Soundproofing an aquarium

[mjlewis]

Could anyone provide some guidance on ways to reduce the sound from an aquarium? For those who have lined the interior of their stand, what kind of material did you use?

For reference, I have a 90g glasscages tank with a custom glasscages stand, a 29g acrylic sump in the stand with a mag 9.5 return pump and an octopus skimmer.

I believe most of the sound is coming from the mag and the skimmer pump, both of which are just sitting on the bottom of the sump. I'm not sure what material to use to cushion the pumps to try and reduce some of the vibration. The interior of the stand is pretty humid, since there aren't any exhaust holes from the stand for the humid air to vent. The door to the interior of the stand is pretty tight, so I don't think the sound is just escaping around the door.

Thanks to everyone for their advice in advance!

[tabndust]

if the pumps are external ive put a computer mouse under mine to help with vibation.

ive used the pink foam insulatin used on the outside of house under siding before also. it comes in blue also

[mrwilson]

Tagging along here to see what suggestions people have for you, and for noise reduction in general. My main issue is some gurgling noise from my durso/drain line going down to my sump in my basement.

[mjlewis]

The pumps are in the sump itself, so I need to find something that will dampen the vibration and that can actually sit in the water but won't raise the pumps up too much. I thought about finding some kind of thin sponge, but I wasn't sure if there were more stable or better options that folks have used.

I'd love to find something that doesn't require a lot of maintenance, since it will be a pain to unhook the skimmer pump and the return pump on a frequent basis.

What about a kitchen liner made from rubber? I saw something at Walmart that was quite thin - I think it might have been to line shelves in cabinets. I wasn't sure if it would be saltwater-safe or not.

[szwab]

careful with sponges as most are treated with formaldahyde to prevent mold.

also be careful as the cheaper kinds of rubber will break down in salt water.

[mjlewis]

I read something about using dacron or polyester pads glued to the bottom of in-sump pumps to try and reduce vibration noise.

Has anyone here tried something like that?

[hangles]

Something you might try is buy a package of those replacement suction cups and stick them to the bottom of your pump. if your pump does not have holes in the base you could make a plexy glass base and drill holes in it. it will act like a dampning device

[Reefdiver72]

I put mine on egg crate back when I had one like that and it worked pretty well.

[szwab]

just thought of this one:
place it on some plastic tubing (your choice in size) or silicone air tube.

[funkyman]

I used rubber excercise mat that I found at Marc's for less than $1 a roll.

[jh2pizza]

Mouse pads work great under pumps as well.

[szwab]

Originally posted by jh2pizza
Mouse pads work great under pumps as well.

i would be cautios though since the pump is in sump.

[okkiedokki]

Originally posted by Reefdiver72
I put mine on egg crate back when I had one like that and it worked pretty well.

I second that, mine is on egg crate and I don't hear it at all.

[jh2pizza]

i would be cautios though since the pump is in sump.

Ooops, good catch Mark. I thought I read an external pump. My bad.

[mike660r]

Dang... if you guys are that concerned about tank noise. Don't ever get a large system.

I think Marks idea would be the cheapest and most effective method. I would carefully slice out a section of 1" or 3/4" hose length wise to make it look like a C. That would keep the hose from rolling. Since you have a MAG 9.5 you would make two pieces about 6" long and set the pump on them and see if that clears up some of the vibration.

Or better yet, zip tie the hose feet to the bottom a piece of egg crate.


Cheap but effective