I try and google my question with “reef” behind it so it returns forum results from the big forums and I read through threads on each to look for consensus and also take into account anecdotes. I dive deeper into build threads of reefers who run systems and get the results I want to get. They are my mentors and don’t know it. I will usually still post my question for more current opinions because I feel like tech and available products are making important and relevant advances in the hobby that aren’t captured in the older threads.