[dougolasjr]

As I look at more and more tanks I wonder how much tank do you really have. I look at a lot of Nano tanks where about 15-25 percent of the tank is actually substrate and wonder how does it really change the tank. I know with a bigger tank its not as much an issue, but when you have a 1-10 gallon tank and that much is actually substrate how much of a difference does it make. I see plenty of nano tanks with 1-2 inches of substrate and a added approx 1-2 inches of rock, if crushed and laid down. So really how much tank would you have in that situation? Do people really take that in to account when stocking tanks or is it already factored in.

 

[DogFish]

It is a good idea to understand how much water is actually in your tank. Substrate & HardScape can disburse a lot of water. Further some canister filters hold more water than you think.

The best way to measure is true initially filling. I have a 10gl tank that has about 8gl of water but the two HOB's hold 1/2gl each

It's important to have a good idea of total volume when you dose frets or put Meds into your tank.

BTW - I like Calvin & Hobs, just never understood why Calvin is always pee-peeing on Ford, Chevy & Dodge logos???

 

[dougolasjr]

It is a good idea to understand how much water is actually in your tank. Substrate & HardScape can disburse a lot of water. Further some canister filters hold more water than you think.

The best way to measure is true initially filling. I have a 10gl tank that has about 8gl of water but the two HOB's hold 1/2gl each

It's important to have a good idea of total volume when you dose frets or put Meds into your tank.

BTW - I like Calvin & Hobs, just never understood why Calvin is always pee-peeing on Ford, Chevy & Dodge logos???

The Calvin and Hobs logos you see are not something that Bill Waterson, the author, made. So when you see it think of someone ripping off someone you respect.

 

[Acro]

And did you know a 10 gallon tank does not really hold 10 gallons?
Nor does a 20, or 55, or 125, and on and on...
Check it:
http://www.bestfish.com/tips/052198.html

 

[dougolasjr]

I was just wondering if everything has been adjusted for the fact that tank size does not mean the same as amount of water in a tank.

 

[wkndracer]

I was just wondering if everything has been adjusted for the fact that tank size does not mean the same as amount of water in a tank.

I feel you should trust labeling and dose ferts and meds to actual tank water capacity so you should know the volume you have. Without the adjustment nothing will make sense if you use dilution ratio's to mix. Many products labeled for tank use mention this but no clue how many read such things LOL

With substrate and any hardscape added I record tank volume on every setup. I think it's the opposite of what you posted OP. A 5g will hold 4.5g so 90%, 10g will hold 8.5g so 85%, 55g (filled 5 of them and all were 43g w/2.5-3" sub) 78%, 90g held 70g so 77%. While the bigger the tank the more water involved the percentage of error increases also.

Fish loading is all opinion based, the inch rule or the 1 angelfish to 10g of volume.

Thinking it's a good posting topic for many to think about.