Do you have a fish tank that you love, but when things get a little too quiet all you can hear is the waterfall noise from your fish tank waterfall? If this is the case I understand how nerve-racking that can be. I have found some great ways to mute that annoying drip and allow you to have a good night’s rest.
To reduce a fishtank waterfall noise build a soundproof shelf to keep the waterfall noises contained. Another option is to create a smooth surface for the waterfall to go down. Finally having something that will cushion the waterfall will help reduce the sound.
Overall, there are several different ways to fix the waterfall sound of a fish tank. Each option involves a little bit of handy work, but they are all super easy projects. Read on to learn better how to reduce the waterfall noise in your fish tank.
Air Bubbles
Adding in a system that produces air bubbles is a way to reduce waterfall noises in your fish tank. This may not seem like a good option, while in reality, it is a great option. This is one of the more common and practical ways to reduce waterfall noise in a fish tank.
How does this work, though? When your filter water hits the surface of the water it is going to bounce against a hard unmoving water surface.
This surface has to give way to make room for the new water to come in due to the gravitational force. This is what causes the waterfall noise.
If you get an air pump you are adding pockets of air into your tank. These air pockets will leak through quietly when the water from your filter hits the surface and this will cause the sound of the water landing on the surface to be a lot quieter.
You can find air pumps to put in your tank at most pet stores and definitely online. Air pumps are a lot quieter than waterfall noises. It also looks very pretty in your tank as well.
Smooth Surface
Another option is to build a smooth surface for your water to roll down on. You have seen those hotel waterfalls that have the constant flow of water down a cold stone wall.
You can see its beauty, but they do not make any noise, so it is not distracting or annoying. You can do the same thing with your fish tank.
There are several ways you can create something like that. For instance, you can use rocks or marble if you are really fancy. A cheap and easy way to make a smooth surface for the water to roll down is using vinyl.
It is not the most beautiful option, but vinyl has a great material that water rolls down and it is flexible. This means that you can shape the vinyl however you need to make your waterfall as quiet as possible.
Whatever you use make sure that it will not bother your fish or the water. Make sure that no other chemicals that could be harmful to your fish are going to be on your smooth surface.
Overall, when you are installing your smooth surface be aware what you are wanting is to let your water pour into the fish bowl instead of splashing your water in. Therefore you are going to want a little bit of a slope on your smooth surface.
Cushion
Another option is to add a cushion to your water so it is not falling in. The best and most obvious option is a sponge.
You want your water to fall on the sponge which will then slowly release the water into the tank, which will make as loud of a waterfall sound. You can attach this to where the water is pouring out if you want.
You will need to use some cable ties to put the sponge in a place where it can catch the water consistently. This will make the waterfall out like a stream instead of like a heavy waterfall, which is a much more desirable sound.
You can find sponges online for less than a dollar, which is what makes this option the most cost-efficient option.
The other option involves buying more heavy-duty materials, but tying a sponge onto your fish tank is going to cost you less than $5. Therefore if you are on a budget this might be the option you want to explore the most.
Sound Baffles
Now, this is the more heavy-duty option. You are going to build a sound baffle that blocks the sound of water falling. What you are going to need to do is to build a frame from lumber that completely covers the full length of your fish tank with a little bit of room to allow some insulation to be placed in.
Once you have built your frame you are going to put in a reinforcing bar across the middle to hold your insulation in place.
After you have installed the reinforcement bar you are going to fill the frame with mineral wool insulation. The panels shouldn’t be too far off the side of the frame so feel free to cut them as necessary.
Once you have added the mineral wool wrap the frame with waterproof canvas and staple it down to keep everything in place.
Now, this may seem tedious and non-attractive. It can be done in a very pretty way. Instead of building your own frame, you could potentially use a bookshelf. You can design the frame to fit into your environment.
It can also be used as a stand where you put collectibles on top off. Have fun with this project. The only thing holding you back is your imagination about how it can look in your home.
Overall, though, it will work. The insulation will soak up the energy from the waterfall noise and this will lessen the sound of the waterfall greatly. It is a creative and fun way to fix your waterfall noise problem.
