75-Gallon Tank Setup: What to Buy and What Fits
A 75-gallon has the same length as a 55 but is much deeper front to back, which makes it easier to aquascape and more stable. It holds a group of angelfish or very large schools.
- Dimensions
- 48 × 18 × 21 inlength × width × height
- Weight when full
- ~850 lbswater, substrate, gear
- Heater
- 250 wattsfor 78°F in a 68°F room
- Substrate
- 75 lbsfor a 1.5 inch layer
3 stocking ideas for a 75-gallon tank
Each one passes our checks for tank size, group size, temperature and temperament. Open one in the builder to adjust it.
Angelfish group
Four angelfish with a big school below.
- 4 × Angelfish
- 12 × Cardinal tetra
- 10 × Corydoras catfish
- 1 × Bristlenose pleco
Barb and loach tank
A dozen tiger barbs with loaches on the sand.
- 12 × Tiger barb
- 8 × Kuhli loach
- 2 × Bristlenose pleco
Shopping list for a 75-gallon tank
Sized for the “Angelfish group” idea above. Change the fish in the builder and the list updates.
75-gallon tank
- These fit a 75-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 78°F.
Equipment, sized for this tank
Starter supplies
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Fish that fit a 75-gallon tank
The most of each you could keep if it were the only species in the tank.
| Fish | Kept alone, up to | Group size | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Betta | 1 | One per tank | 76–82°F |
| Neon tetra | 75 | 6 or more | 70–79°F |
| Cardinal tetra | 75 | 6 or more | 75–82°F |
| Ember tetra | 168 | 6 or more | 73–82°F |
| Rummy-nose tetra | 56 | 6 or more | 75–81°F |
| Black skirt tetra | 37 | 6 or more | 70–79°F |
| Guppy | 56 | 3 or more | 72–82°F |
| Endler's livebearer | 96 | 3 or more | 72–82°F |
| Platy | 37 | 3 or more | 70–80°F |
| Molly | 19 | 3 or more | 75–80°F |
| Swordtail | 16 | 3 or more | 72–79°F |
| Zebra danio | 56 | 6 or more | 64–77°F |
| White cloud minnow | 84 | 6 or more | 60–72°F |
| Harlequin rasbora | 61 | 6 or more | 73–82°F |
| Chili rasbora | 225 | 6 or more | 72–82°F |
| Cherry barb | 51 | 6 or more | 73–81°F |
| Tiger barb | 28 | 6 or more | 72–79°F |
| Corydoras catfish | 51 | 6 or more | 72–79°F |
| Pygmy corydoras | 135 | 6 or more | 72–79°F |
| Bristlenose pleco | 11 | One or more | 73–81°F |
| Otocinclus | 75 | 6 or more | 72–79°F |
| Kuhli loach | 56 | 5 or more | 75–82°F |
| Dwarf gourami | 1 | One per tank | 72–82°F |
| Honey gourami | 37 | One or more | 72–82°F |
| Pearl gourami | 15 | One or more | 75–82°F |
| Angelfish | 7 | One or more | 76–82°F |
| German blue ram | 27 | One or more | 78–85°F |
| Fancy goldfish | 5 | One or more | 60–74°F |
| Cherry shrimp | 300 | 5 or more | 65–80°F |
| Amano shrimp | 225 | 3 or more | 68–80°F |
| Nerite snail | 168 | One or more | 72–80°F |
| Mystery snail | 45 | One or more | 68–82°F |
75-gallon tank questions
How many fish can I put in a 75-gallon tank?
It depends on the fish. As examples, a 75-gallon tank comfortably holds 1 betta, or 75 neon tetras, or 56 guppies if kept alone. Mixed tanks hold fewer of each. The builder shows the stocking level for any combination.
What size heater does a 75-gallon tank need?
About 250 watts to hold 78°F in a 68°F room. A colder room or warmer target needs more.
What size filter does a 75-gallon tank need?
Look for a filter rated for at least 450 gallons per hour, which turns the tank over about 6 times an hour. Go higher for messy fish such as goldfish or plecos.
How much does a 75-gallon tank weigh?
About 850 pounds when filled with water, substrate and equipment. Standard dimensions are 48 × 18 × 21 inches.