40 gallon breeder fish tank size and measurements
How big is a 40 gallon breeder tank? It is about 3.0 feet long (36 in), 18 inches from front to back and 16 inches tall, so it needs a stand or space at least 36 x 18 inches.
- Outside dimensions
- 36 x 18 x 16 in91.4 x 45.7 x 40.6 cm
- Volume
- 40 US gal151 L, 33 UK gal
- Footprint
- 4.5 sq ft648 sq in
- Water weight
- 334 lb151 kg
Measured from the outside, these dimensions hold about 44.9 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 40 gallon breeder tank weigh?
A 40 gallon breeder tank weighs about 467 lb (212 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (58 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 40 gallon breeder tank?
| Bed depth | Gravel | Sand | Aquasoil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in (2.5 cm) | 38 lb | 36 lb | 11 L |
| 2 in (5.1 cm) | 75 lb | 71 lb | 21 L |
| 3 in (7.6 cm) | 112 lb | 107 lb | 32 L |
Based on a 36 x 18 in floor and typical bulk densities.
For bag counts and depth advice, see how much gravel a 40 gallon breeder tank needs.
Heater and filter size for a 40 gallon breeder tank
A common rule is 3–5 watts per gallon, so a 40 gallon breeder tank needs about 120–200 W: one 200 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 160–240 gallons per hour.
Fish that suit a 40 gallon breeder tank
- Large community tanks
- Corydoras and loach groups
- Dwarf cichlids such as apistogrammas or rams
- Larger schools of small fish
Starting ideas only. Check each species' adult size, temperament and water needs before buying.
Compare nearby sizes
See every size in the aquarium size chart.
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 40 gallon breeder tank?
A standard 40 gallon breeder aquarium measures about 36 x 18 x 16 inches (91.4 x 45.7 x 40.6 cm), length x width x height. Brands vary by a fraction of an inch.
How long is a 40 gallon breeder tank?
About 36 inches (91.4 cm), or 3.0 feet.
How big is a 40 gallon breeder tank?
It is about 3.0 feet long, 18 inches deep and 16 inches tall, and takes up 4.5 square feet of floor.
How much does a 40 gallon breeder tank weigh when full?
About 467 lb (212 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (58 lb), the water and 2 inches of gravel.
How much gravel do I need for a 40 gallon breeder tank?
For a 2 inch bed, about 75 lb of gravel or 71 lb of sand.
What size heater does a 40 gallon breeder tank need?
About 120–200 watts in total, so one 200 W heater suits most rooms.
Last updated .