Research Methodology
Neutral, Practice-Focused Design
The Aquarium Industry Census™ is designed to capture what people are actually doing in the field—rather than what any single expert, company, or organization believes they should be doing. Questions focus on:
- Big-box aquatic departments and national retail chains
- Stability expectations and timelines
- Water testing and water change habits
- Stocking, feeding, and quarantine philosophies
- Differences by tank type, role, and experience level
Survey Structure and Branching
The survey uses a branching structure so that respondents are asked about the types of systems they know best. For example, someone who primarily works with freshwater is routed to freshwater-specific questions, while reef-focused respondents receive reef-specific sections. This helps keep questions relevant and reduces survey fatigue.
Who Can Respond
Responses are accepted from a wide range of roles, including big-box and local retail staff, store owners, service professionals, public aquarists, breeders, manufacturers, educators, and experienced hobbyists. Where appropriate, the survey allows respondents to identify their role and experience level so results can be viewed in context.
Data Handling
Responses are collected using a secure online form platform. Individual responses are not published. Data may be grouped by category (such as role, geographic region, or tank type) to better understand patterns and differences, but individual identities are not the focus.
Limitations and Ongoing Improvement
As with any survey-based research, results reflect the experiences and perspectives of those who choose to participate. The Aquarium Industry Census™ is an evolving project, and feedback on survey design and
interpretation is welcomed from across the industry. Over time, question sets and analysis methods may be refined to better serve the community and improve clarity.