Okay, ever since my brother dropped a fan right by my fish tank, the two little guys seem to be particularly sensitive to any bangs or vibrations in the house. Someone can run across the house downstairs, shaking the floor slightly, and they will hide behind a plant for 15 minutes or so.
Anyone have any ideas on how I could insulate the tank against every-day vibrations (heavy running footsteps, slammed doors, huge trucks driving by, etc.)? Would putting styrofoam padding or something underneath the tank help at all?
I have tried asking my family not to bang around since it's stressing the fish, but they just think I'm being crazy.
Full Version: Insulation Against Vibrations?
It is essential that your tank be completely and solidly supported all the way around. To put it on a thick cushion of foam would make it so it was not properly supported.
I do like to put a piece of foam board under each of my tanks. This 1/4 inch thick foam is solid enough, yet it crushes just a bit as the tank is filled. This helps level and support the tank - if for any reason the surface the tank is resting on is not completely level, the foam is squashed into it, making it more level.
This will not really insulate the tank from large shock type vibrations - running, slamming doors, banging on the tank's glass, etc.
In general, as the fish spend their lives in a place with a certain number of noises and vibrations and such, they become used to them and no longer startle as they did when the distrubances were new to them.
Do not tap your glass tank. Do not slam doors, run in the house or throw things such that they make huge BANGS in the house and your fish should be just fine. These are not special things - they are just everyday, good house etiquette things to do anyway. The fish are well behaved - now it is time to domesticate your brother!
I do like to put a piece of foam board under each of my tanks. This 1/4 inch thick foam is solid enough, yet it crushes just a bit as the tank is filled. This helps level and support the tank - if for any reason the surface the tank is resting on is not completely level, the foam is squashed into it, making it more level.
This will not really insulate the tank from large shock type vibrations - running, slamming doors, banging on the tank's glass, etc.
In general, as the fish spend their lives in a place with a certain number of noises and vibrations and such, they become used to them and no longer startle as they did when the distrubances were new to them.
Do not tap your glass tank. Do not slam doors, run in the house or throw things such that they make huge BANGS in the house and your fish should be just fine. These are not special things - they are just everyday, good house etiquette things to do anyway. The fish are well behaved - now it is time to domesticate your brother!
The foam board sounds like it might be a good thing, even if it doesn't insulate. I'll have to see if I can find some at the hardware store or somesuch.
It's good to know they should be able to adjust, though... And I will look into ways of brotherly domestication. XD
It's good to know they should be able to adjust, though... And I will look into ways of brotherly domestication. XD
I use the foam board found at most stores - the kind used for class projects - you put your science project on it and stand it up.... it is 1/4 inche thick and come in about 36 inches by 54 inches....
It does not have to be the expensive sheets of insulation found at the hardware stores.
(Brother domestication is a difficult thing - it takes many years, (
) and, just when you think you are making progress, he goes and gets himself a girlfriend. She will then take credit for everything you have accomplished over the years. If you are lucky enough, you will live long enough for him to thank you for the careful training you are giving him - allowing him to live long enough to finally actually DATE that girl! 
)
It does not have to be the expensive sheets of insulation found at the hardware stores.
(Brother domestication is a difficult thing - it takes many years, (
) and, just when you think you are making progress, he goes and gets himself a girlfriend. She will then take credit for everything you have accomplished over the years. If you are lucky enough, you will live long enough for him to thank you for the careful training you are giving him - allowing him to live long enough to finally actually DATE that girl! )
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