Home
Back
Fish Tank Capacity Formula:
| From: | To: |
Fish tank capacity refers to the total volume of water that an aquarium can hold. It is typically measured in litres (L) in the UK and is essential for determining the appropriate number and type of fish that can be housed in the tank.
The calculator uses the standard volume formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the internal volume of a rectangular aquarium and converts it from cubic centimetres to litres.
Details: Accurate capacity calculation is crucial for proper fish stocking, filtration system selection, water treatment dosing, and overall aquarium maintenance. Overstocking can lead to poor water quality and fish health issues.
Tips: Measure the internal dimensions of your tank in centimetres. Enter length, width, and height values. All measurements must be positive numbers. For irregularly shaped tanks, consult specific volume formulas.
Q1: Why measure in centimetres?
A: The metric system is standard in the UK, and using centimetres with the conversion factor of 1000 provides accurate litre measurements.
Q2: Does this account for substrate and decorations?
A: No, this calculates total internal volume. Actual water volume will be less due to substrate, decorations, and equipment displacement.
Q3: How much should I deduct for actual water volume?
A: Typically deduct 10-15% for substrate and decorations. For heavily decorated tanks, deduct up to 20%.
Q4: Can this be used for cylindrical tanks?
A: No, this formula is for rectangular tanks. Cylindrical tanks use: π × radius² × height / 1000.
Q5: What's the minimum tank size for beginner fishkeepers?
A: For beginners, a 50-100 litre tank is recommended as larger volumes are more stable and forgiving of minor mistakes.