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Aquarium Calculators

Aquarium Pump Calculator

Filter and pump flow rate needed for a tank, allowing for head loss.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Pump rating needed

1,714 L/hour

Manufacturers quote flow with no head and no media — expect a third less in a real installation.

Actual flow required
1,080 L/hour
Turnover rate
6 × per hour
In US gallons per hour
453
Head loss allowance
12 %
Total losses
37 %
Filter media volume guide
3.6 litres

About the Aquarium Pump Calculator

Filter and pump flow rate needed for a tank, allowing for head loss.

Also known as: filter flow rate calculator, aquarium turnover rate, pump size for fish tank, gph filter calculator.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter tank volume, stocking level, head height, loss through media and pipework.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

pump rating = volume × turnover ÷ (1 − losses)

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Tank volume = 180 litres
  • Stocking level: Normal (6×)
  • Head height = 1 m
  • Loss through media and pipework = 25 %

the calculator returns:

  • Pump rating needed: 1,714 L/hour
  • Actual flow required: 1,080 L/hour
  • Turnover rate: 6 × per hour
  • In US gallons per hour: 453