A 20-gallon fish tank is an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts. Its size strikes a perfect balance between offering enough space for a wide range of fish while still being compact enough to fit into most living spaces.
Whether you’re setting up your first aquarium or adding a new tank to your collection, understanding the weight of a 20-gallon fish tank—both when it’s empty and when it’s filled—is an important consideration.
Weight plays a crucial role in deciding where to place the tank, how to support it, and how to ensure the surrounding area can handle it. Furthermore, factors such as the materials used to construct the tank, the type of decorations, and the type of water (freshwater or saltwater) can all influence the final weight.
This article will explore these factors in depth, providing a comprehensive guide to the weight of a 20-gallon fish tank, the associated costs, and how it compares to other tank sizes.
How Much Does a 20 Gallon Fish Tank Weigh?
When considering the weight of a 20-gallon fish tank, there are several components that contribute to the overall mass. These include the weight of the tank itself, the water it holds, the substrate (gravel, sand, or rocks), the decorations, and the filtration equipment. Let’s break down the weight of a 20-gallon tank step by step.
Empty Tank Weight
The weight of an empty 20-gallon tank varies depending on the material it’s made of. The two most common materials used for aquarium tanks are glass and acrylic.
- Glass Tanks: A typical 20-gallon glass tank weighs around 25 pounds (11.34 kg). Glass tanks are more common and offer durability and clarity, making them a popular choice.
- Acrylic Tanks: Acrylic tanks are lighter than glass tanks and can weigh around 20 pounds (9.07 kg). Acrylic is known for its impact resistance and insulation properties, although it tends to scratch more easily than glass.
Filled Tank Weight
Once the tank is filled with water, the weight increases significantly. Each gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds (3.78 kg), so the water alone in a 20-gallon tank will contribute about 167 pounds (75.75 kg).
In addition to water, other components such as substrate, decorations, and equipment add extra weight to the tank setup.
- Substrate and Decorations: The substrate, such as gravel or sand, can add anywhere between 30–50 pounds (13.6–22.7 kg), depending on the type and thickness of the layer. Rocks, plants, and other decorations will add further weight.
- Equipment: Essential equipment such as a filter, heater, and lighting system can also contribute 10–20 pounds (4.5–9.1 kg).
Total Weight When Full
When all these factors are taken into account, a fully set-up 20-gallon tank will weigh around 225 pounds (102 kg) or more. This weight is a combination of the tank, water, substrate, decorations, and equipment.
Other Important Things Related to Weight
Knowing how much a 20-gallon tank weighs is only part of the equation. There are several other important considerations related to weight that you should be aware of when setting up your tank.
Tank Stand
The weight of a fully filled tank can be considerable, and the stand must be sturdy enough to support the weight. Many aquarium stands are specifically designed to hold tanks of particular sizes and weight capacities. It’s essential to choose a stand that is rated for at least the total weight of the tank when it’s filled. A stand that is not properly rated may warp or break under the pressure, leading to potential disaster.
Flooring and Space
Another important factor to consider is the flooring beneath the tank. A 20-gallon tank can exert a significant amount of pressure on the floor, particularly if it is placed in an area with less sturdy flooring, such as a carpeted room. If you are placing the tank on a wood or laminate floor, ensure that it is level and stable. It’s also advisable to avoid placing the tank on weak or sloping floors that could potentially affect the tank’s stability.
If you live in an apartment or a building with sensitive flooring, it’s a good idea to check the load-bearing capacity of your floors to avoid issues later on.
Transportation and Setup
Moving a full 20-gallon tank is not an easy task due to the weight involved. To avoid damaging the tank, your flooring, or yourself, it is recommended to transport the tank empty and fill it once it is in its final location. Moving a fully filled tank can be difficult and dangerous, especially if it is a glass tank, which is more prone to breaking under pressure.
It’s also important to consider the transportation of the tank if you plan to buy it from a store. A fully set-up 20-gallon tank can be cumbersome, so handling it carefully during transport is critical.
How Much Does a 20 Gallon Fish Tank Cost?
The price of a 20-gallon tank can vary widely depending on the material used, whether it is sold as part of a starter kit, and the brand. Below is an overview of the general price range for different types of 20-gallon tanks.
Glass Tanks
Glass tanks are the most common and tend to be more affordable. You can typically expect to pay between $40 and $100 for a basic 20-gallon glass tank, depending on the brand and additional features. These tanks often offer excellent clarity, are durable, and come in various shapes (like high tanks or long tanks) to suit different spaces.
Acrylic Tanks
Acrylic tanks are generally more expensive due to their lightweight nature and greater impact resistance. A 20-gallon acrylic tank will typically cost between $100 and $200. Although acrylic tanks are more prone to scratching, they tend to be clearer and lighter than glass tanks, making them a good option for certain setups.
Starter Kits
For beginners, many aquarium manufacturers offer 20-gallon starter kits, which include not only the tank but also essential equipment such as a filter, heater, lighting system, and sometimes even water conditioners. These kits are a great option for first-time fish keepers, as they provide everything needed to get started in one convenient package. Starter kits typically range in price from $100 to $250.
High-End and Custom Tanks
For those looking for a more premium or custom aquarium setup, a 20-gallon tank can be significantly more expensive. High-end or custom tanks can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 or more. These tanks often feature unique designs, better quality materials, and higher-end filtration and lighting systems.
Comparison with Other Tank Sizes
It’s useful to understand how the weight of a 20-gallon tank compares to other common aquarium sizes. As tank size increases, so does the weight, and this can have a significant impact on your decision about which size to purchase.
| Tank Size | Empty Weight | Filled Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Gallon | 11 lbs (5 kg) | 111 lbs (50 kg) |
| 20 Gallon | 25 lbs (11.34 kg) | 225 lbs (102 kg) |
| 30 Gallon | 48 lbs (21.77 kg) | 348 lbs (157.5 kg) |
| 55 Gallon | 78 lbs (35.38 kg) | 625 lbs (283.5 kg) |
As you can see, a 20-gallon tank sits comfortably between smaller tanks (like the 10-gallon) and much larger tanks (like the 55-gallon). It’s an ideal choice for those who want a manageable setup without sacrificing too much space for their fish.
Conclusion
Understanding the weight of a 20-gallon fish tank is a vital part of planning your aquarium setup. With a fully filled tank weighing upwards of 200 pounds, you need to ensure that your stand and flooring can support the weight. The tank’s cost, material, and any additional equipment like filters or lighting systems should also be taken into consideration.
Whether you choose a glass or acrylic tank, a 20-gallon setup offers a manageable size for many fish species while still providing enough space for aquascaping and decoration. By considering the weight and cost factors outlined in this article, you can confidently set up your new fish tank, ensuring both the tank and your living space remain safe and functional.
Fun Facts About 20 Gallon Fish Tanks
>>Water Weight: A gallon of water weighs about 8.34 lbs (3.78 kg), which is roughly the same as an average adult cat.
>>Fish Stocking: A 20-gallon tank can house anywhere from 20 to 30 small to medium-sized fish, depending on species and stocking density.
>>Aquascaping: Adding rocks, plants, and other aquascaping elements can add up to 50 lbs (22.7 kg) of additional weight to your setup.
>>Fish Types: Common fish for a 20-gallon tank include bettas, guppies, tetras, and other small species, making it a versatile choice for beginners.
>>Pressure Distribution: The pressure exerted by a filled 20-gallon tank is roughly equivalent to the combined weight of 2–3 average adults standing on a small area.