Foam for Arowana Roof

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daveman12345

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jul 17, 2008
200
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la
Hi guys, I have Arowana's that jump and I don't like them hitting their head against the roof. I'm going to get a foam padding for them and wanted advice. I plan to simply add this foam to the lid/roof of the tank and tying it on using shoelaces. No special glue will be used or anything.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone done this before?
2. Of the two following foams, does either dry faster? The convuluted foam looks like it works best since the Polyethylene I read has chemicals in it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380242463445&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380242463445&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

3. Any overall thoughts?
 
Probably not the best idea, Dave. Condensation from the tank cannot be good for the foam over time, and my guess is it will just end up creating one big mess. What you should do is look into why your aro's are so jumpy. It's pretty common for new fish to be very jumpy, but once they settle in this should not happen often. A few tips:

1. Always keep the water level a few inches below the top.
2. Spend time infront of the tank, getting your aros used to human traffic.
3. Lighting is often a factor. As minimal as possible while still being able to enjoy your fish is ideal.
4. Ensure the aquarium lid is clean, as sometimes aros are attracted to these irregularities
 
Thanks for the tip guys. They usually jump at night when the lights are off. I think the lid cleaning is the best idea. I feel really bad when I hear them thud against the roof though. I figured a cushion of some sort would ease the pain on them. I'll try to clean the roof and we'll see if it improves.
 
I agree with the answer gave, but also it can work if you use foil backed insulation, condesation problem solved with damageing the insulation and helps keep the tank warm.

I have my tank next to a door way into the kitchen so theres always people going through, and i cant help but just stand there watching my fish.



They jump when which lights are off, the tank or room lights?
 
They hop when all the lights are off at night.

When you say "foiled back insulation", do you mean use the insulation and cover it with foil? If the foil tears, I'd imagine water would get between the foil and insulation and would be trapped there?
 
Just picked this one for you to look through mate, there are other makes like KINGSPAN but this one is the same, this link is to ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CELOTEX-CW305...093?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5ad678614d

The foil is a built in condensation barrier so it shouldnt come off unless ripped off.

I use it but just at either end of my tank, i have a 6 foot tank and leave a space of around 2 foot in the middle for a cover glass where i can remove and feed the fish easily. Give a nice effect to for the arrow and rays as it keeps the light down although i only have a 20w light it still gives out to much.
 
AROWANA like light NO DARKNESS ! you can have a DIM light loww watts on overnight, it helps a lot.
 
i wouldnt use polystyrene. maybe you can find sheets of that stuff that they make little rubber poles that kids hit each other with in the swimming pools? its more like a foam rubber material.
it wouldnt degrade. though the droplets from air stones would mean that it would grow biofilm on it. its not just condensation..you could silicon it on in sections, to the bridge piece and to the pieces of lid you remove when feeding/maintenance.

straight glass panels shouldnt present that big a worry but all the corners would if they have edges and where the bracing strips are for holding up the lids. i have had them cause some nasty damage at feeding time.
 
another thing that would be ok is this stuff they use for growing oysters.
or floating oyster mesh and racks.
they make a really durable foam floating material but i dont know if you could source it.
i have never tried to find a supplier but wanted to for years for something else.
its cushion like too and withstands the marine enviro.
i saw it advertised once in austasia aquaculture magazine.
 
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