Finders

How the finders work

Each finder asks a few plain questions, scores your answers against a short list of options and shows the best match, often with a runner-up. The questions are short because the choices are simple: what you are seeing, what you are filtering, what you are keeping. Every result page explains why it fits, what to check before you buy or act, how the options compare, which calculators help and when the result is not the right fit. You can retake a quiz as often as you like.

Which finder to use

• First-Tank Type Finder: if you are deciding what kind of aquarium to start with.
• Filter Type Finder: if you are choosing between a hang-on-back, canister or sponge filter.
• Substrate Finder: if you are choosing between gravel, sand and aquasoil.
• Fish Compatibility Checker: if you are thinking about what kind of community to build.
• Algae Troubleshooter: if you are not sure what algae you have.

What a finder cannot do

A finder cannot see your tank. It does not know your water parameters, your stocking, your filter, your light or your fish, and it cannot diagnose a disease or a crashed tank. Treat each result as a starting point, test your water, research the species or product, and ask an experienced local fishkeeper or an aquatic veterinarian if something seems wrong. Read our disclaimer and safety notes.