Planning your area earlier than establishing a fish tank entails quite a few concerns, particularly the tank’s ultimate weight. Underestimating the water and structural weight can spell catastrophe while you put your aquarium on a poorly supported stand or if anybody tries to regulate its place. Though they weigh lower than 100 kilos out of the field, a totally loaded 55-gallon fish tank can weigh over 600 kilos when filled with water, gravel, and options!
Evaluating tank weights earlier than ordering your fish’s new dwelling can stop aggravation. We’ll enable you make your best option to your dwelling as we have a look at how a lot a 55-gallon fish tank weighs and the way that compares to numerous options.
How A lot Does a 55-Gallon Fish Tank Weigh?
Most 55-gallon fish tanks encompass glass panels and silicone with plastic framing. The typical tank will measure roughly 48” x 21” and weigh 75–100 kilos when empty. For the next value, you’ll be able to improve to an acrylic tank that can lower the load virtually in half.
Filling the tank provides vital weight. Recent water weighs 8.34 kilos per gallon, placing the overall water weight at roughly 459 kilos if the tank holds 55 gallons. Saltwater is barely heavier at round 8.55 kilos, including 11–12 kilos to a 55-gallon tank.
A 55-gallon fish tank filled with water is kind of hefty at roughly 525–550 kilos. Water-filled fish tanks typically weigh round 9–10 kilos per gallon.
After all, you doubtless gained’t depart the tank brimming full, and even if you happen to do, there shall be loads of displacement from gravel, rocky options, and different equipment. Following the pound of gravel per gallon of water rule, you’ll add about 55 kilos of gravel to the tank.
Additionally, you will doubtless use stone hideaways, castles, and different ornaments which might be a lot denser than the water. With every thing concerned, the ultimate weight of the fish tank can vary from 600 to 650 kilos.
| Quantity | Measurement | Empty Weight | Crammed Weight |
| 20-gallon | 30” L x 12” W x 12” H | 25 lbs. | 225 lbs. |
| 29-gallon | 30” L x 12” W x 18” H | 43 lbs. | 320 lbs. |
| 40-gallon | 36” L x 16” W x 16” H | 55 lbs. | 440 lbs. |
| 55-gallon | 48” L x 13” W x 21” H | 80 lbs. | 625 lbs. |
| 65-gallon | 36” L x 18” W x 24” H | 125 lbs. | 750 lbs. |
| 75-gallon | 48” L x 18” W x 21” H | 140 lbs. | 850 lbs. |
| 90-gallon | 48” L x 18” W x 24” H | 160 lbs. | 1050 lbs. |
How Many Fish Can Go In a 55-Gallon Fish Tank?
A full 55-gallon tank can put vital pressure on a desk and probably the underlying ground. Realizing the load, it’s possible you’ll need to double-check your necessities to make sure you want a tank this dimension.
The 1-inch-per-gallon rule is a simple option to ballpark the variety of fish that may slot in a tank. By this generalization, a 55-gallon tank can maintain sufficient fish to equal 55 inches in size. It’s a very simplistic strategy with a number of points and primarily solely works with smaller neighborhood fish. Nonetheless, some individuals discover it a viable start line.
Extra essential than something is contemplating the kinds of fish you need to inventory to make sure they are going to create a wholesome setting and co-exist peacefully. Too many fish will overload the aquarium with waste that helpful micro organism gained’t have the ability to cycle rapidly sufficient, inflicting an overload of toxins in the tank.
As with every tank, it’s best to begin your 55-gallon aquarium with just a few fish and add extra after 2–3 weeks when you already know you might have manageable nitrate levels.
Advantages of Utilizing a 55-Gallon Fish Tank
Whereas the load may be difficult, a 55-gallon fish tank gives a number of benefits over small and medium-sized aquariums as soon as you identify a sturdy sufficient stand. Because it’s lengthy and slim, it’s versatile sufficient to stock numerous colorful fish whereas providing you with a greater viewing expertise.
With extra water, the situations are typically extra steady, staying comparatively balanced by minor environmental modifications and requiring much less frequent water modifications.
Ultimate Ideas
A 55-gallon tank is a heavy and probably hazardous piece of kit when crammed. It will likely be immovable as soon as in place, and its stand will want additional reinforcement and anchoring to make sure the load gained’t tip or break the help. Earlier than investing in a tank this dimension, double-check your area and assess your wants to make sure it’s the most effective match.
Featured Picture Credit score: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
