What happens if large tanks shatter?

[Heady]

I live in an area that occasionally gets earthquakes. In fact three years ago, there was one that was large enough to swish about 10 gals of water out of my 55 gal tank along with some of the rooted(!) plants. :eek: Luckily no fish were lost and the glass stayed strong but that got me thinking...

What happens if an earthquake comes that is large enough to shatter the tank? How much pressure can these things take? Is anyone else afraid of what happens if the tank shatters through events beyond your control? ... kids, pets, contractors, earthquakes, etc.

Especially since I'm starting to think about getting a larger tank, I'm thinking about installing a drain in my living room floor... :eek:

[ChilDawg]

I unfortunately do not think that there is any concrete answer to any of your questions. The living room drain might not be a bad idea, but we have to face the facts that our tanks are pretty darn vulnerable in instances like the ones that you mention. Hopefully someone else has a better answer than I do, but prayer is the best one I have available to me. Interesting question, which should make for a nice thread, and I compliment you on that.

[a_free_bird73]

In areas with high earth quake risk, glass tanks are not recommended. Acrylic should by your only option specially for a large tank...

[Heady]

Ummmmm I have a 12" plecostomus that would scratch up the acrylic :(

[Gumby7]

it drains really quick!

(sorry couldn't resist with a subject question like that).

[JeffP]

I checked with my insurance agent to see what coverage I would have if one of my tanks broke. Water damage was covered but the tank and its occupants are not. I can live with that.

I don't know if that applies to an earthquake that causes the tank to break that causes the water damage.:rolleyes:

[Ashes]

Can plecos really scratch acrylic tanks?

[slipknottin]

Yes they can. Acrylic isnt that hard of a material.

[andruboz]

the latest in insurance company trickery. any water damage claims get you black flagged for mold down the road. leads to problems when you try to sell your house but the buyer cant buy because they can't get insurance.

[wetmanNY]

You folks know the brief earthquake-proofing discussion at theKrib.com?
http://www.thekrib.com/Misc/earthquake.html

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by slipknottin
Yes they can. Acrylic isnt that hard of a material. I never knew that, or thought they could... And, I just checked the calendar to make sure it's not April 1st.

[beviking]

Well, they do make those neat little aquaria that plug in the wall and the lights come on and the fake fish "swim" around.

Stock up on some super-absorbent media (like they have for oil spills) and put it in a glass cabinet next to your tank. Hang a sign that says "In case of earthquake, break glass". Oh, scrap the sign idea, if your tank broke, the cabinet would too huh?;)

[Darkangel]

I kinda think you folks all missed one really obvious fact. If the earthquake was storng enough to do this type of damage, how much house is going to be left to worry about? Not living in an earthquake area I am not familure with them but I would think if it is bad enough to shatter your tank, your tank will be the least of your worries. Just a thought.

[Heady]

DarkAngel thanks I have considered that too. But if there is an earthquake I would hope my fish tank would break before my house. ;)

I wonder if anyone else has considered putting a drain in their floor...

[Luca Brazzi]

Why not try a wooden tank with just a glass front? Then your chances of it completely breaking would be far less since there is way less glass. The only thing youd have to worry about is the front glass breaking or separating from the wood during an earthquake (tons of silicone could probably keep it from separating though).

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Darkangel
I kinda think you folks all missed one really obvious fact. If the earthquake was storng enough to do this type of damage, how much house is going to be left to worry about? Not living in an earthquake area I am not familure with them but I would think if it is bad enough to shatter your tank, your tank will be the least of your worries. Just a thought.

Can't say I know earthquake facts, but a reasonable guess would be, first pictures on walls may fall, books, etc. on shelves will fall, aquariums quite possibly would crack or break completely. Then the quake stops.... House may very well be structurally sound.
Who knows? I'm in Florida and houses may sink (sinkholes), but not rock back and forth... :D

[beviking]

Who missed the point???? To hell with the house, we're worried about the FISH TANK!!!!!!!!

[Sparko]

just move