On average, how long does a 55g tank filled weigh? Dimensions?

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Punkrulz

Large Fish
#1
Sep 5, 2007
210
0
0
Deptford, NJ
#1
On average, how much does a 55g tank filled weigh? Dimensions?

Hey guys,

As some of you probably know I'm on the market for a 55g tank. I prefer to have a longer one over a deeper one. I've been looking at craigslist.com for many possibilities in my area. I know that a cabinet is the most expensive piece to any tank... I also know that a 55g tank filled is going to be incredibly heavy.

If I was to buy a tank and a stand, or even just the stand... how will I be certain to know that any stand I buy from anyone is able to hold the immense weight of the 55g tank?

Also, what kind of dimensions would I be looking for to make sure that any tank i'm looking at is considered more long than deep? How many inches deep does a tank need to be to be justified as being a "deep" tank?
 

Last edited:
FroggyFox

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
Moderator
#5
May 16, 2003
8,589
10
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Colorado
#5
I believe that number is just the tank and the water...don't forget that gravel weighs a fair amount and so will the stand and the hood etc.

If you were to buy a stand for a 55g tank from someone off of craigslist...then it *should* easily hold that tank. The only thing you have to be very careful of is that what you're buying as a stand was MADE specifically for it. If you use a stand that was made for a different size tank or not intended for fishtanks at all, it may be able to support the tank and you really have no way of knowing if it will. I got my stand for my 55 off of a guy on craigslist and it has worked like a charm. If you were to buy a stand with a tank that someone has actually set up before and is getting rid of, that would be the best case since you know that the stand will work right? :)

A "deep" tank is not an actual measurement...it highly depends on what you need it to be deep for.
 

E

emmanuelchavez

Superstar Fish
#7
Feb 22, 2008
1,370
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#7
hehe. I could be a real smart*** and say.

1) weigh the tank just by itself... plus the hood, accessories, and decor...
2) weigh gravel
3) put in gravel
4) get dimensions - minus the gravel... then calculate for weight of water.
5) measure porosity of gravel
6) do a few calculations to see how many gallons of water would be held in between the pores of the gravel :D
7) calculate for weight of water in between pores of gravel.
8) Add: Weight of tank & stuff + Gravel + Water + Water inbetween pores of Gravel....


That should give an exact weight... with a few % margin of error. lol....
 

brooklynfish

brooklynfish

Large Fish
#11
Jul 12, 2007
511
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Where else?
#11
You may want to ask your superentendant (<lol) where the beams are located under your floor. The stands legs should be put on them. If you cant do that, then put some wood boards under the legs to spread out the weight.
 

FroggyFox

FroggyFox

Forum Manager
Moderator
#13
May 16, 2003
8,589
10
38
42
Colorado
#13
Most apartments won't allow tanks over certain gallons in an upstairs apartment without some kind of insurance...definitely check it out. If all you're worried about is the weight then like Lotus said it shouldn't be a real issue as most floors are rated higher than will hold a fishtank.
 

exhumed07

exhumed07

Superstar Fish
#14
Apr 30, 2006
1,774
0
36
Illinois
#14
as on the floor supporting it here is a way to tell. get 3-4 of ur buddies weighing about 180-200+ lbs and stand as close together as u can where u want the tank. if u don't fall threw the tank will be fine there. if u do fall threw I hope u have good insurance lol. now on a stand that will support the weight is simple to build. I'm in the proccess of building my own out of 1 inch solid oak. but in the corners are oak 4X4s to accually support the weight. will be sufficent to hold the tank and will look good finished. but there are a few ideas from my twisted mind :)
 

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