The AquaDom in Berlin was the world's largest cylindrical aquarium until it exploded in 2022 due to material fatigue.

The AquaDom opened in 2003 at the Radisson Blu hotel in Berlin's DomAquarée complex. It was constructed by Reynolds Polymer Technology using 41 acrylic panels bonded together. The cylinder measured 11 meters in diameter and reached a height of 25 meters, creating immense hydrostatic pressure at the base of the structure.In December 2022, a sudden failure caused the release of 1 million liters of saltwater. Forensic experts led by engineer Christian Bonten investigated the disaster for months. They determined the primary cause was 'material fatigue' exacerbated by a process called 'craze' formation, where microscopic cracks develop in polymers under constant stress.The investigation highlighted that the acrylic had been in service for nearly two decades. During that time, the material underwent repeated thermal expansion and contraction. On the night of the burst, Berlin experienced a sharp temperature drop to -9°C, which acted as the final trigger for the weakened joints.This event serves as a critical case study for the aquarium industry regarding the lifespan of large-scale acrylic structures. It proved that even high-quality polymers can degrade over time when subjected to extreme pressure and environmental shifts. Today, safety standards for large public aquariums are being re-evaluated to prevent similar catastrophic structural failures.