What size heater do I need for my reef tank?

A general rule is 3-5 watts per gallon for reef tanks. A 75-gallon reef tank needs approximately 225-375 watts of heating. AquaBuildPlanner automatically recommends the right heater size for your specific tank.

What equipment do I need for a reef aquarium?

A basic reef aquarium needs a tank, heater, protein skimmer, return pump, powerheads for flow, reef-quality lighting, and an ATO (auto top-off). Advanced setups may include a controller, dosing pump, media reactor, and calcium reactor.

How much does a reef tank setup cost?

Reef tank costs vary widely: nano setups ($600-$1,800), small tanks ($1,200-$3,500), medium tanks ($2,500-$6,000), large tanks ($6,000-$15,000), and XL tanks ($15,000-$40,000+). AquaBuildPlanner helps you plan within your budget.

Free Aquarium Planning Tool

Plan your perfect
aquarium build

Equipment sizing, cost estimates, and expert recommendations — reef or freshwater.

How would you like to start?

✓

Start with livestock

I know what I want to keep

Pick your dream fish, corals, or plants — we'll size the perfect tank around them.

✓

Start with budget

I have a budget in mind

Tell us your number — we'll show you the best tank you can build within it.

✓

Start with space

I know my space

Have a spot picked out? Enter your dimensions and we'll fit the perfect setup.

10+

Calculators

2 min

To Your Build

Free

Always

0/3

AquaBuildPlanner — Free Aquarium Build Planning Tool

Please enable JavaScript for the full interactive experience, or browse our content below.

Aquarium Calculators

Tank Volume Calculator — Calculate gallons for any aquarium dimensions
Heater Wattage Calculator — Find the right heater size for your tank
Salt Mix Calculator — Measure salt mix for water changes
Return Pump Calculator — Size your return pump with head loss
Electricity Cost Calculator — Estimate monthly power costs
Water Change Calculator — Plan water change schedules
Alkalinity Dosing Calculator
Calcium Dosing Calculator
CO2 Dosing Calculator
Filter Flow Rate Calculator

Livestock Guides

Planning Tools

Visual Tank Designer — Drag-and-drop aquascape planner
Power Planner — Electrical planning and UPS sizing
AI Tank Advisor — Equipment recommendations and analysis
Community Builds — Browse and share aquarium builds
Budget Builder — Build the best tank for your budget

Plan your perfectaquarium build

I know what I want to keep

I have a budget in mind

I know my space

Plan your perfect
aquarium build