Reef Budget Calculator
Get a realistic startup cost, monthly maintenance estimate, and power consumption forecast for your reef ambitions — including budget-friendly alternatives.
What we estimate
- Startup: tank, sump/AIO, skimmer, lighting, flow, heater, ATO, RO/DI, salt, test kit
- Monthly: salt mix, additives, food, test reagents, replacement media
- Power: heater + lighting + pumps × your local kWh rate
⚠ Reef-keeping reality: Estimates exclude livestock cost, which can range from $200 (basic clownfish + soft corals) to $5,000+ (designer SPS + premium fish). Build the system first, stock slowly.