Determining correct base container images to support custom container images is provided. A comparison between layers of a base container image corresponding to a current version of an operand and layers of a custom container image built by a user is performed using an operator. It is determined whether the user utilized a correct base container image to build the custom container image based on the comparison between the layers of the base container image corresponding to the current version of the operand and the layers of the custom container image built by the user. A runtime is generated in a cluster of host nodes to provide a service based on the custom container image in response to determining that the user utilized the correct base container image to build the custom container image.