View Full Version : Tanks in Cali
I was just wondering what is done with tanks to "earthquake proof" (if there is such a thing) them. I have been building wood tanks for years and have seen the abuse they can take. If I used the next size up in glass (use 3/8" instead of 1/4") would that be enough? How do you build a stand that you can trust when the ground starts shaking? Are you anchoring to the floor or wall?
Thanks
If you use a sturdy and stable tank stand that is all you need, unless the tank is built in or unstable any shaker that topples or flexes it enough to break will mean your fish tank is the least of your problems. I use 2x4S and 4x4s to build stands and they aren't going to beak unless the roof falls on them.
So as long as the stands are sturdy they should hold up no problem? How about wood tanks?
bluedempsey
09-22-2005, 5:25 PM
acrylic is good for cali residents
it can flex unlike glass
I know you can use acrylic instead of glass for a wood tank. The silicone acts more like a gasket than a sealant, and the water pressure keeps it in place. Will this work for a smaller tank, something around 200g?
DeLgAdO
09-26-2005, 7:13 PM
acrylic is good for cali residents
it can flex unlike glass
thats why i love acrylic :thumbsup:
mr.dark-saint
09-27-2005, 7:06 AM
Since, I live in California I would never get a glass tank over 100 gallon (had one but sold it) that thing did make me nervous. I've gone through Loma Preatta (SP?) that pretty much leveled Watsonville 15/20 miles off. I have cement as flooring on the first floor so you get the "bounce" which might be very stressful on a big glass tank (like 200 you're thinking of). Everytime I see a large "bow front" glass tanks in the LFS I think to myself the buyer is very brave :screwy: .
I now have acrylic 100 and 125 Gal. tanks. I like the 125 since it has less "belly" than the 100 (they use thicker stock in 125).
Foundation where the tank will rest is first and formost of importance. Then the stand (I like the ones with "lips" around three sides) and real wood not partical wood or MDF. Also, the stand should be supported on the bottom fully. Then make sure there is nothing that may tip on or in to the tank (especially if it's glass) so instead of bolting the stand I'd bolt down the book shelves and the likes.
Thanks for all the replies. I think my main display tank will be acrylic, probably a 400+ gallon reef. I also want to do a fish room with racking and get into some monster cichlids. I'm not sure what to do about those tank but considering the size and number of tanks, I may do wood. What is acrylic selling for down there?
I have a really old glass aquarium (like probably 20 years old) and it survived the last large earthquake (7.6 i think). I wouldnt worry about it too much, maybe just a good sturdy base. If u the tank only needed 1/4" glass and u up graded to 3/8" it would take one hell of an earthquake to break it in my opinion.
IMPULSEBUYER
09-28-2005, 6:03 PM
I have a really old glass aquarium (like probably 20 years old) and it survived the last large earthquake (7.6 i think). I wouldnt worry about it too much, maybe just a good sturdy base. If u the tank only needed 1/4" glass and u up graded to 3/8" it would take one hell of an earthquake to break it in my opinion.
Agreed...unless you live directly over san andreas fault line wouldn't worry too much
Agreed...unless you live directly over san andreas fault line wouldn't worry too much
Funny you should say that. I'll be living in Palmdale, 2 miles from the san andreas :)
Apocalypse
09-29-2005, 8:20 AM
I too must agree about the sturdy and ependable stand.
I do have one question though..."Do they have Earthquakes in Winnipeg, Canada? :confused:
There are different types of earthquakes. Some move east to west, and north to south. Placement of the tank is important. In my area, the movement of the ground is east to west, and so my tanks are placed lenghtwise east to west. If the placement of the tanks in my area is north to south, then most likely, the tank would tip over.
I too must agree about the sturdy and ependable stand.
I do have one question though..."Do they have Earthquakes in Winnipeg, Canada? :confused:
Nope no earthquakes here, just bone chilling cold. You know that place where celcius and farenhite meet, (-40) thats where we spend a fair amount of time during the winter.
Thanks for the info Vince, I didn't realize that about earthquakes.
I don't seem to be getting e-mail notification when you guy's post. The function is turned on.
aquaholic
10-16-2005, 9:31 PM
glad i dont have to worry about earthquakes in jersey
guppy
10-17-2005, 12:18 AM
glad i dont have to worry about earthquakes in jersey
It wouldn't dare, heheh. Welcome to MFK Aquaholic.