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Electricity Cost Calculator:
Aquarium Setup

A complete aquarium setup (heater, filter, lighting) runs continuously, with the heater alone accounting for 35% of the total energy bill. A typical 55-gallon tank uses 200-400 kWh annually, costing $32-64/year, but tropical tanks in cold climates can cost significantly more during winter months.

Calculate Running Costs

Adjust the settings below to see real-time cost estimates for your Aquarium Setup

Check your device label or manual for wattage

Default: $0.16/kWh (America average)

๐Ÿ’ก Your Estimated Costs

Per Hour
$0.04
Per Day
$0.32
Per Month
$9.60
Per Year
$116.80
Energy Consumption: 2.00 kWh/day ยท 60.00 kWh/month ยท 730.00 kWh/year

โš ๏ธ These are estimates based on continuous usage at the specified wattage. Actual costs may vary based on usage patterns, thermostat cycling, and local electricity rates.

๐Ÿ“Š Quick Reference Table

Average running costs for a 250W Aquarium Setup at $0.16/kWh (US average)

Usage Energy (kWh) Cost (USD)
1 Hour 0.25 $0.040
8 Hours/Day 2.00 $0.32
Per Month (30 days) 60.00 $9.60
Per Year (365 days) 730.00 $116.80

* Based on 8 hours daily usage. Use the calculator above for your specific usage pattern.

๐Ÿ’ก 3 Ways to Reduce Energy Costs

1

Keep the room warmer - if your house is 68ยฐF and tank needs 76ยฐF, the heater works less than if your house is 62ยฐF

2

Insulate the tank back and sides with foam board - reduces heat loss by 20-30% and cuts heater runtime significantly

3

Upgrade to LED lighting - old T5/T8 fluorescent tubes use 2-4x more electricity than modern LED fixtures with identical PAR output

โ“ Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a 55 gallon aquarium cost to run per month?

A 55-gallon tropical tank typically costs $2.67-5.33/month ($32-64/year). Breakdown: 150W heater (runs ~50% of the time) = $1.90/month, 25W filter (24/7) = $0.53/month, 30W LED light (8 hours/day) = $0.24/month. Cold climates see 30-50% higher costs in winter.

What uses the most electricity in an aquarium?

The heater uses 35-45% of total energy, followed by lighting (30-40%), filter (15-20%), and air pump (5-10%). This is why reef tanks with metal halide lighting and chillers can cost 3-5x more to run than basic freshwater setups.