A 500 gallons fish tank is a magnificent addition to any room. Imagine the look on your guests’ faces when they see the sheer size of the tank. The tank is sure to be a conversation starter, and you’ll love showing off your fish.
Not to mention, the 500 gallons fish tank is a great way to relax after a long day. Watching the fish swim around is incredibly soothing, and you’ll never get tired of looking at them.
Such a tank is an opportunity to transform your space into a state-of-the-art attraction that will make you cherish every moment you spend there.
Want to know more about this tank? Well, let’s dive right in.
What Are The Dimensions of a 500 Gallon Fish Tank?
The dimensions of a 500 gallons fish tank can vary depending on the manufacturer. However, the most popular dimension of 500 gallons fish tank is 96″ (L) x 48″ (W) x 25″ (H). Most of these tend to be rectangular, and you’re likely to encounter other interesting shapes.
Many companies can build a completely custom 500 gallons aquarium based on your preferred dimensions and specifications.
Here are many other dimensions for 500 gallon fish tanks:
| Tank Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) |
|---|---|
| 500 gallon | 96″ x 30″ x 48″ |
| 500 gallon | 120″ x 36″ x 30″ |
| 525 gallon | 120″ x 48″ x 24″ |
| 540 gallon | 96″ x 36″ x 42″ |
| 540 gallon | 96″ x 48″ x 30″ |
| 550 gallon | 120″ x 30″ x 36″ |
| 550 gallon | 72″ x 48″ x 42″ |
How Much Does a 500 Gallon Fish Tank Weigh?
Well, the answer depends on a few factors. First, are you planning on using freshwater or saltwater? Second, what material is the tank made out of? Glass or acrylic? Third, what are the dimensions of your 500 gallons fish tank?
Below, we have listed the weight of 500 gallons tanks with different specifications:
| 96″ (L) x 24″ (W) x 48″ (H) | Glass | Acrylic |
|---|---|---|
| Empty Weight | 629.8 pounds | 292.6 pounds |
| Filled Weight | 4,625 (Freshwater) 4,725 (Saltwater) | 4,288 (Freshwater) 4,388 (Saltwater) |
A 500 gallons fish tank can weigh anywhere from 300 to 700 pounds when empty. When you start adding water, decorations, and fish, the weight will increase. It’s important to take the weight of the tank into consideration when choosing a location for it.
A 500 gallons glass aquarium that measures 96″ (L) x 24″ (W) x 48″ (H) will weigh a total of 4,625 pounds for freshwater fish keeping, while it will weigh 4,725 pounds instead as a saltwater fish tank.
Keep in mind that these are only estimates, and the actual weight of your 500 gallons fish tank will vary depending on the materials and dimensions used to construct it.
To calculate the weight of different dimensions, check out this: Tank Weight Calculator
How Much Does a 500 Gallon Fish Tank Cost?
The average type of a 500 gallons fish tank ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. But there’s a no-size-fits-all answer for this question. The factors determining the price here include the type of material (glass or acrylic), dimensions, type of stand, type of canopy, and types of filtrations.
Glass or Acrylic
Although you can custom order a 500 gallons fish tank made out of either glass or acrylic, most of the time, you will find that most of them are constructed out of acrylic. That’s because 500 gallons is quite a big size, and acrylic has many advantages in terms of strength and durability when it comes to large tanks.
Additionally, acrylic aquariums are lightweight and easier to transport than glass tanks. They are also less likely to shatter if dropped or knocked over.
Acrylic is brighter and clear than glass. However, the clarity can vary depending on the quality of the acrylic. Next time, when you’re looking at acrylic aquariums, take a close look and compare the grade of the acrylic. The high clarity acrylic can be very expensive.
Well, 500 gallons aquariums made out of glass have a few advantages as well. First, Glass is a completely clear material, while acrylic will turn yellow over time. Scratch-resistant is another big advantage that glass fish tanks have over their acrylic counterparts.
| Glass Aquariums | Acrylic Aquariums | |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch resistant | ✔ | ❌ |
| Rigid panels | ✔ | ❌ |
| Defects in Manufacturing | ✔ | ❌ |
| Non-Porous | ✔ | ❌ |
| Chemical Resistance | ✔ | ❌ |
| Anti-Yellowing | ✔ | ❌ |
| Visual Distortion | ❌ | ✔ |
| Lightweight | ❌ | ✔ |
| Curved Panels | ❌ | ✔ |
Long Vs. Tall
Before deciding to get either a long or tall aquarium, here are a few considerations. First, a long tank has more surface area, which creates a better environment for oxygen exchange, enhancing the health of the fish. The only advantage of tall aquariums is that they take up less horizontal space and look amazing.
Tall aquariums also don’t make good habitats for fish since they don’t have enough space to swim laterally. Also, if the aquarium, the fish will have hiding places which creates a more realistic picture of a natural aquatic setting.
Filtration System for a 500 Gallon Fish Tank
The filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in any aquarium. It provides mechanical filtration to remove solid waste from the water and chemical filtration to remove dissolved toxins.
There are a few different types of filters available on the market, and each has its own set of pros and cons. But for a 500 gallons aquarium, both DIY sump (Wet/Dry) and strong canister filters will do the job.
A sump is mainly designed for saltwater aquariums, but it can also be used in a freshwater tank. It is a chamber located below the main tank where you can add additional filtration media and equipment. The sump is connected to the main tank via an overflow box that allows water to flow from the main tank into the sump.
A canister filter is a type of external filter that uses a canister to hold the filtration media. Canister filters are very versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
Canister filters are often used on larger aquariums because they have a higher flow rate and provide better filtration than internal filters. The Fluval FX5 gives the most bank for the buck, and you will need to use 2 of them.
A sump is a great way to go if you’re on a budget. DIY sump kits are widely available and actually pretty easy to DIY if you’re even remotely handy, and they can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Plus, DIYing a sump can be pretty satisfying. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also get a sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing you built something yourself.
I have learned a lot from vldesign’s radiant journey in building his 1500 gallons aquarium: Step by step directions
You might be interested in reading: Canister Filter Vs. Sump Filtration
Steel or Wood Stand
A steel stand is stronger and lighter as compared to a wooden one. That makes it easy to utilize the space under the tank (if at all you want to make use of it). With good maintenance practices that include a powder coat, the stand can last for many decades.
In terms of cost, wood isn’t cheaper as steel as many people think. Again, wood is prone to warping or can be eaten up with termites.
So if you’re looking for longevity, steel is the way to go. But if you’re interested in your stand’s aesthetics and physical appearance, wood will give you a lot of room to play around with it.
Lighting
Aquarium lighting is one of those things that’s really easy to get wrong but can make all the difference in the world when done right. And nowhere is this more true than with a 500 gallons fish tank.
There are so many options out there when it comes to aquarium lights, from fluorescent to LED to metal halide, that it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
In general, LED lights are the best option for a 500 gallons fish tank. They are energy-efficient lights that offer features that aren’t available in other aquarium lights, making them ideal for a large tank.
Plus, they’re being improved all the time and are relatively inexpensive, so you won’t have to break the bank to get the perfect lighting.
Heater
Aquarium heaters are an important part of keeping your fish healthy and happy. The most common type is submersible heaters that work completely underwater. Of course, you can get fancy with inline heaters, but they are expensive.
For a 500 gallons tank, you’ll need two 500 watts heaters, and it’s best to err on the side of more rather than less. That way, if one fails, you have a backup, and your fish won’t be left out in the cold.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line heat system for your 500 gallons fish tank, then you’ll want to check out the JBJ True Temp Titanium Heat System Kit. This premium quality kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a titanium heating element, an adjustable thermostat, and an easy-to-read digital display.
[amazon box=”B004PB719I”]Final Thoughts
A 500 gallons fish tank is a great way to create a beautiful and unique underwater world in your home. With the right equipment, you can create a healthy environment for your fish, providing years of enjoyment.
Well, setting up a 500 gallons aquarium can be a bit of a challenging task, but it’s definitely doable with more specific plans and research. The most important thing is to take your time and make sure you get everything right. That way, you’ll be sure to have a happy and healthy aquarium for years to come.
And last but not least, have fun! Aquariums are a great hobby that can be enjoyed by the whole family.