Planner
Size the tank. Then the shopping list.
Pick a footprint. The equipment block is the point: real gallons, rated filter GPH, heater watts, substrate bags, and a 25% change dose. Add fish only after that number looks survivable.
The sand sketch is optional — for layout, not for math. For a single number use tank volume, stocking, or compatibility.
1. Tank size
Nominal gallons are the label. These buttons set interior inches and a community filter target.
2. Equipment this size wants
Community tank, 76°F target, 68°F room, 25% weekly change. Adjust with the linked tools if your room or style differs.
- Light (shopping hint)
- ~13 W class
Match fixture length to the tank. High-demand plants need more than watts.
Calculator- — Compatibility is a hard no. Fix the mix — a pretty scape will not save eaten shrimp.
3. Livestock
Quantities start at the species minimum group size. Compatibility uses adult size and temperament, not the sketch.
| Stock | Kind | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing added yet. Pick fish or plants from the list. | ||
Add
Community Fish
Livebearers
Cichlids
Catfish & Loaches
Bettas & Gouramis
Shrimp & Snails
Crabs
Goldfish & Pond
Pour sand / draw wood if you want a layout doodle. It does not change gallons or the shopping list.
4. Buy list
Specs first, brand second. Buy any filter that hits the GPH and any heater that hits the watts.
| Category | Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tank | 36″ × 12″ × 16″ (~27 gal of water at 90% fill) | 1 | Buy interior dimensions, not the sticker gallons. |
| Filtration | Filter — want ~135 GPH real flow, so buy ~208 GPH rated | 1 | HOB or canister. Sponge if shrimp-only. |
| Heating | Heater ~100 W (76°F tank, 68°F room) | 1 | Common sizes: 100 W |
| Lighting | ~13 W LED class for this footprint / plant demand | 1 | Wattage is a shopping hint. Match fixture length to the tank. |
| Substrate | Sand ~18 L (3 bags) at 2.5″ | 3 | — |
| Maintenance | Weekly 25% change = 6.7 gal · ~6.7 mL conditioner | 1 | Dose new water, not the whole tank. |
| Testing | Liquid master test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH) | 1 | — |