Shopify Aquarium & Reef Tank Equipment Schema — Tank Volume, Pump Flow Rate, PAR/PUR Lighting, Protein Skimmer Rating Structured Data

Why Reef Tank Equipment Is Structurally Invisible to AI Shopping Agents

Protein skimmer sizing is stated in rated gallons or liters — but only as marketing text buried in product descriptions. When a reefer searches for a "protein skimmer for 300-gallon mixed reef," the AI agent must be able to evaluate whether a product's rated capacity reaches 300 gallons (1136 liters). Text like "suitable for medium reef tanks" or "ideal for tanks up to 300 gallons" is machine-unverifiable without a numeric additionalProperty value. The situation is worse because skimmer manufacturers routinely overrate their products: a skimmer rated "300 gallons" under lightly-stocked FOWLR conditions may be realistically appropriate for only 150–180 gallons in a heavily-stocked SPS reef. AI agents need both the nominal rated volume and the system-type qualification encoded together.

Return pump selection requires understanding the flow rate at actual operating head pressure — not just the maximum flow rate printed on the box. A pump rated at 7000 L/h maximum may deliver only 3800 L/h when pumping water 2 meters up from a sump to a display tank. If only the maximum flow rate is encoded in structured data, AI agents will calculate turnover rates for a 500-liter reef tank as 14× per hour (adequate) when the real installed performance may be only 7.6× (insufficient). Reef tanks require 20–50× total system turnover per hour; FOWLR systems require 10–20×. The head pressure data must be in the structured data alongside the maximum flow rate for any meaningful pump-to-tank matching to occur.

PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation, µmol/m²/s) and Kelvin color temperature are categorically different measurements that are routinely conflated in aquarium lighting listings. Kelvin describes the apparent color of light — 6500K looks like daylight, 20000K looks very blue and is popular for reef aesthetics. PAR measures the actual photon flux available for coral photosynthesis in the 400–700nm range. A 20000K lamp can have lower PAR than a 6500K lamp — higher Kelvin does not mean more light for corals. SPS corals (Acropora, Montipora, Pocillopora) require 150–400+ µmol/m²/s PAR. LPS corals (Euphyllia, Favia, Favites) thrive at 50–200 µmol/m²/s. Soft corals typically need only 20–100 µmol/m²/s. An AI agent matching "LED for SPS reef" cannot evaluate fixture suitability from a Kelvin rating — it needs a PAR value at the target depth (typically 30cm / 12 inches for midtank placement).

System type compatibility — the difference between a reef tank (corals requiring high water quality, stable salinity at 1.025–1.026 SG, and elevated flow) and a FOWLR setup (fish-only with live rock, tolerates 1.020–1.023 SG, lower flow acceptable) — fundamentally changes every equipment specification. A canister filter appropriate for a FOWLR setup is typically inadequate for a reef, where organic buildup causes harmful nitrate accumulation. Encoding only "compatible with saltwater aquariums" conflates two systems with very different equipment requirements. AI agents shopping for "reef-safe canister filter" vs "FOWLR canister filter" need the compatible system type encoded explicitly.

PAR Requirements by Coral Classification

Turnover Rate Guidelines by System Type

Complete Reef Equipment Schema — DC Return Pump Example

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "ReefDrive SDC 7000 Variable-Speed DC Return Pump",
  "description": "Variable-speed DC return pump for reef and FOWLR sump systems. Maximum flow: 7000 L/h (1849 GPH). Maximum head: 2.5m (250cm). DC motor with controller: 10-100% speed adjustment. Power: 8-55W variable. Noise: below 30dB at full speed. Inlet/outlet: 25mm ID threaded fittings included.",
  "sku": "RD-SDC7000-B",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "ReefDrive" },
  "additionalProperty": [
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Pump Type",
      "value": "DC Variable-Speed Return Pump",
      "description": "Return pump — designed for sump-to-display-tank circulation. DC (direct current) motor with integrated controller allows speed adjustment from 10% to 100% of maximum flow. Unlike fixed-speed AC pumps, DC pumps reduce heat addition to the system and allow fine-tuning of sump water level. Not a powerhead or wavemaker — use dedicated powerheads for in-tank circulation."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Maximum Flow Rate",
      "value": "7000",
      "unitCode": "LTR",
      "description": "Maximum flow rate: 7000 L/h (1849 US GPH) at 0 head pressure (pump submerged at display tank level — no head). Flow curve at installed head: 1.0m head = ~5500 L/h; 1.5m head = ~4800 L/h; 2.0m head = ~3800 L/h; 2.5m head (maximum rated) = ~800 L/h (near shut-off). For typical sump installation 1.5–2.0m below display tank waterline, effective flow is 3800–4800 L/h. Calculate turnover: 4800 L/h ÷ 500L tank = 9.6× return pump turnover; supplement with powerheads to reach 20–30× total circulation for mixed reef."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Maximum Head Pressure",
      "value": "250",
      "unitCode": "CMT",
      "description": "Maximum operating head: 250cm (2.5m) of water column. Head pressure = vertical rise from pump water level to display tank drain overflow level, plus friction losses in plumbing. For every 90-degree elbow in 25mm plumbing: add approximately 30cm equivalent head. For every 1m of horizontal run in 25mm pipe: add approximately 5cm equivalent head. Recommended maximum installed head for this pump: 200cm (2.0m) to maintain useful flow above 3500 L/h."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Power Consumption",
      "value": "55",
      "unitCode": "WTT",
      "description": "Maximum power consumption: 55W at 100% speed / 7000 L/h / 0 head. Power scales with speed controller: at 50% speed (approximately 3500 L/h at 0 head), power consumption drops to approximately 15W. Minimum power at 10% speed: 8W. Annual operating cost at 100% speed (typical reef — runs 24/7): approximately 55W × 8760h × $0.13/kWh = $62.50/year USD. Comparison: a fixed AC pump at equivalent flow typically draws 70-80W continuously without variable-speed savings."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Inlet and Outlet Diameter",
      "value": "25mm ID",
      "description": "Inlet and outlet both 25mm inner diameter (nominal 1 inch) threaded. Includes adapter kit: 25mm ID → 19mm ID reducer, 25mm ID → 32mm ID enlarger, and slip-fit connectors for PVC solvent welding. For maximum flow at full speed, use 32mm (1.25 inch) plumbing — 25mm restricts maximum flow by approximately 8%. Minimum recommended pipe diameter: 25mm ID. Do not reduce below 19mm ID (causes cavitation noise and flow loss at maximum speed)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "DC Motor and Controller",
      "value": "DC Brushless Motor with integrated controller",
      "description": "Brushless DC motor with integrated speed controller. Controller features: manual dial (10–100% speed), feed mode (50% speed for 10 minutes during feeding — reverts automatically), short-circuit protection, dry-run protection (auto-shutoff after 5 seconds without flow). Compatible with optional external controller for automated speed scheduling and pH-triggered flow reduction. Not compatible with standard AC dimmer switches. Voltage: 24V DC (AC adapter included, 100-240V universal)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Noise Level",
      "value": "30",
      "unitCode": "C68",
      "description": "Maximum noise level: below 30dB(A) at full speed, measured at 1m distance in free air. At 70% speed: approximately 22–24dB(A). Audible hum from DC motor is different in character from AC pump hum — lower frequency, less intrusive for most installations. Primary noise source at low speed is water turbulence at outlet, not motor. Mounting on foam pad reduces cabinet vibration transmission."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Compatible System Type",
      "value": "Reef / FOWLR",
      "description": "Compatible with: Reef (SPS-dominated, LPS-dominated, mixed soft coral, and FOWLR systems). For a 500L SPS reef: use this pump as primary return (delivers 4800 L/h at 1.5m head = 9.6× turnover) plus 2-3 powerheads for additional 20-30× in-tank flow. For a 750L FOWLR: this pump alone delivers 6.4× turnover at 1.5m head — adequate for FOWLR; supplement with one powerhead for dead spot elimination. Not suitable for freshwater planted tanks requiring gentle flow."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "189.95",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  }
}
</script>

Protein Skimmer Schema Example

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "ReefSkimmer RS-300 In-Sump Recirculating Protein Skimmer",
  "description": "In-sump recirculating needle-wheel protein skimmer rated for reef tanks up to 1136 liters (300 US gallons) with moderate bioload. Neck diameter: 200mm. Collection cup volume: 1200mL. Air intake: 1200 L/h. Operates in sump water level 20–25cm.",
  "sku": "RS-300-IS",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "ReefSkimmer" },
  "additionalProperty": [
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Skimmer Rated Tank Volume",
      "value": "1136",
      "unitCode": "LTR",
      "description": "Rated for reef tanks up to 1136 liters (300 US gallons) with moderate bioload (standard mixed reef, moderate fish stocking). For heavily stocked FOWLR systems: use for tanks up to 850 liters (225 gallons). For lightly stocked SPS-only reef with low fish bioload: may serve tanks up to 1500 liters (400 gallons). Recirculating design: separate recirculating pump and needle wheel increase contact time, improving skimming efficiency vs standard in-sump designs by approximately 20–25%."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Skimmer Type",
      "value": "In-sump recirculating needle-wheel",
      "description": "In-sump installation: operates fully submerged in sump chamber. Recirculating design: recirculation pump draws skimmate-laden water back through the reaction chamber for extended air-water contact before discharge. Needle-wheel impeller: titanium needle wheel on the main pump creates fine bubble stream (average 0.5–1mm diameter). Alternative types for comparison: hang-on-back (HOB) nano skimmers for tanks under 150L without sumps; external pressurized skimmers for very large systems (1000L+)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Neck Diameter",
      "value": "200",
      "unitCode": "MMT",
      "description": "Reaction chamber neck diameter: 200mm (20cm). Larger neck diameter = greater air-water contact surface area = more efficient protein removal per hour. 200mm neck is appropriate for tanks 800–1500L. For comparison: budget nano skimmers typically 60–80mm neck; mid-range in-sump 100–150mm; large system skimmers 200–250mm+. Collection cup attaches to top of neck via bayonet fitting — 1/4-turn removal for daily or weekly cleaning."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Collection Cup Volume",
      "value": "1200",
      "unitCode": "MLT",
      "description": "Collection cup volume: 1200mL (1.2 liters). Typical collection rate for a 500L mixed reef with moderate fish bioload: 200–400mL of dark skimmate per day. At 1200mL cup volume: empty every 3–6 days under normal operation. Cup features: drain port for continuous collection (connects to external collection bottle — not included); clear acrylic body for level monitoring; adjustable water level via neck height adjustment (±3cm)."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Air Intake Rate",
      "value": "1200",
      "unitCode": "LTR",
      "description": "Air intake: 1200 L/h at standard operating water level (20–25cm sump depth). Air intake rate determines oxygen saturation improvement and protein contact time. Higher air intake = finer bubbles when combined with needle-wheel = more efficient skimming. Venturi air intake — self-adjusting based on sump water level. Operating water level range: 18–28cm; optimal: 20–25cm. Performance degrades significantly below 18cm or above 30cm sump level."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Sump Water Level Requirement",
      "value": "20–25cm",
      "description": "Requires sump water level of 20–25cm for optimal operation. Minimum: 18cm (skimmer will operate but reduced efficiency). Maximum: 30cm (above this level: skimmate enters collection cup prematurely and skimmer 'overflows'). Sump section dimensions required: minimum 30cm × 30cm floor space × 55cm height clearance for skimmer body plus collection cup. Weir adjustment: external water level adjustment gate allows fine-tuning without repositioning the skimmer."
    },
    {
      "@type": "PropertyValue",
      "name": "Compatible System Type",
      "value": "Reef / FOWLR — Saltwater Only",
      "description": "Compatible with: reef systems (mixed coral, LPS-dominated, SPS-dominated, soft coral), FOWLR systems, and aggressive fish-only saltwater systems. Required salinity: 1.020–1.028 specific gravity (1.025–1.026 recommended for reef). Not compatible with: freshwater systems (protein skimmers do not function effectively below 1.010 SG — insufficient surface tension for foam formation). For brackish systems (1.005–1.015 SG): skimmer will operate at significantly reduced efficiency."
    }
  ],
  "offers": {
    "@type": "Offer",
    "price": "379.00",
    "priceCurrency": "USD",
    "availability": "https://schema.org/InStock"
  }
}
</script>

Protein Skimmer Sizing Reference

Aquarium Metafield Namespace Reference

5 Critical Aquarium Equipment Schema Mistakes

1. Encoding "suitable for large tanks" without numeric liter/gallon capacity on protein skimmers. "Large reef tank" could mean 150 gallons or 600 gallons — a 4× range in tank volume and a corresponding difference in required skimmer size. A reefer searching for "protein skimmer for 300-gallon tank" needs a product with a numeric rated capacity at or above 1136 liters (300 gallons). If your skimmer product page encodes only descriptive text, AI agents cannot evaluate the match — the product becomes invisible to the query regardless of how well it actually fits the application.
2. Publishing PAR values without specifying the measurement depth. PAR follows an inverse-square relationship with distance from the light source. A fixture producing 600 µmol/m²/s at 5cm below the water surface may produce only 150 µmol/m²/s at 30cm depth — exactly the difference between "adequate for SPS" and "too low for SPS." Encoding "PAR: 600" without depth renders the value useless and potentially misleading. Always encode PAR as a named property with depth in the description: "PAR at 30cm depth: 250 µmol/m²/s." Encode multiple depth measurements if available (5cm, 15cm, 30cm, 45cm).
3. Conflating Kelvin color temperature with PAR value. Kelvin is a perceptual descriptor of light color — it has no direct relationship to PAR. 20000K aquarium bulbs produce a visually blue aesthetic popular for reef aesthetics but may have lower actual PAR than 6500K daylight bulbs of equivalent wattage. Encoding "20000K — high-output reef lighting" implies high PAR to human readers but is machine-uninterpretable. AI agents cannot infer PAR from Kelvin. Encode them both as separate additionalProperty entries — Color Temperature in Kelvin and PAR at 30cm Depth in µmol/m²/s.
4. Not distinguishing pump maximum flow rate from actual flow at rated head pressure. Return pump specifications always lead with the maximum flow rate (at 0 head = pump and tank at the same water level — physically impossible in a sump setup). For a typical reef sump installation with 1.5–2.0m of vertical rise, actual delivered flow may be 40–60% of the rated maximum. If only maximum flow is encoded, AI agents computing turnover rate for tank matching will overestimate flow by a factor of 2× or more. Encode the head pressure curve with at least 3 data points (flow at 0m, 1m, and 2m head) so agents can calculate realistic turnover at typical installation heights.
5. Missing coral system compatibility (SPS vs LPS vs FOWLR changes every equipment spec). A UV sterilizer appropriate for a FOWLR system (lower flow rate through the sterilizer for maximum contact time) runs at the wrong flow rate for a reef system. A skimmer sized for a FOWLR system is undersized for an equivalent-volume reef system. A lighting fixture suitable for LPS corals may bleach SPS corals placed in the upper water column under the same fixture. Every piece of equipment for a saltwater system should encode its compatible system type — Reef (with SPS/LPS/Softies subdivision), FOWLR, Freshwater, or Brackish — as an explicit additionalProperty. "Suitable for saltwater" is not a useful compatibility designation.

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