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.
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)
⚠️ 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.
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.
Keep the room warmer - if your house is 68°F and tank needs 76°F, the heater works less than if your house is 62°F
Insulate the tank back and sides with foam board - reduces heat loss by 20-30% and cuts heater runtime significantly
Upgrade to LED lighting - old T5/T8 fluorescent tubes use 2-4x more electricity than modern LED fixtures with identical PAR output
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.
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.