Tank size examples
Aquarium substrate examples by tank size
Use common footprints to sanity-check your calculator result before buying bags.
Example substrate volumes for common tank footprints and depths to help plan a freshwater or planted aquarium setup.
Use footprint, not tank volume
Substrate quantity depends on the base area and depth, so a long shallow tank can need a different amount from a tall tank with the same water volume.
- Measure internal length and width where the substrate sits.
- Choose the planned substrate depth.
- Adjust for rocks, wood, and slopes.
Compare examples to your setup
Examples are useful for a quick reasonableness check, but your final input values should match the real tank and layout.
- Use centimetres or inches consistently.
- Round up bag count after density is applied.
- Keep species-specific requirements separate from the volume estimate.
Common footprint examples
| Footprint | 3 cm depth | 5 cm depth |
|---|---|---|
| 45 x 30 cm | 4.1 litres | 6.8 litres |
| 60 x 30 cm | 5.4 litres | 9 litres |
| 90 x 45 cm | 12.2 litres | 20.3 litres |
Substrate depth depends on livestock, plants, and tank design. Check species-specific requirements.