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Calculate exact net water capacity, substrate displacement, and bioload fish stocking limits for glass and acrylic aquariums.
To calculate aquarium water volume in gallons, multiply Length × Width × Height in inches and divide by 231. For fish stocking, the standard baseline is 1 inch of adult slender-bodied fish per 1 gallon of net water volume, supported by filtration turning over water 4 to 6 times per hour.
Adjust inputs for real-time results
Net Water Volume
Note: Always stock based on the adult size of fish, not pet store juvenile sizes. Water weighs 8.34 lbs/gal; verify floor joist support.
Large aquariums over 55 gallons place severe point loads on wood floor joists; position tanks perpendicular across multiple joists near load-bearing walls.
Common questions regarding this calculation and code compliance
In a 20-gallon tank, you can safely stock roughly 16 to 18 inches of adult slender fish (such as neon tetras or guppies) with proper filtration.
