40 Gallon Fish Tanks
40 gallon fish tanks offer a range of options for your aquarium. They are large enough to host a range of fish, but not so big that they become especially cumbersome.
A 40 gallon tank comes in 2 main shapes:
- 40 gallon breeder which has dimensions 36″ x 18″ x 16″ and weighs approx 450lbs when full.
- 40 gallon long which has dimensions 48″ x 12″ x 16″ and weighs approx 450lbs when full.
Below are a range of 40 gallon fish tanks and corresponding stands. Hopefully you find a combination that fits your needs!
40 Gallon Fish Tanks
Aqueon Breeder Aquarium – 40 Gallon
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
Check on Amazon.com
This 40 gallon fish tank is great if you want to maximize the tank area and aren’t too concerned about the depth. It measures 36″ x 18″ x 16″ as is great as a breeder tank and can also be used to keep animals such as turtles. We’ve also reviewed some alternative 40 gallon turtle tanks.
At 56 lbs when empty it is quite heavy. Not a problem, but it might be worth getting someone to help you when you are moving it around and / or setting it up!
SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium – 40 Gallon Fish Tank
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
Check on Amazon.com
This 40 gallon tank from SeaClear is highly regarded. It is made from acrylic rather than glass so it quite a bit lighter than the Aqueon tank. It also makes it more impact resistance and less prone to cracks and chips. The shape is a 40 gallon regular (not the breeder shape).
Aquarium comes with a reflector and a 24 inch light fixture. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums.
40 Gallon Fish Tank Stands
40 gallon fish tanks usually measure 48″ x 12″ x 16″. This equates to 122 x 30 x 41 cm in metric measurements. It is not necessary to get a specific stand for them – the fit nicely on top of your kitchen counters or even your your desk.
Imagitarium Brooklyn 40 Gallon Metal Tank Stand
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 4.5/5
Check on Amazon.com
The Imagitarium Brooklyn 40 gallon aquarium stand is made from steel. This creates a very modern feel, and provides a stylish black finish. One nice feature is that it has adjustable feet – perfect for ensuring your tank is level – even if you have uneven floors!
The stand is 36.5 inches wide, 18.5 inches deep, and 29.5 inches tall – perfect for a regular 40 gallon aquarium.
Imagitarium Faux Woodgrain Fish Tank Stand
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 2/5
Check on Amazon.com
Looks pretty good, but a number of people have complained about this stand. Poor instructions, arriving damaged, arriving incomplete. You may be better off either choosing the Imagitarium Brooklyn stand, or making a wooden stand yourself.
Imagitarium White Gloss Fish Tank Stand
A Little Bit Fishy Score: 3/5
Check on Amazon.com
This Imagitarium White Gloss aquarium stand can work with your 40 gallon aquarium. It has a smart appearance and an adjustable shelf. Be aware, however, that it is made of particle board and that it does not have adjustable legs.
Overall, it may be suitable for a number of people, but we’d rather go with a sturdy metal frame or even use a good quality desk or table.
How Many Fish in a 40 Gallon Fish Tank?
The general rule for fish tanks is that you should have a maximum of 1 inch of fish (length) for every gallon of water. Some people extend this to 1.5 inches with success, but it is not generally recommended. Bear in mind that the 1 inch of fish per gallon of water is based on the fish at their fully grown size, not the size that you buy them at!
It is therefore recommended that you have a maximum of 40 inches of fish in a 40 gallon fish tank. If you need something a little bigger consider either a 50 gallon or 90 gallon fish tank.
Best Fish for 40 Gallon Fish Tanks
As discussed above, it is best to limit your fish to about 40 inches in total length when constructing a 40 gallon fish tank. This could be made up in a range of ways. Whether you plan to breed fish, and indeed whether you are prepared to use dividers in your 40 gallon fish tank, will also affect the composition of fish in your tank.
It is important to bear in mind that more aggressive species such as Tiger Barbs will be better served in less crowded tanks. Just remember that just because a fish is aggressive doesn’t mean that it is predatory. Your best fish for 40 gallon fish tanks could include:
- Cory fish (catfish)
- Rainbow fish
- Danios
- Goldfish
- Guppies
40 Gallon Fish Tank Dimensions
The standard dimensions of a 40 gallon fish tank are 48″ x 12″ x 16″. This equates to 122 x 30 x 41 cm in metric measurements. There are several such aquariums available on Amazon. Alternatively, these tanks look great when displayed on a (sturdy) desk or counter top.
A 40 gallon fish tank weights 455lbs when full (approximately 206kg). If you are looking for a fish tank that is visually stunning there are a number of fish tank coffee tables available too!