Strategies for minimizing possible earthquake damage to reef tanks

[Reef Bass]

With the recent shake we had, perhaps it would be a good idea to discuss ways we can help our tanks to endure earthquakes with the least possible negative impact.

Clearly in a very strong quake all bets are off. Even if the tank fares well, falling things could take it out. And most of us can't afford to be engineering major structural changes to our typical homes to reinforce or vibration dampen the tank area. What are some inexpensive or relatively easy steps that would help tanks to make it through the more frequent smaller quakes?

For example, I can't help but feel that some sort of top on my tank might have limited sloshing. However, it's tough to perfectly seal the top and, imho, probably not so desirable as that might limit gas exchange. An open top sump could probably help with gas exchange, but maybe the sump should be covered too to reduce sloshing?

How about the stand? Has anyone noticed a stand shifting position? Would securing the stand to the wall with L brackets or plumbers tape help? Or would that just transfer energy to the tank, so it would be shaking more with the stand relatively firm and unmoving?

As we saw in the video of the unfortunate Napa fish store, a very real and large issue is the tank walking / shaking off the stand or shelf. Should there be some sort of lip on the stand or shelf that would prevent the tank from moving off the stand?

In the tank, I was fortunate that my unglued arches didn't collapse. Had the quake been an 8 instead of a 6, that would likely be different. I should really epoxy the rocks together. When I first started reefing I was concerned an epoxy bond would be permanent. Now I know epoxy joints can usually be separated without much difficulty.

What precautions if any would be appropriate for a sump?

Is it worth planning for plumbing or bulkhead failures?

And for electrical items and electronics? Falling or being splashed would likely not benefit them. Mounting power strips on the side of stands might be convenient, but sloshed water running down the side could damage them. Likewise if they're on the floor, accumulating water could take them out.

What, if anything, have you done to prepare your tank for quakes?

 

[woodnaquanut]

Good topic, Ken!

Sloshing...
My reef tank is acrylic so it is eurobraced. I just have the BRS screens to keep fish in. It lost the most water.

My FW tank, also acrylic, has acrylic sheets covering the two openings. Very little water escaped. The eurobrace is a bit wider so that might also be a factor.

I was lucky, real lucky. The electronics that was exposed to sloshing was not harmed. Both MP-40 dry sides took some water. So far, so good. I don't see how to protect them. Anyone have any idea how water tight they are?

I have a MP-40 power supply just on the floor next to the tank. It was sitting in a small amount of water, perhaps 1/16", and did not suffer any damage. Attached to the outside of the stand are the Apex display unit and two MP-40 controllers. One controller happened to be laying on the hearth (velcro unstuck a week ago) and was sitting in the deepest puddle. Again, still working. There might be damage that takes a while to surface. Corrosion is always a possibility.

I'm considering making some sort of 'rain hut' for these external dodads.

Sumps don't seem like an issue since they are not usually so full. I didn't loose any water from the sump.

My cousin that lives in Napa lost his glass tank. They think some of the rockwork fell and broke the glass. So if you have glass, securing the rocks is a good idea.

As to securing the tank/stand take a look at:
http://youtu.be/HWhI6QaJq2Y

In the video the stands are what I would consider substandard. Still impressive how the secured tank survives.

I think securing the stand to the wall is a good idea. How to do it is the question. Seems like a rigid connection would be best. The straps they use to secure the tank look ugly! I'm not sure I'd use them just because of that. They must be glued to the tank as bolts seem impractical.

I would hope Japanese fish keepers have this all worked out since they have so many more quakes. Anyone have any info from that part of the world?

 

[Dragonvale]

Great topic Ken. My fiancé and I were just talking about earthquake insurance and the tank. Since we don't have earthquake insurance she called our state farm agent for enquire on the cost amount. I think that would be one way as far as minimizing cost of what water can do to a living room if spilled. Plus it would if I'm correct cover all equipment damage also.

I also think L brackets are great pending the stand has a lip. Yes it would transfer energy to the tank but it would at least prevent a tank from crashing down and shattering. That would be the worst experience.

As far as tanks for an earthquake, acrylic! Earthquake was one of the pro's when I was looking at the 250 and comparing pro's and con's of glass and acrylic tanks.

 

[HiFidelity]

I don't recall who had done the research but tank walking is probably the worst case and consequently you lose the whole tank if it came down off the stand so I believe that a lipped stand should bring added safety.

Rigid bracing may not be a good thing because that would transfer all (if not most) of the movement to the stand thus maximizing the chance of tank walking or toppling therefore I believe stainless ties or thick rope anchored to the wall would be better if they are anchored towards the top of the stand so the stand can't topple over or walk with the tank on it. Additionally I would also anchor the ties at the bottom of the wall into the horizontal stud at the bottom of the wall instead of running it flat across from the stand to the wall behind it. I feel that the bottom stud is a safer bet because it is nailed to the floor and the entire load of the house sits on these, additionally because of the angle of the tie I believe it would be harder for the screw or bolt to strip out of the stud as opposed to it being pulled straight out.

Other than that I've always been a proponent of setting up an equipment cabinet, behind or beside the tank where all electrical can be stored and contained thus no water can ever reach any of our expensive controllers, dosers, etc. Currently I'm keeping my tank in the garage so I'm mounting all my electronics against the wall a few inches from the tank, again no water can ever get there.

I'm not too concerned with sloshing water but my tank sits on a concrete slab if it was inside my house that would be a different story, euro bracing seems to be the winner here. I have a standard glass tank w/ a rim so I keep my water level almost 2" bellow the lip of the tank and though here in Hayward the quake was only 4 magnitude I didn't notice a single drop on the outside of the tank so I don't know maybe running the water level a little low helped there?

Just my .02 and entirely subjective

 

[coralfarmer]

The best strategy is to not live in earthquake country.

 

[Reef Bass]

I'm having a hard time finding an emoticon with a protruding middle finger...

 

[coralfarmer]

Lol

 

[coralfarmer]

Lol