30 gallon fish tank size and measurements
How big is a 30 gallon tank? It is about 3.0 feet long (36 in), 12 inches from front to back and 16 inches tall, so it needs a stand or space at least 36 x 12 inches.
- Outside dimensions
- 36 x 12 x 16 in91.4 x 30.5 x 40.6 cm
- Volume
- 30 US gal114 L, 25 UK gal
- Footprint
- 3.0 sq ft432 sq in
- Water weight
- 250 lb113 kg
Measured from the outside, these dimensions hold about 29.9 US gallons. Real water volume is lower because of glass thickness, substrate, decor and the gap below the rim. Check the real figure with the aquarium volume calculator.
How much does a 30 gallon tank weigh?
A 30 gallon tank weighs about 343 lb (156 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (43 lb), the water and 2 inches of gravel. Use a stand rated for the full weight, on a level floor. The fish tank weight guide compares every size.
How much gravel or sand for a 30 gallon tank?
| Bed depth | Gravel | Sand | Aquasoil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in (2.5 cm) | 25 lb | 24 lb | 7 L |
| 2 in (5.1 cm) | 50 lb | 48 lb | 14 L |
| 3 in (7.6 cm) | 75 lb | 71 lb | 21 L |
Based on a 36 x 12 in floor and typical bulk densities.
Different depth? Use the aquarium substrate calculator.
Heater and filter size for a 30 gallon tank
A common rule is 3–5 watts per gallon, so a 30 gallon tank needs about 90–150 W: one 150 W heater suits most rooms. Use the higher end in cold rooms.
For filtration, aim to turn the water over 4–6 times an hour: a filter rated around 120–180 gallons per hour.
Fish that suit a 30 gallon tank
- Larger schools of tetras or rasboras
- Rainbowfish such as dwarf neon rainbows
- Corydoras groups
- Gouramis
Starting ideas only. Check each species' adult size, temperament and water needs before buying.
Compare nearby sizes
- Next smaller: 29 gallon, 30 x 12 x 18 in
- Next larger: 40 gallon breeder, 36 x 18 x 16 in
See every size in the aquarium size chart.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 30 gallon tank?
A standard 30 gallon aquarium measures about 36 x 12 x 16 inches (91.4 x 30.5 x 40.6 cm), length x width x height. Brands vary by a fraction of an inch.
How long is a 30 gallon tank?
About 36 inches (91.4 cm), or 3.0 feet.
How big is a 30 gallon tank?
It is about 3.0 feet long, 12 inches deep and 16 inches tall, and takes up 3.0 square feet of floor.
How much does a 30 gallon tank weigh when full?
About 343 lb (156 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (43 lb), the water and 2 inches of gravel.
How much gravel do I need for a 30 gallon tank?
For a 2 inch bed, about 50 lb of gravel or 48 lb of sand.
What size heater does a 30 gallon tank need?
About 90–150 watts in total, so one 150 W heater suits most rooms.
Last updated .