This is the book I highly recommend:
1. Tropical Fishlopaedia
by Mary Bailey (Author) (Paperback - January 30, 2000)
http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1860...5930711-6182753
Explains in detail how to do things, and most importantly why.
Another book describing the varities of tropical freshwater fish available, and compatabilities:
Aquarium Fish
by Dick Mills (Author), Robert Goldstein (Editor), Jerry Young (Photographer)
http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564...5930711-6182753