Trying to find an earthquake proof large aquarium...

[christiangrenier]

Hi, I’ve been wanting to get a pleco and some other fish in a huge aquarium.., but here in Laguna Beach, our home sits on a small fault line and shakes occasionally. I would like to know if there is an aquarium (with a stand) that can withstand earthquakes well; or a solution to a normal aquarium on a stand to make it earthquake-proof. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Christian

 

[david1978]

Go acrylic.

 

[christiangrenier]

Ok, do you know any that come with a stand? Some “earthquake proof” aquariums are ridiculously priced... What are the benefits of acrylic? Sorry if asking too much..

 

[AcuarioAmazonico]

Never occurred to me. That must be a major concern for people living in earthquake areas. Are there recommended aquarium size restrictions for people on your part of the world due to likelihood of tremors?

 

[christiangrenier]

I do not know.... would like a large tank though. Yup, Southern CA is known for their ‘quakes. 50+ gallon sounds nice.. Yes, in CA, we do restrict our tank sizes..

 

[david1978]

acrylic tanks take much more of a beating then glass tanks. As far as what's available to you locally I have no idea. Here are a few.

Acrylic Aquariums in Southern California (CA) on ThomasNet.com

 

[A201]

It's not the tank, its the stand that needs to be earthquake proof. One that won't contort or twist. I would go for a heavy gauge, welded steel stand.

 

[saltwater60]

I would 100% stay away from glass. I would call an acrylic aquarium builder in tour area or California and ask them. I doubt anyone on here would know unless they are in your same situation. I’m sure there are options out there. Oh and I’m sure those options are costly.

 

[christiangrenier]

Hah, yes. I’ve been looking online and the ”earthquake proof” ones were $6,000 USD! How crazy! I would never pay that.

 

[abovo]

I’m over the hill from you near Mission Viejo and have a 90 gallon acrylic partially for this reason. As others have said you really need a sturdy stand more so than the acrylic tank but it all helps. The store bought stands tend to be made out of particle board and hopes. Have something built or build one yourself to make sure it won’t disintegrate in a rolling earthquake like we had earlier this year.

 

[christiangrenier]

Oh that’s close! But now that i’m seeing how expensive these are, it’s fine not to have one... but I did see an acrylic with a stand for $400.

 

[saltwater60]

$6,000 is bananas.
not sounds reasonable to have a tank that’s acrylic and a sturdy well built stand. You could easily make one if your handy at all.

 

[qquake2k]

Would a metal stand like this be stronger than normal stands? Or could you have a steel stand custom made?



Or you could build or have built a massively strong wood stand. I built this several years ago for a 55.

 

[saltwater60]

Yes I’m sure a steel tubing stand would be stronger. Remember with most of not all acrylic tanks the bottom needs to be solidly supported the entire bottom.

 

[qquake2k]

I would think a piece of thick plywood under it would support the tank. Something like 1-1/8" subfloor. Just waterproof it before hand.

 

[saltwater60]

Yes. Just remember I’m talking about between the tank and the stand not the stand and the floor. The acrylic bottoms don’t support like glass tanks do.
Not that the stand and the floor couldn’t be an issue as well. A lot of people don’t think or know about the acrylic bottom tank issue.

 

[christiangrenier]

Not sure about building, just was thinking if I saw a good priced one, which to get. Ty for your answers!

 

[Smokey3737]

I live in California too. I like what everyone said about acrylic and a very strong stand. In addition, maybe an anti-vibration matt under the stand would give you some extra protection? Like what they put under treadmills or washing machines. Shock absorption is probably what's needed. Do the earthquake tanks actually have shocks? Also, maybe anchor your stand to a to a stud in the wall, but not too rigidly. Like a short chain or something. So it has wiggle room (shakes independently of the house) but not topple over.

Now I'm thinking about how earthquake proof my Co2 system is. That could also be really bad. Yikes.