PaleoShrimp Posted January 23, 2023 Share Posted January 23, 2023 I live in an area where earthquakes occur and I’d like to secur my tanks. I know this isn’t something a lot of people have to think about, but I’m wondering if anyone has ever done this/thought about this. If you have, I’d love to see pictures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheSwissAquarist Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 I remember someone saying that acrylic tanks are safer than glass… @Zenzo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lennie Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 (edited) We have a lot of earthquakes at where I live too, up to 7.0 ish mostly. But generally staying around 4.5s and lower. The only problem I have seen over the years was, splashing water around as I keep my tanks rimless. My 29g is an acrylic if I'm not wrong. In my new tank(this one is glass), I went for an aquarium and special stand made specifically for the tank itself. So it has covers on bottom sides except the back side, and sits on it inside it for a couple cms. I think maybe it is a help, as it is newly set up, around 2 weeks, I have not experienced an earthquake yet, thankfully :') Here is a pic, hope it is somehow visible. But again, no experience with this one yet Edited January 24, 2023 by Lennie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 Check out this thread if you haven't, some good tips in there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaleoShrimp Posted January 24, 2023 Author Share Posted January 24, 2023 @Lennie Thanks for the picture and explanation! @nabokovfan87 Thanks for that thread! I missed it. I’ve got some ideas to work with on trying to make my tanks as ready as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biotope Biologist Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 (edited) Not much you can do tank wise but depending on your stand you can earthquake proof those. Mostly just make sure it can withstand side to side motion. Often times that means allowing it to have a bit of “give” not being completely rigid. I find watching how they earthquake proof skyscrapers helpful as that is similar in physics. edit: we don’t sit on a fault line quite like Cali does. But Washington is long overdo for one (last ”noticeable” one was 2001). So I like to be prepared. Edited January 24, 2023 by Biotope Biologist 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted January 24, 2023 Share Posted January 24, 2023 On 1/24/2023 at 9:24 AM, Biotope Biologist said: Mostly just make sure it can withstand side to side motion. Often times that means allowing it to have a bit of “give” not being completely rigid. Have a large, secure, flat, strong surface, but also have a rubber mat (and some edges.... as you mentioned not a tight fit.... I'll never forget seeing waves in my tank. I always get frustrated manufactured stands are so tight tolerance to the tank now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Zenzo Posted January 26, 2023 Administrators Share Posted January 26, 2023 I am in San Francisco...where we have been known to have a few shakes. I have yet to have an issue...but I do carry extra insurance just in case! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaleoShrimp Posted January 26, 2023 Author Share Posted January 26, 2023 @nabokovfan87 I was planning on building my own stand out of 2x4s. How much room would you leave past the tank? my plan is to use the 2x4s vertically, so they would only be 1.5” wide. Then have the tank sit directly over the 2x4 frame. My plan was to have a 1/4” space on each side between the tank and the edge of the stand. Do you think that is enough room? I also plan to put a rubber mat under the tank now after reading all the replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nabokovfan87 Posted January 26, 2023 Share Posted January 26, 2023 On 1/25/2023 at 6:09 PM, Plechoeco said: my plan is to use the 2x4s vertically, so they would only be 1.5” wide. Then have the tank sit directly over the 2x4 frame. My plan was to have a 1/4” space on each side between the tank and the edge of the stand. Do you think that is enough room? In a perfect world, I would love to have a 1" space for the tank to move if something happens. The pad and everything would be centered, the tank itself still needs to be supported on that overhang (some are, some aren't) and then you're looking into things like this where the tank fits into a cavity and is "held in place". Overhang: *there is one side to side, but not front to back. Cavity: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 I am going to purchase a 60 inch long, 18 inch deep, 24 inch high tank. I am contemplating glass vs. acrylic. If glass, I will get this from Custom Aquariums, with ultra clear glass front and back. If acrylic, I will get a Clear for Life tank. The stand will be made by Custom Aquariums as it seems they have a very strong wood frame design. @Zenzo, I assume your tanks are glass? Any help from the community with this decision would be greatly appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xXInkedPhoenixX Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 @AAE Custom Aquariums is very helpful, if you haven't talked to them I strongly encourage you to call. An agent will help you build your "dream tank" and you can tell them about your concerns. We just ordered one from them and are in earthquake country. We went with a framed tank which will add extra stablity and the extra silicone, though very neatly applied will also help with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 @xXInkedPhoenixX, thanks for the happy message about Custom Aquarium! Much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Zenzo Posted February 27 Administrators Share Posted February 27 On 2/23/2024 at 2:28 PM, AAE said: I am going to purchase a 60 inch long, 18 inch deep, 24 inch high tank. I am contemplating glass vs. acrylic. If glass, I will get this from Custom Aquariums, with ultra clear glass front and back. If acrylic, I will get a Clear for Life tank. The stand will be made by Custom Aquariums as it seems they have a very strong wood frame design. @Zenzo, I assume your tanks are glass? Any help from the community with this decision would be greatly appreciated! I have a mixture of glass and acrylic tanks, but the majority are glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AAE Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 @Zenzo, thanks! The extra insurance is a great idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flumpweesel Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 Just something to think about is to make sure your hardcase can't topple this could cause scratches or at worst a crack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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