Fish Tank Volume Formula:
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The Fish Tank Volume Calculator calculates the water capacity of an aquarium in litres based on its dimensions. This helps aquarists determine the appropriate amount of water, fish stocking levels, and filtration requirements for their aquarium setup.
The calculator uses the standard volume formula for rectangular tanks:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the internal volume of a rectangular tank by multiplying length, width, and height, then converts from cubic centimeters to litres by dividing by 1000.
Details: Accurate volume calculation is essential for proper aquarium maintenance, including determining correct water treatment dosages, appropriate fish stocking levels, and selecting the right size filter and heater for the tank.
Tips: Measure the internal dimensions of your tank in centimeters (length, width, height). Enter all measurements as positive numbers. The calculator will provide the volume in litres, which is the standard unit for aquarium capacity measurement.
Q1: Why measure internal dimensions instead of external?
A: Internal dimensions give the actual water-holding capacity, while external measurements include the thickness of glass/acrylic, which doesn't hold water.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation for irregularly shaped tanks?
A: This formula is designed for rectangular tanks. For cylindrical, bow-front, or other irregular shapes, specialized formulas are needed.
Q3: Should I fill the tank to the very top?
A: No, leave about 2-3 cm from the top to prevent water spillage and allow space for equipment and water surface agitation.
Q4: Does substrate and decorations affect the actual water volume?
A: Yes, gravel, rocks, and decorations displace water, reducing the actual water volume by 10-20% depending on the amount used.
Q5: How does tank volume affect fish stocking?
A: Larger volumes allow for more fish and better water quality stability. The general rule is 1 cm of fish per litre for small species, but this varies by fish type and filtration.