Reef calculator · reviewed 2026-05-01
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
Startup budget
$3,500-$5,575
Monthly consumables often land around $60-$120 before livestock surprises or upgrades.
What this catches
The first-order mismatch: too little capacity, unsafe wattage, weak turnover, missing coverage, or a budget that ignores supplies.
What it cannot catch alone
A single calculator cannot verify every product, livestock choice, chamber fit, vendor listing, or future stocking plan.
Why open the planner
The planner combines this result with equipment categories, budget tier, bioload, and compatibility rules.