Aquarium actual volume

[fishybizzness]

Is it just me or are other people annoyed with the aquarium companies selling their tanks as a specific volume when they are really going by the volume calculation of the outer dimensions! I just measured my 120 and the inner measurements gives a maximum water volume of about 108 gallons if filled level with the euro brace. In actuality, if filled to a normal level, I'll probably have 100 gallons at most without sand or rock!! This comes across as false advertising. The legitimate way of measuring would be to give a measurement of outer dimensions and actual water volume! I'm pretty sure that going by the manufacturer volume, many people have overdosed or overmedicated their tanks to no fault of their own! What's your thoughts?

 

[Dom]

I understand your frustration.

As you've already mentioned, actual water volume in a tank will vary based on the displacement of rock and other equipment in the tank.

I think it is up to the individual owner to calculate their total water volume after they are up and running.

 

[Stoney]

Never understood why they go by outer dimensions, but like you mentioned I think the sand and rock are a bigger problem. Not to mention the water in the plumbing, skimmer, sump, etc. But it should be simple enough to calculate the actual water volume by dosing a known quantity of something and measuring before/after. I also doubt that most medications need to be dosed so precisely that +-10% would be critical, but what do I know.

 

[JCOLE]

I have a 150 gallon with a 40 gallon sump and 20 gallon fuge. I have to dose my Alk for 55 gallons.....

 

[fishybizzness]

Bump

 

[Quietman]

It's a standard way of communicating tank sizes. I find it annoying as well. Think I'll start calling my RSR170 the RSR140.