55 Gallon
55 Gallon is a 121.9 × 33 × 53.3 cm (48 × 13 × 21 in) aquarium, rated at 208 L (55 gal). Its footprint is 121.9 × 33 cm and the water stands about 47.3 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 | 121.9 × 33 × 53.3 cm (48 × 13 × 21 in) |
|---|---|
| Volume | 208 L (55 gal), as sold |
| Water after substrate | About 175 L (46 gal) with a 6 cm substrate layer |
| Footprint | 121.9 × 33 cm (48 × 13 in) |
| Water depth | 47.3 cm (18.6 in) |
| Substrate needed | About 24 L for a 6 cm layer |
Before it goes in
- 55 Gallon is 121.9 × 33 × 53.3 cm (48 × 13 × 21 in) — rated at 208 L (55 gal), and roughly 175 L (46 gal) of actual water once a 6 cm substrate layer and the hardscape are in.
- That layer takes about 24 L of substrate, which is what you order by.
- 138 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under 208 L (55 gal). The biggest of them that still fit are Boesemani Rainbowfish and Siamese Algae Eater. Denison Barb and Dojo Loach need more than this.
- The water sits about 47.3 cm (18.6 in) deep over the substrate. Plants that get taller than that — Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Amazon Sword — reach the surface and start growing along it, which is a look you either want or trim.
- Its footprint is 121.9 × 33 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?
121.9 × 33 × 53.3 cm (48 × 13 × 21 in).
How much water does it hold?
It is sold as 208 L (55 gal), and roughly 175 L (46 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 24 L for a 6 cm layer.
What fits in it?
138 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under its volume, and the water depth of about 47.3 cm sets which plants can grow without reaching the surface.
What fits in it
- Animals this size will hold: Boesemani Rainbowfish, Siamese Algae Eater, Electric Yellow Lab, Peacock Eel and Goldfish.
- Plants that stay under its water line: Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite', Cryptocoryne wendtii and Dwarf Hairgrass Mini.
Often compared with
| 55 Gallon | 90P | Juwel Rio 180 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 121.9 × 33 × 53.3 cm | 90 × 45 × 45 cm | 101 × 41 × 50 cm |
| Volume | 208 L | 182 L | 180 L |
| Footprint | 121.9 × 33 cm | 90 × 45 cm | 101 × 41 cm |
| Water depth | 47.3 cm | 39 cm | 44 cm |