PlantedGuide is a group of independent researchers and writers specializing in freshwater aquariums and planted tanks. Our work focuses on translating hands-on equipment research and water chemistry into honest, practical guidance for hobbyists navigating a market full of inflated claims and vague specifications. Every product featured on PlantedGuide goes through our structured five-step evaluation process — and every editorial position is maintained independently of affiliate relationships.
Most aquarium equipment reviews are based on a few days of use and product descriptions copied from Amazon listings. Our approach is different — and documented.
We identify equipment generating real questions from freshwater hobbyists — based on search data, community discussions, and reader inquiries. Products are selected based on relevance to planted tank and canister filter use cases, not on affiliate commission rates.
Before hands-on evaluation, we study manufacturer specs, cross-reference user-reported issues across hobbyist communities, and define the exact claims we intend to verify — flow rate consistency, media capacity, ease of priming, noise output, and long-term seal integrity.
Filters and equipment run on active planted tanks — not test buckets. We measure actual flow rate against rated specs, monitor water parameters (NO₃, NO₂, NH₃, pH) over time, and log every inconsistency between manufacturer claims and observed performance.
Full cleaning cycles, media replacement, and impeller servicing completed and timed. Equipment that makes routine maintenance unnecessarily complex scores lower regardless of filtration performance.
All findings reviewed internally before publication. Verdicts are finalized based on observed data, not brand reputation. If a product generating affiliate commission underperforms, we say so — clearly and specifically.
PlantedGuide earns commissions through affiliate links to products on Amazon and direct brand programs. These relationships help sustain the research operation without charging readers.
Our policy: Affiliate relationships are always disclosed on pages where they exist. They never determine which products we evaluate, how we score them, or what our verdicts say. A product paying a higher commission receives no preferential treatment in our testing or writing.
PlantedGuide focuses on freshwater aquariums and planted tanks. Within this focus: canister filter reviews with real-tank performance data, equipment comparisons, setup guides for planted tanks, water chemistry fundamentals, and species compatibility references for serious hobbyists.
Questions about our evaluations, testing methodology, or editorial process:
contact@plantedguide.com
Response time: 2–3 business days.