Hundreds Of Fish Killed After Massive Tank Bursts At Lake Co. Pet Store

A 2,000-gallon aquarium exploded at Something Fishy Pets, flooding the store and damaging a centerpiece display owners had spent months rebu

By Amie Schaenzer, Patch Staff

Jul 27, 2026 8:03 AM CDT

The incident happened on July 20 while the family-owned pet store was closed, and surveillance video captured the tank’s top seam appearing to fail without warning, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner. (GoogleMaps)

FOX LAKE, IL — A massive fish tank suddenly burst at Something Fishy Pets in Fox Lake, sending about 2,000 gallons of water rushing through the store and killing many of the more than 350 fish inside.

The incident happened on July 20 while the family-owned pet store was closed, and surveillance video captured the tank's top seam appearing to fail without warning, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner. Owners said they were able to rescue some fish but the store sustained significant damage, including the loss of a centerpiece aquarium the owners had been working to restore.

The business is now seeking community support as it works to rebuild after the unexpected incident. Those interested in donating can do so on the store's GoFundMe page.

More via the Lake & McHenry County Scanner

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