Where to Start with David E. Boruchowitz
David E. Boruchowitz has been keeping and raising fish for over fifty years and served as editor-in-chief of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine, one of the longest-running aquarium publications in the world. His writing draws on decades of hands-on experience and editorial work, giving him a rare ability to explain fishkeeping in plain, practical language. “The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums” is his most widely recommended book, a clear and reliable guide that has helped thousands of beginners set up their first successful tank.
Start here
The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums
David E. Boruchowitz · 255 pages · 2009 · Easy
Themes: freshwater aquariums, beginner fishkeeping, tank setup, fish selection, water quality
The definitive beginner’s guide to freshwater fishkeeping, written by the longtime editor-in-chief of Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine. Boruchowitz distills over fifty years of experience into a clear, step-by-step plan for setting up your first aquarium.
Why Start Here
This is the book that gets recommended more than any other in fishkeeping forums, and for good reason. Boruchowitz gives you everything you need without overwhelming you: tank selection, equipment setup, the nitrogen cycle explained clearly, fish species that work well for beginners, and a practical maintenance schedule. His editorial background shows in the writing, which is organized, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon.
What to Expect
A practical, well-organized guide at 255 pages. Covers the entire process from choosing your first tank to maintaining a healthy, established aquarium. The tone is friendly and encouraging. Best for anyone who wants a single, reliable book to guide them through their first year of fishkeeping.