In alt.aquaria luminos wrote:
I was, at the time, two miles from the epicenter of the Northridge
earthquake. ALL aquaria within 10-15 miles were completely devestated, no
matter what was done to protect them.

The pressure of the water in resonance causes the elasticity max. of the
tank material to be exceeded, and they shatter completely.

It took four years before any aquaria stores re-opened...they were all new
firms...all the old ones went under.

Be glad you were not closer to the epicenter.

Well, as I remember it, the Northridge quake had unusual characteristics
for its "strength" on the traditional scale. I seem to remember in hearing
the reports say that these unusual characteristics (something about
upwards force as I remember it) caused it to be "stronger" than the scale
number would indicate. That, combined with it being in a majorly populated
area, was probably why it was so devistating. It's probably not something
of concern in all earthquakes, just those that share those vital
characteristics.