Most large tortoises are popular with turtle enthusiasts, but sulcatas are undoubtedly the most beloved of all. Given their impressive size, gentle personalities and attractive markings, this should not be surprising.Unfortunately, many people acquire sulcatas without first learning about their needs, which often leads to frustrated keepers and neglected tortoises. As when caring for any animal as a pet, keepers must learn as much as possible about the biology, behavior and ecology...

Red-eye crocodile skinks are very interesting animals who are not only fascinating to observe, but somewhat unfamiliar to most reptile enthusiasts. They also exhibit a number of unusual behaviors that aren’t often seen in popular pet species and they can be maintained in relatively small habitats. But while red-eye crocodile skinks often make rewarding pets, it is important to learn as much as you can about their biology, way of life and the habitats from which they hail to ensure they thr...

The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!Known as the "Siamese Fighting Fish," the beautiful Betta, with vivid colors and long fins (in males), has enchanting elegance and grace. Yet Bettas can fight and bite, so it's best to keep just one in a tank. This guide helps you with everything from preparing for your Betta to maintaining an environment where it will thr...

Written by tropical fish experts with over 30 years experience, The Discus includes all the information a new fish keeper needs to begin this exciting hobby: how to select a tank; proper water conditions; nutrition; and breeding your own beautiful fish. Like all the titles in the Owner's Guide series, The Discus is filled with info-packed sidebars and striking color photos. This book helps make keeping Discus a fun and rewarding experience for the hobbyist.

The Betta Fish or Siamese Fighting Fish hails from the Mekong basin and has featured in fish tanks and bowls for centuries despite its reputation for aggression. Today there is a wide range of colours and tail and fin shapes to delight the aquarist, and these fish are also bred very successfully in captivity, including by hobbyists.This book will introduce you to these fish by looking at the different types, discussing their appearance and biology, typical Betta Fish behaviour, the...

With their often brilliantly contrasting coloration, clownfishes are amon the most readily recognizable groups of marine aquarium fishes. Their popularity with marine hobbyists has soared in recent years. These fish are hardy and suitable for reef tanks and fish-only setups. This book allows all aquarists to gain a better understanding of these endearing reef fishes. Clownfishes in the Aquarium will surely be an invaluable reference that will serve as a guide to the successful long-term keepi...

"I have always wanted to figure out how to do sustainable aquaculture in the context of my home garden. Finally I've got the book to help me do it." —Paul Greenberg, New York Times–bestselling author, Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild FoodAquaponics is a revolutionary system for growing plants by fertilizing them with the waste water from fish in a sustainable closed system. A combination of the best of aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponic g...

This best-selling guide to the practice of vermicomposting teaches people how to use worms to recycle food waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer for houseplants or gardens.Small-scale, self-contained worm bins can be kept indoors, in a basement, or even under the kitchen sink in an apartment — making vermicomposting a great option for city dwellers and anyone who doesn’t want or can’t have an outdoor compost pile. This fully revised edition features the original’s sa...

Cichlids are popular and attractive fish that require specific care and maintenance. This easy-to-follow guide provides clear and concise information on how to keep cichlids healthy and thriving in home aquariums. This family-friendly, comprehensive guide to superior pet care features newly written text from an expert. Useful tip boxes in each chapter show every member of the household how to make the most out of owning a pet.

Aquascaping is a fascinating hobby that has evolved over centuries. The idea of making an environment that supports life and is aesthetically appealing is an exciting quest for many people. Technology has evolved to support more species, in cleaner and longer lasting environments.This book will give you the facts to start your own aquarium and learn aquascaping freshwater and salt water tanks, from styles and design to set up with planting, lighting, substrate, coral, and ornaments...

A step-by-step guide to building a lifestyle based on independence, security, and sustainability—includes color photos.Build your way to a more self-sufficient lifestyle with step-by-step projects for backup and supplementary utilities—including independent water, heat, and electricity—growing and storing food, raising small livestock, beekeeping, and more. Many of the projects require basic materials available at your everyday home center, but this book also provid...

The Quick & Easy series features educational value-priced books. All pet owners will benefit from reading the wide variety of titles in this series each offering an abundance of advice in a delightfully concise format. This book is a complete guide to setting up and maintaining a saltwater aquarium. It is perfect for the beginner hobbyist it includes detailed descriptions of many secies of saltwater fish.