Aquarium Water Volume Calculator

Understanding Aquarium Volume and Weight

Setting up a new aquarium requires careful planning, specifically regarding the volume of water the tank holds and the total weight it will exert on your floor or stand. Calculating these figures manually can be complex, especially with non-rectangular shapes. This tool provides accurate estimates for water capacity and structural load.

How to Calculate Tank Volume

The volume of an aquarium is determined by its geometric shape. While the manufacturer usually lists the "nominal" volume, the actual water volume depends on glass thickness, water level, and displacement by substrate or decorations.

Rectangular & Cube Tanks

The most common calculation involves multiplying length, width, and height.

Formula: \(V = L \times W \times H\)

Cylinder Tanks

Cylindrical tanks require the radius (half of the diameter) and height.

Formula: \(V = \pi \times r^2 \times H\)

Bowfront Tanks

Bowfront tanks combine a rectangular back with a curved front. Calculating the volume typically involves determining the area of the rectangle and adding the area of the circular segment created by the bow.

Why Total Weight Matters

Water is heavy. One liter of freshwater weighs exactly 1 kilogram (approx. 8.34 lbs per gallon). However, the total weight of a setup includes the glass (or acrylic), the substrate (gravel/sand), decorations, and equipment. A fully filled 200-liter tank can easily exceed 250kg.

Safety Note: Always ensure your aquarium stand and flooring can support the Total Weight (Filled) figure provided by the calculator, not just the water weight.