Support the project

Why support the project?

Running a site like this has real costs: hosting, databases, email delivery, monitoring, and the time it takes to fix bugs, improve features, and keep the community safe.

Optional support helps cover those costs and funds ongoing development — new tools for sellers and buyers, better search and safety, editorial content, and moderation. The aim is sustainability, not a paywall. The core experience stays free for everyone.

Where the money goes

• Hosting & infrastructure — servers, storage, backups, and keeping the site available.
• Development time — features, fixes, and performance improvements.
• Design & content — clearer UX, guides, and editorial work that helps hobbyists make good decisions.
• Community support — moderation, reports, and tools that keep trades and conversations safer.

Support is entirely optional.

Ways to support

If you find Aquarist Network helpful and want to chip in regularly, Patreon is the main way to become a monthly supporter. You stay in control — change or cancel anytime on Patreon's side.

Other ways to help (free)

• Tell other aquarists about the site — clubs, forums, or friends who might list or browse.
• Send feedback via Contact— what works, what's confusing, what's missing.
• Report problems when you see them — misleading listings, welfare concerns, or bugs (see Safety & welfare).
• Suggest features or improvements — we read them even when we can't ship everything at once.

Common questions

Do I have to pay to use the site?

No. Aquarist Network is free to use. Support is optional and helps keep the project running long term.

Will paying give me an unfair advantage?

No pay-to-win. Supporters are partners, not customers buying priority. If we ever offer perks, they would be things like early news or behind-the-scenes updates — not better placement, hidden listings, or core features locked away.

Can I cancel support?

Yes. Patreon memberships are managed entirely by you on Patreon. Cancel or change your contribution whenever you like.

Can I support with a one-off contribution instead?

Not yet — we're focused on steady monthly support through Patreon for now. A one-off option (for example GoFundMe or similar) may be added later on this page without changing the site URL.

Is my support tax-deductible?

Aquarist Network is a community project, not a registered charity. Contributions are voluntary support for running costs — not charitable donations unless your local rules say otherwise. Check Patreon's receipts for your own records.