Suggested readings for understanding basic chemistry and biology?

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

I ordered a 'Biology for Dummies'-style book today. I just realized that I'll probably need the chemistry component too. I sucked at chemistry and avoided it as long as I could (basically completely) in college! I do have the physical understanding as I took lots of physics and astrophysics courses in college. So light, E&M, some theoretical physics.

Any suggested reading for a chemistry beginner?

EDIT: I am reading some deeper texts on coral reef research and our effects on coral reefs and I find myself asking 'why' and unable to just accept some of the statements as fact. So in order to gain a deeper level of understanding I need some basic chem & bio.

 

[redfishbluefish]

A great place to start is right here:

Randy's Reef Chemistry Articles

 

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

Didn't see anything about basic chemistry though. (How to balance chemical equations, etc)

 

[WVNed]

I would start by looking at a website like this. I am sure there are several.
Pay special attention to the Acid-base stuff, pH and calculations for the strengths of solutions.
I have never needed to balance a chemical equation to keep a fish tank.
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshe...hemistry_-_The_Central_Science_(Brown_et_al.)

 

[Peace River]

I ordered a 'Biology for Dummies'-style book today. I just realized that I'll probably need the chemistry component too. I sucked at chemistry and avoided it as long as I could (basically completely) in college! I do have the physical understanding as I took lots of physics and astrophysics courses in college. So light, E&M, some theoretical physics.

Any suggested reading for a chemistry beginner?

EDIT: I am reading some deeper texts on coral reef research and our effects on coral reefs and I find myself asking 'why' and unable to just accept some of the statements as fact. So in order to gain a deeper level of understanding I need some basic chem & bio.

If you're specifically talking about marine and reef chemistry in the aquarium then I would recommend the appropriately named: "Marine Chemistry: A complete guide to water chemistry in marine aquariums" (Brightwell, 2007).