With the tools presented in the drop down menu we would like to assist you in making an ethical and responsible buying choice.

The responsible aquarist is faced with many questions and points to consider when setting up and/or stocking his/her tank.

We want to trigger some thoughts here...

What do you want to portrait with your tank?

Most hobbyists will go for a reef/community tank. The reasons behind may vary (e.g. colorful, beautiful display, decoration or having your own reef in your living room). 

However it is worth giving the reasons behind your decision a second thought. 

1. If you are particularly interested in certain species of fish, you might consider a fish-only/species dedicated tank. This will allow you to keep some species which are not possible or at least difficult to keep in a community tank.

2. When a beautiful display is your main interest, you have indeed several choices. We suggest to think first about a habitat you would like to portrait (e.g. sea grass bed, reef flat, reef slope, rocky reef, etc.).

3. Then make a choice on the geographical range (e.g. Indo-Pacific will probably offer the highest variety of species to select from).

4. Seek as much information as available to find out about the habitat, its related species variety, environmental conditions, etc.

5. With such information on hand: is it still the right choice? What supplies do you need? What species are you particularly interested in? Is your level of knowledge/experience appropriate to keep these specimens? Is the tank affordable?

To help you answer some of those last questions we provide e.g. the SAIA FishSelector and a List of Unsuitable & Unsustainable Species.

Nevertheless it is important to emphasize that a reef tank of what size so ever, can never fully mimic a vast and complex ecosystem such as a tropical coral reef. Marine biologists have probably not even understood half of the interactions and relations making a reef to what is is: one of natures wonders of the world - unique, a stunning beauty and vulnerable.

Thus making a responsible choice is in every aquarist's interest as is the conversation of marine habitats.