[Ninong]

I just finished reading Wayne Shang's new book, The Captive Marine Aquarium. Wayne is the hobbyist in Fremont, California whose tanks are always featured in everybody else's books because they are that spectacular.

Wayne has been keeping marine aquaria since the early 1980's. Currently he is running a 300-gal FOWLR tank and a 718-gal reef tank plus support tanks for coral propagation and quarantine. In 2001 he moved the contents of his previous 300-gal and 180-gal reef tanks into his spectacular new 718-gal Starphire tank. Pictures of his previous 300-gal reef tank have been featured in several books by other authors and pictures of his 718-gal reef tank have been featured more recently in newer publications.

Wayne's new book is something that could best be described as an expanded Tank-of-the-Month feature with spectacular photography. It is more of a coffee table book rather than a textbook on aquarium husbandry. Both his fish-only aquarium and his reef aquarium are covered in detail with complete descriptions of the equipment and how each aquarium is maintained. Included are hundreds of glorious photographs of each of the different fish species and invertebrate species in both tanks with Wayne's comments on their individual requirements.

This book is not intended as a primer for someone needing step-by-step advice on how to run a marine aquarium. There are other excellent books available already that do just that remarkably well. If Eric Borneman's excellent Aquarium Corals is the main course, Wayne's book is the dessert. The proof is in the pudding as they say and Wayne's pudding will leave you speechless. It serves as an inspiration for everyone who dreams of having a perfect reef aquarium someday. Until that someday arrives, we can all continue to dream even more colorful dreams with the help of The Captive Marine Aquarium.

I'm not sure if the book is available yet at the major online booksellers. I pre-ordered mine directly from Wayne and he included a 70-minute DVD at no extra charge. The DVD is great! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed watching it. Imagine yourself seated in front of one of the finest reef tanks in the world for a full 70 minutes while dozens of Tridacna clams spawn simultaneously for three-fourths of that time. That is an amazing sight!

The video for the DVD was shot in 1995 and 1998 using a Sony camcorder. Wayne edited the video himself and added a light piano music background. That's it. Just 70 minutes of tank viewing but you will be mesmerized. The fish in that tank were a joy to watch and now he has probably twice as many in the new 718-gal tank. When I first ordered the book I didn't have high expectations for the video because most home videos of reef tanks are, well, amateurish. This one is not! I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the video. It is something you will want to have running all the time.

You can get additional information on Wayne's new book and see photos of his tanks on his website: http://www.underseadiscovery.com/home.htm

[Samper]

I received this book today autographed to me as well as the Dvd. The dvd is awesome as Ninong pointed out and watching the clams spawn is a sight to see. The book begins with his fish only tank consisting of an amazing display of angels. He has kept them all for over 5 years.....most of them a few more. He has definately broken the rule of 1 fish per 20 gallons and the truly neat thing is his only filtration comes from his sand, LR and a 7 foot tall atk skimmer. He then moves on to show his Reef and give brief descriptions of what he feels are the right way to do things. He briefly gets into water chemistry, equipment, clams, corals and coral farming. The photography and advice given in the book are well worth the money spent but like Ninong said it isn't a step by step guide. If you can afford it this guy knows what he's doing and would be a good read for most anyone interested in the hobby.

[saltjunkie]

dang.. sonds nice.. guess i should check it out/// and write a book myself..

i hasve been using only sand/rock/skimmer since the middle 90's...

[Samper]

That is in his Fish only tank though, his reef is much more complicated.

[saltjunkie]

Originally Posted by Samper

That is in his Fish only tank though, his reef is much more complicated.

ahh.. still been in my reef like that for years.... at 84-86 degrees.....

[Jan]

I just got my copy today. WOW... It is incredible!
I have bought many books during all these years, very few authors have show us how successful their own systems are.
This one is so different. All pictures are taken from Wayne's own aquariums. His photographic documentary really demonstrates his efforts and dedication to this hobby.
I bought my copy from Barnes & Noble.com. It is also available at Amazon.com.
You can even order a copy that is signed by Wayne direct from his website: www.underseadiscovery.net
Make sure you get the Special Edition, it comes with a free DVD movie!!!
What a wonderful item to start the holiday season.

[zhenya]

Hi Jan, Welcome to Reefland!

You are right, it is a wonderful book and a DVD...my birthday is coming up and I did hint what I want to my wife but...we'll see.

[Jan]

Hi Gene,

I was watching the DVD last night. It is pretty amazing. At some points all clams were spawning simultaneously and the water turned clouded… WOW
The background music is blended so well with the scene, I wonder if he has any music background.
He gave a wonderful speech at our local club a couple of years ago. The entire room was packed; I heard there is a gentleman fly all the way with his son just to see him.
Now I got something to show to my friends when they come visit me during the holidays.
Happy birthday to you!

[kevinpo]

I heard there is a gentleman fly all the way with his son just to see him.

That would be me I have kept in touch with him ever since. He is a really nice guy and patient answering a ton of questions. I carry his book with DVD at my LFS . I hope see his big tank soon.

Regards,
Kevin

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by Jan

Hi Gene,

I was watching the DVD last night. It is pretty amazing. At some points all clams were spawning simultaneously and the water turned clouded… WOW
The background music is blended so well with the scene, I wonder if he has any music background.
He gave a wonderful speech at our local club a couple of years ago. The entire room was packed; I heard there is a gentleman fly all the way with his son just to see him.
Now I got something to show to my friends when they come visit me during the holidays.
Happy birthday to you!

Hi Jan,

Thanks for well wishing but my birthday is month away. However, I did get the book and dvd ordered and should recieve it hopefully next week.

[Jan]

Kevin,

It’s too bad that I did not get to meet with you. I agree with you that he is truly a wonderful person!
Actually, quite a few of the club members are waiting for his next speech, but it does not seem going to happen anytime soon.

[kevinpo]

Hi Jan,
Maybe I can come down again for a meeting. I wanted to talk to Eddie again about surge tanks. He was kind enough to open his store early for me the next day after the meeting. I'm setting up a 450 and have planned to have it handle a 30 gal surge

Regards,
Kevin

[Jan]

Eric Borneman was scheduled for last Saturday’s meeting but it was postponed.
A 450 with a 30 gal surge! Sound like a fun project. Maybe you can just call Eddie to get more information.

[SueT]

I just got Wayne's book and DVD today for a Christmas present. The book is as good as I've heard. Now I need to find me a DVD player.

This book is great. Wayne's big angel collection is as impressive as can be. 10 years in his care is incredible.

I have been reading all afternoon and am still not tired of looking at the pics.