Reef Tank Setup Costs
- 60-80L Tank: $700 – $800
- 100-300L Tank: $1700 – $2000
- 500-1000L Tank: $3000 – $10000
Electricity Costs for Reef Tank
The average cost of electricity per kWh is 14p. Reef tanks generally need 4-8 watts per gallon (3.79L) of water.
Ideal Lighting Time for Reef Tank
The ideal time to have your lights on full is between 9 and 12 hours, providing ramp up and ramp down time if possible.
Nano Reefs Consideration
A nano reef tank is 30 gallons or below in size. It is recommended to avoid setups smaller than 5 gallons.
Additional Maintenance Costs
The additional yearly maintenance costs range from $0 – $0, with food costs depending on fish species at $35 per year.
Complete Setup Cost
Over 4 months, buying bits for a new tank costs $2,300 – $3,000.
Best Size Reef Tank for Beginners
A small, well-maintained nano reef tank around 10 to 20 gallons is recommended for beginners. Standard 40” x 15” x 15” saltwater tank setup may cost around $800.
Recommended Size Saltwater Tank for Beginners
A 55 to 75-gallon tank is perfect for beginners due to greater water stability, more room for fish and coral, and reasonable stocking and maintenance costs. A minimum of 40 gallons is advisable for new saltwater aquarium owners.