Last week there is a minor earthquake in my state. Therefore this question pop out from my mind, is there anyone designed before a earthquake proof aquarium or aquarium stand? This might be sound silly but I think this is a question to think of for a long term reefing, especially for reefer who live in earthquake country.
Earthquake proof aquarium
- Thread starter billy1205
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A Toadstool Leather
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I would use a reef safe putty or glue to secure your rocks. I doubt a weak or even moderate earthquake could cause issues to a large reef tank. A fully filled 30 gallon tank is weighs about 113 kg or 249 pounds with just water. I used a reef safe putty to secure my rocks to the back wall, it may look odd but its worth it imo
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
Elos tanks use multiple pieces for the bottom glass to help prevent tank failure during an earthquake.
MartinM
Valuable Member
I’m resurrecting this due to the recent earthquake in Japan.
I have an ELOS diamond200XL and a reefer 200. The Japanese reefers are reinforced with eurobracing, and the Elos does have a double layered and multi-sectioned bottom. But I’m more concerned about tipping that anything. Thoughts on preventing that? Also, anyone have any idea how well aluminum stands hold up in earthquakes?
I’m in a high rise that’s over 100m tall, so the violent shaking you see in smaller structures doesn’t tend to happen in buildings this tall (instead you get a jello feel, or just swaying) but still, I want to make everything as safe as possible. I appreciate any input!
I have an ELOS diamond200XL and a reefer 200. The Japanese reefers are reinforced with eurobracing, and the Elos does have a double layered and multi-sectioned bottom. But I’m more concerned about tipping that anything. Thoughts on preventing that? Also, anyone have any idea how well aluminum stands hold up in earthquakes?
I’m in a high rise that’s over 100m tall, so the violent shaking you see in smaller structures doesn’t tend to happen in buildings this tall (instead you get a jello feel, or just swaying) but still, I want to make everything as safe as possible. I appreciate any input!
o2manyfish
Valuable Member
After the 94 Northiridge Earthquake I got the chance to see dozens of tanks that were affected by the earthquake. There were no cracked tanks. There were tanks that toppled. But the biggest thing was seeing tanks all in one piece and standing moved to the middle of the room. There were tanks that had been strapped to the studs in the wall, and the tank bouncing ripped the studs out of the wall.
I saw a 125g tank sitting in the middle of the room with the section of the wall it was attached to, still attached to it in the middle of the room.
Having a bigger tank doesn't really make a difference, The weight of the tank is nothing in comparison to the strength of the earth bouncing underneath it.
When the earth starts to roll, your tank is going to roll with it. With a small tank you may be able to affix it to a wall. But with a larger tank, you get 1000lbs of water moving, it's going to keep moving.
Dave B
I saw a 125g tank sitting in the middle of the room with the section of the wall it was attached to, still attached to it in the middle of the room.
Having a bigger tank doesn't really make a difference, The weight of the tank is nothing in comparison to the strength of the earth bouncing underneath it.
When the earth starts to roll, your tank is going to roll with it. With a small tank you may be able to affix it to a wall. But with a larger tank, you get 1000lbs of water moving, it's going to keep moving.
Dave B
FurrierTransform
Active Member
I'm in SoCal and I had a 60 gallon rectangular aquarium during a magnitude 6+ quake. Nothing happened, except some sloshing. Now that Northridge quake mentioned above was quite a bit stronger. But along the West Coast, I think most people worry about the Cascadia fault in Oregon and Washington.
Lost in the Sauce
BANGERANG!!!!
Dave I remember 94 Very well. Epicenter was 13 mi from us. My 30g fresh tank was launched from the initial jolt clear into the center of the room.
After living in California most of my life and experiencing earthquakes way too many times to count. I honestly don't think there's any way to actually or earthquake proof an aquarium.
Earthquakes come in different fashions. You got the rollers, some move the ground up and down some of it side to side and some do all of these at some point. Strapping to the wall is only good idea for side to side movement. It also sucks for side to side movement because the straps can and well pull your tank against the wall. When it moves back then launch it with the force of Earth when it swells.
