Working setup ranges
| Route | Equipment setup | Likely first-year power | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact 50–70L AIO | £650–£1,050 | Roughly £100–£230 | Small footprint and controlled initial spend |
| 100–150L AIO or sump | £1,100–£2,500 | Roughly £180–£420 | More water volume and equipment flexibility |
| 300–500L system | £3,000–£7,000+ | Roughly £450–£1,000+ | More space, load capacity and ongoing commitment |
The power bands are examples, not forecasts. A heater’s cycling and the actual draw of dimmed lights and variable pumps matter. Model your exact hardware in the electricity calculator.
Where the setup money goes
The visible headline purchase; completeness varies dramatically.
Return pump, wavemakers, media and optional skimmer.
RODI, containers, refractometer and test equipment.
Rock, sand, salt and the first scheduled consumables.
Three ways budgets break
- Comparing box prices: one system includes a light and return pump while another expects you to select both.
- Ignoring the support kit: mixing containers, spare heater, power management, cleaning tools and plumbing parts add up.
- Forgetting recurring ownership: electricity, salt, replacement filters, reagents and failed parts continue after launch.
A better sequence
Choose AIO or sump architecture, compare the current starter systems, complete the equipment checklist, then replace every allowance in the budget calculator with a real basket price.
Electricity assumption
Our calculator defaults to 26.11p/kWh, the Ofgem average Direct Debit electricity unit rate for Great Britain from 1 July to 30 September 2026. Use your bill’s unit rate instead; standing charges are not assigned to the aquarium.