As someone who dove headfirst into the world of saltwater aquariums with zero experience, this book was my lifeline. The moment I cracked it open, I felt like the author was holding my hand, walking me through every step without drowning me in jargon.

What I love most is how practical it is. It doesn’t just throw facts at you—it tells you exactly what to do, from picking the right fish (no, Nemo isn’t the only option) to maintaining water quality (spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds). The hand-drawn illustrations might not be Instagram-worthy, but they get the point across perfectly.

I did wish for more photos of colorful marine life and updated info on LED lighting (come on, it’s 2023!), but honestly? This book saved me from making expensive mistakes. Stores will try to sell you everything—this book tells you what you actually need.

Now my 75-gallon tank is thriving, and I still refer back to this book whenever I hit a snag. If you’re even thinking about a saltwater aquarium, do yourself a favor—buy this before you buy your first fish. Your wallet (and your future aquatic pets) will thank you.