Tank size confusion
- Thread starter g930751
- Start date
There is a calculator on this forum you can use; enter the tank dimensions and it will calculate the water volume for the various units (liters, US gallons, UK gallons, etc). It is under the "How To Tips" section in the blue bar across the top of the page, but here is the direct link:
http://www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm
Reemember that the volume will be for the empty tank; once substrate and aquascaping items are added, these will displace water and quite a bit. This is worth keeping in mind when you may need to calculate for water changes or additives and medications.
http://www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm
Reemember that the volume will be for the empty tank; once substrate and aquascaping items are added, these will displace water and quite a bit. This is worth keeping in mind when you may need to calculate for water changes or additives and medications.
The calculator is for rectangular or square tanks. I would assume a bowfront would hold a bit more volume but I've no idea how one calculates this, other than by filling the empty tank or draining the full empty tank and measuring the water going in or coming out (example, using a 3 gallon bucket, and adding up the number of buckets).
Google 'volume bow front tank' and you'll get several sites for calculating the volume. I can't guarantee how accurate they'll be though.
What make is the tank? Some makes are quite accurate in their quoted volumes, though shops don't always give the right description. In the first post you give the volume on the packaging as less than the shop description and if it is a Juwel or Fluval, I'd believe the box. But with other makes, their quoted volume could be way off.
Looking on Hagen's website, the bow front Fluval tanks are Vicenza 180 (92 cm wide) and Vicenza 260 (121 cm wide). The manual states that the volumes are 151 and 248 litres respectively, and they say that
"Aquarium capacity does not refer to the maximum capacity of the glass tank but to the approximate volume of water up to the 'max water level' line (without gravel)"
In other words the 151 and 248 litres are the volume of water the tanks will hold without any decor, substrate etc. You need to deduct a bit to allow for those.
The water change needs to be large - drain it down to substrate level. That way you reset the tank water back to tap water parameters and conditions..
"Aquarium capacity does not refer to the maximum capacity of the glass tank but to the approximate volume of water up to the 'max water level' line (without gravel)"
In other words the 151 and 248 litres are the volume of water the tanks will hold without any decor, substrate etc. You need to deduct a bit to allow for those.
The water change needs to be large - drain it down to substrate level. That way you reset the tank water back to tap water parameters and conditions..
You need to allow 15 to 20% water displacement depending on how deep the substrate is and how many rocks/pieces of wood/plastic ornaments/plants there are. For 151 litres that gives an actual water volume of 121 to 128 litres.
The easiest way to be certain is to drain the water down to the substrate after the cycle finishes then measure the amount of water you put back in as Byron suggested.
The easiest way to be certain is to drain the water down to the substrate after the cycle finishes then measure the amount of water you put back in as Byron suggested.
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