Aquarium dimensions and sizes vary by brand and the type of aquarium. For instance, Aqueon might make its 20-gallon tank larger or smaller than Seapora‘s 20-gallon aquarium. It’s essential to know the dimensions of the tank as it lets you know which equipment is compatible with the aquarium. For example, when buying hoods, stands, covers, or lights for your aquarium.
By knowing the weight of your aquarium when it’s empty or full, you guess where you can put it and type of stand can hold the weight. Things like decorations, plants, the thickness of the aquarium, and water quality all affect the weight. Saltwater weighs more than freshwater. So, the weights listed below are rough estimates to give you a bit of guidance.
Aquarium Dimensions Chart
Things To Consider About Aquarium Sizes
Small tanks, as per aquarium dimensions, range from 2.5 gallons to 15-gallon aquariums. These tanks are suitable for a single small fish or five small fish if you get the 15-gallon tank.
Small aquariums need special care because they have a limited bio-load capacity. So, you need to set up proper filtration and do not add too many fish or other animals to these tanks.
Small Tanks
Medium Tanks
Mid-size fish tank sizes range from 20 to 40 gallons. Mid-sized aquariums are available in several shapes and sizes and they can house both freshwater and saltwater fish. Some of these aquariums include a kit with lights, filtration, and aquarium decorations.
Large Tanks
Large aquariums rang 50 gallons to 180 gallons. These tanks usually come in shapes like bow fronts and rectangles. Larger aquariums generally house coral and saltwater fish (marine animals).
Breeder Tanks
Breeder tanks usually have unique dimensions. For instance, instead of being rectangular, a breeder tank can be hexagonal. You don’t need to buy specialty tanks, but be aware of the different shapes and dimensions so that it fits where you plan to put it. For example, a 40-gallon breeder tank and a 40-gallon long tank have different sizes and weights (see chart above).
| SMALL AQUARIUMS | |||
| Tank Size | L x W x H | Empty Weight | Filled Weight |
| 2 1/2 gallon | 12″ x 6″ x 8″ | 3 lbs | 27 lbs |
| 5 gallon | 16″ x 8″ x 10″ | 7 lbs | 62 lbs |
| 10 gallon “Leader” | 20″ x 10″ x 12″ | 11 lbs | 111 lbs |
| 15 gallon | 24″ x 12″ x 12″ | 21 lbs | 170 lbs |
| 15 gallon High | 20″ x 10″ x 18″ | 22 lbs | 170 lbs |
MID-SIZED AQUARIUMS | |||
| Tank Size | L x W x H | Empty Weight | Filled Weight |
| 20 gallon High | 24″ x 12″ x 16″ | 25 lbs | 225 lbs |
| 20 gallon Long | 30″ x 12″ x 12″ | 25 lbs | 225 lbs |
| 25 gallon | 24″ x 12″ x 20″ | 32 lbs | 282 lbs |
| 29 gallon | 30″ x 12″ x 18″ | 40 lbs | 330 lbs |
| 30-gallon Breeder | 36″ x 18″ x 12″ | 48 lbs | 348 lbs |
| 40-gallon Breeder | 36″ x 18″ x 16″ | 58 lbs | 458 lbs |
| 40 gallon Long | 48″ x 12″ x 16″ | 55 lbs | 455 lbs |
LARGE AQUARIUMS | |||
| Tank Size | L x W x H | Empty Weight | Filled Weight |
| 50 gallon | 36″ x 18″ x 19″ | 100 lbs | 600 lbs |
| 55 gallon | 48″ x 13″ x 21″ | 78 lbs | 625 lbs |
| 65 gallon | 36″ x 18″ x 24″ | 126 lbs | 772 lbs |
| 75 gallon | 48″ x 18″ x 21″ | 140 lbs | 850 lbs |
| 90 gallon | 48″ x 18″ x 24″ | 160 lbs | 1050 lbs |
| 125 gallon | 72″ x 18″ x 21″ | 206 lbs | 1206 lbs |
| 150 gallon | 72″ x 18″ x 28″ | 338 lbs | 1838 lbs |
| 180 Gallon | 72″ x 24″ x 25″ | 430 lbs | 1870 lbs |
| 225 Gallon | 72″ x 27.5″ x 27.5″ | 358 lbs | 2158 lbs |
Placement
You need to consider the space that you want to place your fish tank. Not only do you have to consider the dimensions and weight, but the whole setup. The setup includes lighting, filters, heaters, etc.
Other things to consider:
- Space the stand or cabinet.
- Space between the back of the aquarium and the wall.
- Free space around the front, sides, and above the tank.
You don’t want to keep your aquarium in high traffic areas where you accidentally break it. You also don’t want too much traffic and noise that might startle fish and other animals. Don’t hang items over the aquarium. Don’t place the aquarium under shelves.
You need space behind and around the aquarium. So, choose a size that allows you to attach things like a power filter or canister filter. You may need an air hose, digital timer, heater, etc. So, access to a power supply is essential. You also have to have enough space so that you can maneuver around the tank for cleaning and maintenance.
Fish
The kinds of fish, shrimp, snails, freshwater clams, plants, crayfish, etc. all impact the aquarium size. Some species of fish or crustaceans are territorial and aggressive. Aquarium crayfish are one such species. So, in this case, a larger aquarium would be best to give all the animals enough space.
Some fish like Oscar Cichlids are big and need larger sized tanks to accommodate their size. Freshwater shrimp and freshwater snails can survive in smaller aquariums so long as you avoid overstocking.
References
- Standard Aquarium Size Charts – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9w2wdVu130
- All Standard Aquarium Dimensions – Dynamic Chart – https://www.customaquariums.com/glass-aquariums/all-aquarium-standard-sizes.html
- What do you think is the most ideal aquarium size for the home? Why? – Reddit – https://www.reddit.com/r/Aquariums/comments/1ne405/what_do_you_think_is_the_most_ideal_aquarium_size/
- What size aquarium is best in terms of maintenance? – Reddit –https://www.reddit.com/r/Aquariums/comments/5xoca1/what_size_aquarium_is_best_in_terms_of_maintance/
- Best tank size for beginners? : Aquariums – Reddit – https://www.reddit.com/r/Aquariums/comments/2yr793/best_tank_size_for_beginners/
- Calculating Aquarium Volume – How Can I Figure Out How Much Water My Fish Tank Holds? – https://www.firsttankguide.net/calculator.php
Last update on 2021-10-29 / Affiliate links / As an Amazon Associate this website may earn from qualifying purchases.
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