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Calculators
Reef tank calculators that open into the planner.
Each tool uses ReefCrafter sizing rules, shows the math, then sends the same gallons, goal, bioload, and tier straight into the build planner.
Skimmer size
Protein skimmer size calculator
For most reefs, size the skimmer to 1.5x display gallons for light bioload, 2x for medium, and 2.5x for heavy.
target rating = display gallons x bioload factor
Open the calculator →Heater wattage
Reef tank heater wattage calculator
Plan reef heating inside the 2.5-5 watts per gallon band, then split heat across two heaters on tanks 50g and up.
2.5 <= total watts / display gallons <= 5.0
Open the calculator →Flow target
Reef tank flow calculator
Soft and LPS reefs often start around 10-20x turnover, mixed reefs around 20-40x, and SPS systems around 40-60x.
target display flow = display gallons x reef-goal turnover
Open the calculator →Return pump GPH
Return pump GPH calculator
Most sumped reef systems want roughly 5-10x system turnover delivered after head loss.
rated pump GPH = target delivered GPH / head-loss factor
Open the calculator →Lighting coverage
Reef lighting coverage calculator
A reef light has to cover the tank footprint and hit the PAR band for the coral goal.
fixture coverage >= length x width and PAR >= coral target
Open the calculator →Cost estimate
Reef tank cost calculator
A real reef budget includes the startup cart, first-90-day supplies, consumables, and a margin for fixes.
real budget = startup cart + first-90-day supplies + repair cushion
Open the calculator →Build check
Reef build checker before you buy
The safest pre-buy check is cross-category: tank, reef goal, bioload, light, flow, heat, filtration, water, and livestock all have to agree before the cart becomes the build.
build passes when every required category clears its rule threshold
Open the calculator →Want the full cross-check?
The calculators are fast single decisions. The planner combines the same numbers across equipment, budget, and livestock so one good choice does not hide another weak spot.