clayton, and Gregory.
Since the first edition was published in 2002, life has dealt me great happiness as well as profound loss. In early 2005, I lost a great friend, my father, Bernard Skomal a photographer, teacher, and mentor trapped in the body of an insurance agent. The writing of this edition reminded me of how this man gave me the guidance and tools to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. My only consolation lies in the simple thought that he now inspires me with my mother Irene once again by his side.
This book is also dedicated to my best friend and wife Kimberly, who provides me with unwavering support and limitless love despite my repeated efforts to test them.
Author's Acknowledgments
I want to thank the crew at Wiley for their continued faith in my work. Specifically, Acquisitions Editor Tracy Boggier for making this second edition come together, and Project Editor Corbin Collins for his patience, helpful comments, and editorial insight.
It has been many years since my first aquarium, but my love and respect for the marine environment and its inhabitants have only deepened. I cannot impress upon the reader more our need to protect and conserve these valuable resources.
Publishers Acknowledgments
Were proud of this book; please send us your comments through our Dummies online registration form located at www.dummies.com/register/.
Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:
Acquisitions, Editorial, and Media Development
Project Editor: Corbin Collins
Acquisitions Editor: Tracy Boggier
Copy Editor: Corbin Collins
Technical Editor: Gilbert Van Dykhuizen
Editorial Manager: Michelle Hacker
Editorial Supervisor and Reprint Editor: Carmen Krikorian
Editorial Assistants: Erin Calligan, Joe Niesen, David Lutton
Cover Photos: Gary Bell/zefa/Corbis
Cartoons: Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)
Illustrations: Barbara Frake
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