Assumptions and Profiles
These calculators use transparent math. Adjust electricity, water, and price fields to your location. Species presets preload realistic feeding and tank size norms.
- Energy/month = (W × h/day × 30 ÷ 1000) × $/kWh
- Food/month = weekly_food_cost × 4.33
- Water/month = (tank_gal × change%/week × 4.33) × $/gal
- Conditioner/month = (gallons_changed_month ÷ gallons_treated_per_bottle) × bottle_price
- TCO_12mo = Σ(all categories per month for 12 months)
- Break-even = first month cumulative premium ≤ cumulative budget
12‑Month Total Cost of Ownership Planner
Widget 1 of 6Filter Energy & Media Cost Calculator
Widget 2 of 6UVB / Heat / Daylight Bulb Lifespan Planner
Widget 3 of 6Food Budget Planner (by Species & Size)
Widget 4 of 6Water Change Cost Estimator
Widget 5 of 6Sensitivity Analyzer
Widget 6 of 6What this means: The bars show how much your 12‑month total moves if each driver changes while the others stay constant.
- Electricity shifts filter, heater, and lighting costs together.
- Photoperiod shifts lighting energy hours/day.
- Food scales your weekly spend.
- Water rate scales water + conditioner costs.
When Premium Pays Off — and When It Doesn’t
Premium isn’t always mandatory. For compact species like Musk/Mud in a modest footprint, a mid‑range canister and careful photoperiod discipline may deliver similar totals. The charts above make this clear: energy and bulb replacement dominate for basking‑heavy species, while food and water dominate for messy juveniles with frequent feeding and changes.
Spend Smart: Practical Ways to Lower Monthly Costs
- Dial photoperiod with a timer. UVB/heat 8–10 hours; avoid 14‑hour “summer” days all year.
- Wash media, don’t toss it. Many premium biomedia run for years if rinsed in tank water.
- LED daylight + separate UVB. Daylight can be LED; UVB output is the critical consumable.
- Buy food in bulk, rotate types. Pellets + greens + occasional protein keep costs and health balanced.
- Right‑size heater and add a guard. Prevent failures and animal burns, reduce replacement risk.
- Use quick‑connects and leak‑safe routing. Prevent costly emergency part runs.
Breakdowns & Schedules
Monthly Breakdown (Selected Build)
| Month | Filters Energy | Media | UVB Energy | UVB Replacements | Heat/Daylight Energy | Heater Energy | Food | Water | Conditioner | Parts | Total |
|---|
12‑Month Category Totals (Budget vs Premium)
| Category | Budget Total | Premium Total | Difference | % of Total (Selected) |
|---|
Replacement Schedule
| Item | Budget Interval | Premium Interval | Months Due (within 12) | Unit Cost | Yearly Count | Yearly Cost |
|---|
FAQs
Sources, Methods, and Assumption Tables
Manufacturer spec sheets (motor wattage, bulb lifespan), typical municipal water rates, and published guidance on UVB depreciation. All calculations are shown in the Assumptions drawer; adjust inputs to match your real‑world pricing and utilities.