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Aquarium Size & Weight Guide

Aquarium Size & Weight Guide

Updated on July 21, 2023
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Reviewed by Don Spaeth
Petco’s National Aquatic Care, Education and Programs Manager

Tank Weight | Gravel/Substrate Weight | Water Weight | Décor and Equipment | Total Weight

Fish tanks on shelf at store

One of the easiest things to forget when choosing a new aquarium, or even moving to a new home with your current aquarium, is how much your aquarium will weigh when it’s complete, and often it’s a lot more than one would expect! Choosing the right stand, or even the right spot in your home to support that weight is critical for ensuring the security of the aquarium and avoiding disaster for both your new aquatic life, and your home.

To determine the weight of an aquarium, you’ll need to take into consideration the weight of the tank itself, gravel/substrate, décor, equipment, and of course the water. Below is a step-by-step guide for how to calculate the weight of your aquarium.

Tank Weight

Use the chart below to estimate the weight of your tank. The chart includes glass tanks sized 5.5-75 gallons.

  • Example: A 10G tank weighs 11lbs.

Gravel/Substrate Weight

A good rule of thumb for determining gravel weight is 1 pound for every gallon.  You can also use the chart below to estimate the weight of your gravel.

  • Example: A 10G tank weighs 11lbs. The gravel in the tank will weigh approximately 10lbs. The tank and gravel combined are approximately 21lbs.

Water Weight

1 gallon of water weighs roughly 8.34lbs, and it’s recommended to round up to 10lbs per gallon to leave yourself a nice safety buffer. There will be displacement of water if you add gravel/substrate, but to be safe we recommend calculating 10lbs per gallon of water your tank can hold.

  • Example: A 10G tank weighs 11lbs. The gravel in the tank will weigh approximately 10lbs. The water in a 10G tank will weigh approximately 100lbs. A 10G tank with gravel and water will weigh approximately 121lbs!

Décor and Equipment

Décor and equipment, such as the filter, can also influence the total weight of your aquarium. All chosen items should list the weight on the packaging, or you can look it up online. For equipment that houses water outside of the aquarium, such as a canister filter, don’t forget to check what volume of water it holds and calculate the additional water weight in as well! 

Total Weight

The numbers in the chart below are a base guideline for glass aquariums, gravel/substrate, and water weight. Any additional equipment and décor will have their own individual weight that will need to be calculated into the total weight estimate. Even though the tank weights below are based on glass aquariums, you can use the same guideline for acrylic aquariums. Acrylic aquariums will weigh slightly less than glass, but it’s always best to over-estimate the weight rather than underestimate, so you’ll still be safe utilizing the weight chart below.  

Tank Gallons

Tank Dimensions (in)

Tank Dimensions (cm)

Tank Weight

Water Weight

Gravel Weight

Aquarium, Gravel & Water Weight

5.5

16.50”L x 10.75”H x 8.75”W

41.91L x 27.3H x 22.23W

8lbs

50.5lbs

5.5lbs

64lbs

10

20.25”L x 12.625”H x 10.5”W

51.44L x 32.08H x 26.67W

11lbs

100lbs

10lbs

121lbs

15

25.00”L x 13.25”H x 13.25”W

63.50L x 33.66H x 33.66W

21lbs

150lbs

15lbs

186lbs

20 Long

30.50”L x 13.0”H x 13.13”W

77.47L x 33.02H x 33.35”W

25lbs

200lbs

20lbs

245lbs

20 High

25.00”L x 17.25”H x 13.25”W

63.50L x 43.82H x 33.66W

25lbs

200lbs

20lbs

245lbs

29

30.63”L x 19.0”H x 13.25”W

77.80L x 48.26H x 33.66W

40lbs

290lbs

29lbs

359lbs

40

36.19”L x 16.94”H x 18.25”W

91.92L x 43.03H x 46.36W

58lbs

400lbs

40lbs

498lbs

55

48.75”L x 21.25”H x 14.00”W

123.83L x 53.98H x 46.36W

78lbs

550lbs

55lbs

683lbs

75

49.00”L x 21.25”H x 19.50”W

124.46L x 53.98H x 49.53W

140lbs

750lbs

75lbs

965lbs

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