Plan filter turnover, pump head compensation, and heater wattage for your tank.
Turnover (x/hour)
6
Flow (LPH)
720
Flow (GPH)
190.2
Tidal 55 HOB
Seachem ·
Ceramic rings
Sponge filter
Purigen resin
Zeolite
Choose equipment by biological load and maintenance style, not just tank volume.
Planted tanks and heavily stocked tanks usually benefit from stronger circulation and finer mechanical filtration.
Always cross-check manufacturer flow curves and heater duty cycles before purchasing.
Aim for about 4x hourly turnover for lightly stocked tanks, 6x for community tanks, and 8-10x for heavily stocked or planted setups.
Pump flow drops as lift height increases, so you need overhead capacity.
It scales from about 3 watts per gallon for a small room-to-target gap up to 8 watts per gallon for a large gap (cold room). If in doubt, size up.
A small safety margin is good, but extreme oversizing can stress livestock.
Your database may not have entries yet. The formulas still work standalone.
Did this answer your question?
Pump head loss is an estimate — actual loss depends on pipe diameter, fitting count, and bends. If in doubt, oversize the heater slightly. Results are estimates based on general guidelines. Individual species may have specific requirements.