I measured a 125 gallon tank I recenty bought and calculated the best case volume it could really hold. Using my tape measure and my calculator, I came up with 112 gallons if it was filled to the brim. Next I measued my 55 gallon tank and came up with 49 gallons filled to the brim. Is the volume of tanks overated like 2x4 lumber (actually 1.5x3.5)? Do the medicine people take this into account when dosing, or am I overdosing my fish?
aquarium volume disparity
- Thread starter toms_dirtwerks
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I haven't done this but my guess is that they use the outside of the tank measurement, including the glass. Makes it sound like a bigger tank. I don't know for sure ( don't feel like doing the math ) it's just a hunch.
It shouldn't be off by that much for a 125. Have to be doing something wrong. yes the inside dimensions will be smaller but not by that much.
if we take the inside dimensions on a standard 125g (72x18x23 tall) and assume half inch glass for ease (even though its not 1/2" but 3/8ths, we have:71x17x23 =27761
dividing by 231 (since there are 231 cubic inches per gallon) gives 120.17 gallons.
now, your inside dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, as the height is sometimes different. Aqueon's 125 for example is 1.5" taller than Perfecto's..
and I assumed its full to the top which is never really is.
but yes, the gallon size is more like a model number.
hell, Aqueons "150g" is 2.5 inches taller ( about 15 gallons more) than everyone elses 150g.. so you get 15 gallons for free if you get one
in terms of dosing for water conditioner and meds, I just go by the what the tank size is called.
eg. for a 125 I dose for 125. even though the actual water volume is a little less, and of course you have displacement from gravel and decor making it even less, it doesn't seem to make a difference.
ie you won't overdose by not taking into account the true volume rather than the stated volume. its close enough that it doesn't really matter.
dividing by 231 (since there are 231 cubic inches per gallon) gives 120.17 gallons.
now, your inside dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, as the height is sometimes different. Aqueon's 125 for example is 1.5" taller than Perfecto's..
and I assumed its full to the top which is never really is.
but yes, the gallon size is more like a model number.
hell, Aqueons "150g" is 2.5 inches taller ( about 15 gallons more) than everyone elses 150g.. so you get 15 gallons for free if you get one
in terms of dosing for water conditioner and meds, I just go by the what the tank size is called.
eg. for a 125 I dose for 125. even though the actual water volume is a little less, and of course you have displacement from gravel and decor making it even less, it doesn't seem to make a difference.
ie you won't overdose by not taking into account the true volume rather than the stated volume. its close enough that it doesn't really matter.
packer43064;4179107; said:
12 Volt built his calculations on what he was assuming... I've measured and calculated my Oceanic 125 gal and it holds a max of 112 gallons...
It's not uncommon at all for manufacturers to round things off to their favor when they can get away with it.
I use a lot of driftwood and rock in my 125 gal so when dosing I accept there is approx 100 gal of water in it...