55 gallon fish tank size and measurements
How big is a 55 gallon tank? It is about 4.0 feet long (48 in), 13 inches from front to back and 21 inches tall, so it needs a stand or space at least 48 x 13 inches.
- Outside dimensions
- 48 x 13 x 21 in121.9 x 33 x 53.3 cm
- Volume
- 55 US gal208 L, 46 UK gal
- Footprint
- 4.3 sq ft624 sq in
- Water weight
- 459 lb208 kg
Measured from the outside, these dimensions hold about 56.7 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 55 gallon tank weigh?
A 55 gallon tank weighs about 609 lb (276 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (78 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 55 gallon tank?
| Bed depth | Gravel | Sand | Aquasoil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in (2.5 cm) | 36 lb | 34 lb | 10 L |
| 2 in (5.1 cm) | 72 lb | 69 lb | 20 L |
| 3 in (7.6 cm) | 108 lb | 103 lb | 31 L |
Based on a 48 x 13 in floor and typical bulk densities.
For bag counts and depth advice, see how much gravel a 55 gallon tank needs.
Heater and filter size for a 55 gallon tank
A common rule is 3–5 watts per gallon, so a 55 gallon tank needs about 165–275 W: one 250 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 220–330 gallons per hour.
Fish that suit a 55 gallon tank
- Angelfish
- Rainbowfish
- Large community tanks
- Some medium-sized cichlids, depending on species
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 55 gallon tank?
A standard 55 gallon aquarium measures about 48 x 13 x 21 inches (121.9 x 33 x 53.3 cm), length x width x height. Brands vary by a fraction of an inch.
How long is a 55 gallon tank?
About 48 inches (121.9 cm), or 4.0 feet.
How big is a 55 gallon tank?
It is about 4.0 feet long, 13 inches deep and 21 inches tall, and takes up 4.3 square feet of floor.
How much does a 55 gallon tank weigh when full?
About 609 lb (276 kg) once set up, counting the empty glass (78 lb), the water and 2 inches of gravel.
How much gravel do I need for a 55 gallon tank?
For a 2 inch bed, about 72 lb of gravel or 69 lb of sand.
What size heater does a 55 gallon tank need?
About 165–275 watts in total, so one 250 W heater suits most rooms.
Last updated .