Plan filter turnover, pump head compensation, and heater wattage for your tank.
Turnover (x/hour)
4.5
Flow (LPH)
540
Flow (GPH)
142.65
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.
Most freshwater setups perform well between 3x and 6x hourly turnover.
Pump flow drops as lift height increases, so you need overhead capacity.
This calculator applies 3-5 watts per gallon based on room-to-target delta.
A small safety margin is good, but extreme oversizing can stress livestock.
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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.