Rain simulation

[esoxlucius]

This isn't something i'm planning on doing so it's not a DIY thread as such, just more of an idea at the minute, though that could change. It's not a subject that seems to come up much, in fact i've yet to see a thread in my time here addressing it.

That is, simulating rain in an aquarium. The DIY'er in me wants to have a go at this because it would be so easy to do. A powerhead hidden in the back corner near the surface. The outlet of the powerhead would be just above the surface, and the intake just under the surface to suck water in. Then it would just be a simple case of using a network of rigid pvc small diameter tubing (which obviously has to fit your powerhead outlet) with plenty of elbows/joints. Small holes drilled in the pvc tubing at regular intervals and that would be it really. Where your pvc network ends you'd cap it off.

The whole "framework" would be attached to the underside of your bracing using zip ties. Put your powerhead on a timer and have it coming on intermittently during the day for 10 minutes at a time maybe. The simulation of rain would be very novel for the fish, very natural, and not to mention a great way to further oxygenate the water. Would it even promote breeding behaviour in some species?

I suppose it would be just like having a huge spray bar that covers the whole surface, and if your powerhead was variable speed you could have a shower or a torrential downpour.

I'd be interested to hear any thoughts on this, has anybody tinkered with such a system?

 

[fishdance]

If trying to induce breeding is your main driver then you can obtain better results by boosting dissolved oxygen (I use a reactor chamber and O2 cylinder) or dropping water temperature, either with an aquarium chiller or bags of party ice.

The trick even with using your spray bar idea is to use it when you want to promote a change, don't run it everyday.

Depending on what your trying to breed, mixing in some dissolved mud the night before for a dawn spawning also be beneficial.

 

[BIG-G]

When breeding corydoras I feed them heavy for a couple days adding some meaty type foods. Then do a couple cooler water changes to drop the temperature of the tank a few degrees. That’s usually all it takes.
I suppose this simulates rainy season in their natural habitat.
Never thought to make it resemble actual rain on the surface though.