Reviewed 2026-05-01 · reference
Reef equipment sizing methodology
This is the public rule-of-thumb sheet behind ReefCrafter equipment pages: enough math to make the decision inspectable, without pretending every tank is identical or every product listing is current.
Core formulas
ReefCrafter starts with conservative planning bands and then asks whether the specific build has a reason to move up or down.
- Skimmer target: display gallons x 1.5, 2.0, or 2.5 by bioload.
- Heater band: display gallons x 2.5 to 5.0 total watts.
- Display flow: gallons x coral-goal multiplier.
- Return pump: 5-10x system turnover after head loss.
- Lighting: tank footprint coverage plus coral-goal PAR band.
Why ranges beat one number
A reef tank changes as livestock, feeding, rockwork, and coral growth change. Sizing bands expose margin and failure mode instead of hiding the decision behind one magic answer.
- Oversized heaters increase stuck-on risk.
- Undersized skimmers reduce fish-load headroom.
- Lighting needs spread and intensity, not only a center PAR number.
Use this with
Source trail
ReefCrafter keeps the formulas inspectable. These references are starting points, then the planner applies its own compatibility rules to the build in front of you.