Aquarium Weights Compared to the Size [13 Examples]

Looking to buy a new tank for your fish? Chances are if you are a good fish owner, you know that your fish need a lot of room to swim around in. But sometimes when you are cleaning your tanks or moving them around you don’t want to lift them due to their weight. This is where I can help you.

Depending on if you are planning on purchasing a small, medium, or large-sized tank you will find that your aquarium’s weight will vary when filled with water. When buying a fish tank, consider what kind of attachments come with certain brands.

Overall, there are plenty of factors for you to consider when comparing the weight of a tank compared to the size.

Aquarium Weights

Here is a list of the weights of the common fish tanks out there, so you can see how much your aquarium will weigh.

Small Aquariums:

Before we go into specifics, we must first cover what one may consider being “small” aquariums. Here are the average tank sizes that you will find in the small aquarium category. These sizes are great for smaller fish in numbers of 1 – 10. If you have larger, it’s best to have 3 – 5 fish for this size and environment.

What You Should Buy

If you are looking at purchasing a smaller aquarium size, here are some recommendations:

1. Penn Plax Vertex – (2.7 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Star)

This Aquarium is perfectly sized for your desktop. It comes with a hang on the water filter as well as a digital thermometer for checking the water temperature.

The tank itself weighs about 7 lbs once fully assembled.

However, this tank is made of heavy glass and would weigh about 30 lbs once filled with water. This makes it hard to move around, especially for such a small aquarium. But if weight is not your biggest concern, this is an amazing option. Additionally, purchasing this tank means you get everything that you need to avoid having to constantly lift and empty out the water, because of the filter and lid.

If you want to take a closer look at this tank available on Amazon, you can view it here.

2. Tetra Cube – (3 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (3.5 Star)

This tank comes equipped with a small filter to clean your water as well as an LED light to provide an exposure of light to your small fish.

The Tetra Cube also comes with a small base to attach to the bottom of the aquarium to add a little extra stability and grip to the tank. The tank is on a pedestal, and it looks great as well as the stability of the tank.

This tank weighs 6.7 lbs. once fully assembled and empty of water and other add-ons.

If you are curious about this small tank meant for one to two small fish, it is available on Walmart.com (here). It has high reviews and is well-liked by customers. It’s a great option for first-time fish owners (kids) as well.

3. Glofish 29045 – ( 5 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (3.5 Stars)

The Glofish 29045 tank comes with an LED light that shines in 7 different colors. You will also find that this tank includes its own water filter and filter cartridge.

However, some reviewers have mentioned having problems with the lid.

If purchased, this tank will weight about 10 and a half lbs. when empty and up to about 60 lbs. or more when filled with water and decorations.

This tank is roomy and has a ton of super positive reviews. It has a lot of extra features and it is very affordable. You get a lot of bang for your buck. If you want to take a closer look at this tank on Amazon, click here.

4. Marineland Portrait – (5 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (4.5 Stars)

The unique part of this tank is it’s sliding glass canopy that allows for easy water conditioning and feeding.

The Marineland Portrait also features a back panel water filter as well as 3 options of LED lights.

At 5 gallons, this tank should weigh about 6 and a half lbs. when empty, fitting perfectly on a desk or any other small area. It is pretty tall and rectangular shaped. One of the best things about this tank is that it is great for first-time fish owners who want a couple of fish.

When preparing to move this tank once full, keep in mind that it should reach about 60+ lbs.

This is really a great tank. If you want to see the current price on this Amazon’s choice aquarium, click here.

5. Fluval Edge – (12 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (3.5 Stars)

This Aquarium features a decorative column to hide the filtration and LED lighting system so everything looks neat and clean. Plus, it means you don’t have to clean this huge tank all by hand.

If you buy this option, you will be looking at an aquarium that weighs anywhere between 10-20 lbs empty.

Full of water and everything else that you may need, your Fluval Edge should weigh 110-170 lbs, depending on the decor and how full you actually fill the tank.

If you would like to take a closer look at this sleek and contemporary aquarium on Amazon, click here.

Note: Amazon offers the 6-gallon aquarium as well.

Medium Sized Aquariums:

What You Should Buy:

6. Marina LED – (20 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Buying the full Aquarium Kit on Amazon, this kit comes with not only the 20-gallon Aquarium itself, but a clip-on filter AND filter cartridges, fish food, and net. It also includes a water conditioner if you plan to use tap water. You really get an inclusive deal when purchasing this.

This aquarium also features a canopy (hood) as well as an option for LED lighting inside.

I would consider this 20-gallon tank to be pretty long, having dimensions of 24″ x 12.5″ x 16.5″. Following the chart above, this tank should weigh about 25 lbs when empty and 225 when completely full.

If you would like to take a closer look at this amazing tank, available on Amazon, you can do so here.

7. Red Sea Max Nano – (20 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (4.5 Stars)

The Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium is a rimless aquarium and does not feature or include a base for the bottom. However, this tank does feature Wifi controlled filtration and LED lights which is super convenient.

If you get this tank, you are signing up for a pretty huge aquarium. This being the case, this tank is a little pricey, because it is an investment. It is best for those who are willing to dedicate time and money to their fish.

The dimensions of this tank are 24″ x 24″ x 20″ making it a higher aquarium. However, still weighing as much as a long 20 Gallon tank at 25 lbs. when empty and 225 lbs. when full.

If you are interested in this medium-size aquarium, you can click here and we will take you to the Amazon listing.

8. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Junior Executive Kit – (29 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (4.5 Stars)

When purchasing this kit, you will find included the aquarium itself, as well as a fixed hood and fluorescent fixture. Included is also several plastic plants and a power filter.

Since this kit is for “Juniors” (or beginners) there is also a how-to book included in the package with a net, fish food, and water conditioner.

Empty of all fish, plants, filters, and water this aquarium will weight about 40 lbs on its own.

Once full, your 29-gallon aquarium should weigh about 330 lbs when filled with fish and water. If you would like to buy this great aquarium, you can find it here.

9. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium Kit (32 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Star)

This brand boasts a sleek, low profile hood lined with LED lights that go perfectly with your coral and other live plants.

This tank also includes a 24-hour timer, automatic 30-minute, and 60-minute sunrise/sunset functions.

The filter is also customizable and built into the aquarium itself. This adds to the convenience of taking care of your fish. The filtration is designed to be quiet and undisruptive.

Based on the chart above, this tank should weigh between 45-60 lbs when empty and 348-455 lbs once full.

If you are looking for a medium/large aquarium this is your best bet.

Large Aquariums:

If you are looking into buying a larger aquarium for your fish as they outgrow their tanks, you have a few options.

What You Should Buy:

10. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set (50 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Unlike most glass aquariums, this tank boasts a clean, clear Acrylic base that is not easily shaken or broken and that is 17x stronger than glass!

The combo itself includes the light fixture, reflector, and aquarium. Based on the chart above, once put together, this Aquarium should weigh close to 100 lbs empty.

However, if you are planning on filling up your tank with fish, water, and decorations, you should be looking at an aquarium that weighs close to 850 lbs. That means you really need to have a sturdy place to display your fish.

This incredible aquarium is available on Amazon and you can view it here. You will also see that this brand sells smaller aquariums if you are interested.

11. Aqua Culture Aquarium Starter Kit (55 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

Like many other starter kits, this package includes its own water filter, hood (lid), LED lights, free food samples, as well as samples of water conditioner.

With nothing inside and fully assembled, this product should weigh only 4 and 1/2 lbs. altogether. However, once filled with water, fish, and other things you plan to include, your aquarium should weigh about 600 lbs.

For such a big tank, this aquarium is affordable. There is a lot to love about this product. To take a closer look, you can click here.

12. Tetra 55G Starter Aquarium (55 Gallons) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 Stars)

If you are planning to purchase the full starter kit, you will be surprised to find that this aquarium set actually includes a 200 W Water Heater, attachable digital thermometer, and filter.

Once assembled properly, the whole aquarium itself should weigh about 79-80 lbs without any water inside.

With water, you will probably find this tank weighs 600+ lbs.

One of the benefits of owning a larger aquarium such as this is that you have more room for decorations as well as room for more fish.

Purchasing this package will also come with a fish net, food, and water conditioner. Inclusive deals are my favorite. If you are just starting to upgrade your aquarium set-up rather than replacing one, this is the product for you. If you would like to take a closer look, click here.

13. Clear-For-Life Rectangle Aquarium (75 Gallons)

This is just a basic 75 Gallon Aquarium – no packages included. However, the brand does claim a limited lifetime warranty on any leakages that may occur with your purchase of the product.

This brand also is known to be sturdier than the other options out there. It is an acrylic aquarium that is resistant to any and all shattering.

The empty aquarium should weigh about 100-140 lbs on its own. Once full of everything you need, it should weigh more than 850 lbs. To see this HUGE aquarium, you can click here.

How to Calculate the Weight of Your Full Aquarium

If you already have your set up and you have no idea how much it is going to weigh after you fill it with water, there are ways to calculate that. If the tank you already have is filled and you are curious, this method works too.

The best way to get an accurate weight is to know the size of the tank. Is it 5-gallon or 50? If possible, try to weigh or acquire the weight of the tank alone, assembled. Some tanks only weigh 12 lbs by itself while others weigh more.

If you can’t get the exact information, just give your best estimate.

Next, multiply the gallon capacity by 8.34. This is how much water weighs per gallon.

After you arrive at this number, add the tanks beginning weight. Basically the equation is: (lbs x tank capacity) + beginning weight = total weight.

Now, you have a pretty decent estimate of how much the aquarium weighs. Hopefully, this helps those who are struggling a bit with calculation.

Conclusion

If you are really considering buying a fish tank, take a look at some of these recommendations.

I would also recommend for you to take a look at any and all reviews on any aquarium that you are wishing to purchase.

Depending on the size of your fish and how many you own, should determine how much heavy lifting you may have to do after you receive your new aquarium.

Whichever size you choose, large, medium, or small, you know your fish the best and what size they will be happy to swim and roam around in.

If you want to guarantee your fish a good quality of life and are a beginner, then maybe you should consider buying one of the packages that include a water filter and conditioner.

Just take care when checking that your filter and water conditioner will be quality products. And always know the return policies of the stores you are buying your tank from!

In the end, there really isn’t a perfect fish tank out there, every fish owner prefers different brands.

But, you should always know the weight and dimensions to give you peace of mind in knowing that you are helping your fish live a quality life.

Take your time with your purchase and good luck!