20 Gallon Long
20 Gallon Long is a 76.2 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in) aquarium, rated at 76 L (20 gal). Its footprint is 76.2 × 30.5 cm and the water stands about 24.5 cm deep once a 6 cm substrate layer is in — the two numbers that decide what you can plant in it and what you can stock it with.
At a glance
| Size | 76.2 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in) |
|---|---|
| Volume | 76 L (20 gal), as sold |
| Water after substrate | About 52 L (14 gal) with a 6 cm substrate layer |
| Footprint | 76.2 × 30.5 cm (30 × 12 in) |
| Water depth | 24.5 cm (9.6 in) |
| Substrate needed | About 14 L for a 6 cm layer |
Before it goes in
- 20 Gallon Long is 76.2 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in) — rated at 76 L (20 gal), and roughly 52 L (14 gal) of actual water once a 6 cm substrate layer and the hardscape are in.
- That layer takes about 14 L of substrate, which is what you order by.
- 106 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under 76 L (20 gal). The biggest of them that still fit are Marbled Crayfish and Axolotl. Dwarf Neon Rainbowfish and Hillstream Loach need more than this.
- The water sits about 24.5 cm (9.6 in) deep over the substrate. Plants that get taller than that — Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Water Sprite — reach the surface and start growing along it, which is a look you either want or trim.
- Its footprint is 76.2 × 30.5 cm, and that is the area a carpet has to cover — the number that decides how many pots you buy, not the volume.
What are its dimensions?
76.2 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm (30 × 12 × 12 in).
How much water does it hold?
It is sold as 76 L (20 gal), and roughly 52 L (14 gal) of actual water once the substrate is in. Stocking works off the second number; minimum-tank-size advice works off the first.
How much substrate does it take?
About 14 L for a 6 cm layer.
What fits in it?
106 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under its volume, and the water depth of about 24.5 cm sets which plants can grow without reaching the surface.
What fits in it
- Animals this size will hold: Marbled Crayfish, Axolotl, Bristlenose Pleco, Rummy Nose Tetra and Julii Cory.
- Plants that stay under its water line: Anubias nana 'Petite', Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Frogbit.
Often compared with
| 20 Gallon Long | 20 Gallon High | 60H Tall | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 76.2 × 30.5 × 30.5 cm | 61 × 30.5 × 40.6 cm | 60 × 30 × 45 cm |
| Volume | 76 L | 76 L | 81 L |
| Footprint | 76.2 × 30.5 cm | 61 × 30.5 cm | 60 × 30 cm |
| Water depth | 24.5 cm | 34.6 cm | 39 cm |