FishTank75 gallon fish tank stocking ideas
A 75 gallon tank is 48 inches long like a 55, but 18 inches front to back instead of 13. That extra depth gives fish far more swimming room and makes aquascaping much easier. Here are six setups that work, each checked with the free stocking calculator.
75 gallon basics
- Size: about 48 × 18 × 21 inches.
- Weight: about 865 pounds when set up. Use a stand made for it, against a load-bearing wall. Check with the tank weight calculator and see best aquarium stands.
- Heater: 200–250 W for most rooms, or two heaters, one at each end, in a cold room. Check with the heater calculator.
- Filter: one rated for at least 75 gallons, or two smaller filters. See the best aquarium filters.
- Substrate: about 100 pounds for 2 inches. Use the substrate calculator.
1. Angelfish group
4 angelfish · 12 cardinal tetras · 1 bristlenose pleco
Keep at 76–80°F · 77% stocked in the calculator
Open this plan in the calculator
A 75 is tall enough for adult angelfish. Add them young and together. See angelfish care.
2. Big peaceful community
12 rummynose tetras · 8 bronze corydoras · 10 harlequin rasboras · 1 bristlenose pleco
Keep at 75–78°F · 84% stocked in the calculator
Open this plan in the calculator
Two big schools and a busy bottom. Keep it at 75–78°F.
3. Livebearer tank
6 mollies · 3 swordtails · 6 platies · 1 bristlenose pleco
Keep at 72–79°F · 83% stocked in the calculator
Open this plan in the calculator
Colorful, hardy fish that like hard water. There will be babies.
4. Gourami community
3 pearl gouramis · 8 kuhli loaches · 12 harlequin rasboras · 1 bristlenose pleco
Keep at 77–80°F · 75% stocked in the calculator
Open this plan in the calculator
Calm and graceful. One male pearl gourami with two females, and sand for the loaches.
5. Cooler water tank
12 zebra danios · 12 white clouds · 8 bronze corydoras
Keep at 70–72°F · 71% stocked in the calculator
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Fast, hardy fish that like cooler water, around 70–72°F. Use a lid, because danios jump.
6. Fancy goldfish
4 fancy goldfish
Keep at 65–72°F · 75% stocked in the calculator
Open this plan in the calculator
A 75 is a great goldfish home. Use a strong filter and change water weekly. See goldfish care.
What not to put in a 75
- Common plecos, which can reach 18 inches. A bristlenose stays about 5.
- Common and comet goldfish, which belong in a pond.
- Small fish with angelfish, such as neons and embers.
- Oscars, unless the tank is for one oscar on its own. A 75 is the minimum for a single oscar, and it leaves little room for anything else.
Stocking tips
- Cycle first. See how to cycle a new fish tank.
- Add fish in stages, a group at a time, a week or two apart.
- Plan your own mix with the free stocking calculator.
- Make water changes easy. A hose that connects to your sink saves carrying about 20 buckets a month.
Gear for a 75 gallon tank
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- HeaterEHEIM Jager 200 W heaterRight for a 75 gallon in a warm room. Use two in a cold room. Check your size with the free heater calculator.
- FilterFluval AquaClear AC110 filterA hang-on-back filter rated for 60–110 gallons.
- Water changerPython No Spill Clean and Fill, 25 ftDrains and refills from your sink, so water changes need no buckets.
Related: 55 gallon stocking ideas · 40 gallon breeder stocking ideas · Angelfish care · All stocking ideas by tank size · Best canister filters