Independent gear research
Clear aquarium gear picks for real tanks.
Specific recommendations for tank size, livestock and maintenance needs, with the tradeoffs stated plainly.
Shop by tank need
Recently published
View all guides
Best aquarium sand for corydoras
Seven fine, smooth aquarium sands for corydoras, with practical advice on sifting, barbel care, cleaning, planting and tradeoffs.
Best aquarium substrate for cichlids
Compare cichlid aquarium substrates for digging, species-specific water chemistry, grain texture, buffering and practical cleaning.
Best aquarium substrate for axolotl
Safe aquarium substrate choices for axolotls, with smooth sand, bare-bottom setups, cleaning advice and plant anchoring tips.
Best aquarium substrate for goldfish
Choose goldfish substrate that is easy to vacuum and less likely to trap waste. Compare seven sands and gravels by grain size and plant support.
Best aquarium substrate for betta fish
Choose a smooth, easy-clean substrate for a betta tank. Compare seven gravels, sands and planted soils by safety, water chemistry and upkeep.
Best aquarium substrate for shrimp
Shrimp substrate compared by active or inert chemistry, grain form, planting support, buffering, and day-to-day maintenance.