Aquarium substrate calculator
Set your tank size and slope. You get litres to buy, and the weight in aqua soil or sand.
20 in
10 in
2 in
3.5 in
You need about
9 L
of substrate (2.4 US gal by volume)
- Aqua soil
- 9 kg / 20 lb
- Sand or gravel
- 14 kg / 30 lb
Uses outer dimensions and an average of the front and back depth. Aqua soil is about 1.0 kg per litre, sand about 1.5 kg per litre.
Standard tank sizes
At a 3 inch average depth.
| Tank | Footprint | Litres | Aqua soil | Sand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 gallon | 41x20 cm | 6 L | 6 kg | 9 kg |
| 10 gallon | 51x25 cm | 10 L | 10 kg | 15 kg |
| 20 gallon long | 76x30 cm | 18 L | 18 kg | 27 kg |
| 20 gallon high | 61x30 cm | 14 L | 14 kg | 21 kg |
| 29 gallon | 76x30 cm | 18 L | 18 kg | 27 kg |
| 40 gallon breeder | 91x46 cm | 32 L | 32 kg | 48 kg |
| 55 gallon | 122x33 cm | 31 L | 31 kg | 46 kg |
| 60P | 60x30 cm | 14 L | 14 kg | 21 kg |
Quick answers
- How deep should planted tank substrate be?
- About 2 inches (5 cm) at the front glass rising to 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) at the back. Rooted plants like swords and crypts need the depth; the slope also makes a small tank look deeper.
- How much does aquarium substrate weigh per litre?
- Fired aqua soil weighs about 1.0 kg per litre. Aquarium sand and fine gravel are heavier, about 1.5 kg per litre. Bag weights vary by brand, so buy by volume when the bag lists litres.
- How do I calculate substrate for my aquarium?
- Multiply length by front-to-back width by the average depth (front depth plus back depth, divided by two). In inches, divide the result by 61 to get litres.
Shop aqua soil for planted tanksorread the cheapest substrate guide