5 Gallon
Also sold as 5.5 Gallon
5 Gallon is a 40.6 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm (16 × 8 × 10 in) aquarium, rated at 21 L (5.5 gal). Its footprint is 40.6 × 20.3 cm and the water stands about 19.4 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 | 40.6 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm (16 × 8 × 10 in) |
|---|---|
| Volume | 21 L (5.5 gal), as sold |
| Water after substrate | About 15 L (4 gal) with a 6 cm substrate layer |
| Footprint | 40.6 × 20.3 cm (16 × 8 in) |
| Water depth | 19.4 cm (7.6 in) |
| Substrate needed | About 5 L for a 6 cm layer |
Before it goes in
- 5 Gallon is 40.6 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm (16 × 8 × 10 in) — rated at 21 L (5.5 gal), and roughly 15 L (4 gal) of actual water once a 6 cm substrate layer and the hardscape are in.
- That layer takes about 5 L of substrate, which is what you order by.
- 15 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under 21 L (5.5 gal). The biggest of them that still fit are Amano Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp. Ember Tetra and Chili Rasbora need more than this.
- The water sits about 19.4 cm (7.6 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 40.6 × 20.3 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?
40.6 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm (16 × 8 × 10 in).
How much water does it hold?
It is sold as 21 L (5.5 gal), and roughly 15 L (4 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 5 L for a 6 cm layer.
What fits in it?
15 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under its volume, and the water depth of about 19.4 cm sets which plants can grow without reaching the surface.
What fits in it
- Animals this size will hold: Crystal Red Shrimp, Pea Puffer, Mystery Snail, Ghost Shrimp and Amano Shrimp.
- Plants that stay under its water line: Anubias nana 'Petite', Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Frogbit.
Often compared with
| 5 Gallon | 36P | Fluval Spec V | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 40.6 × 20.3 × 25.4 cm | 36 × 22 × 26 cm | 52 × 19 × 29 cm |
| Volume | 21 L | 21 L | 19 L |
| Footprint | 40.6 × 20.3 cm | 36 × 22 cm | 52 × 19 cm |
| Water depth | 19.4 cm | 20 cm | 23 cm |