Gravel for a 55 gallon tank by depth
| Depth | Gravel | Volume | Lb per gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 in | 38 lb | 11 qt | 0.69 |
| 1.5 in | 57 lb | 16 qt | 1.03 |
| 2 in | 76 lb | 22 qt | 1.38 |
| 3 in | 114 lb | 32 qt | 2.07 |
Footprint × depth, at 105 lb per cubic foot of dry gravel (Engineering ToolBox).
Aquarium Nexus recommends 1 to 2 inches of gravel, which it puts at about 1 to 2 pounds per gallon. For this tank, 1 to 2 inches works out to 0.69 to 1.38 lb per gallon.
Working it out
Pounds = length × width × depth (in) ÷ 1,728 × 105
The 48 × 13 inch footprint is 624 square inches. At 2 inches deep that is 1248 cubic inches, or 0.72 cubic feet, which weighs about 76 lb. Sand and fine gravel weigh more per cubic foot; plant soils weigh less.
Common questions
How many pounds of gravel for a 55 gallon tank?
About 38 lb for 1 inch or 76 lb for 2 inches.
What are the dimensions of a 55 gallon tank?
48 × 13 × 21 inches for the standard size; brands vary slightly.
Sources
- https://topshelfaquatics.com/pages/aquarium-size-chart
- https://www.aquariumnexus.com/?p=2960
- https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dirt-mud-densities-d_1727.html