Fish Tank Location

[Astronomiii]

Hi,

I set up a fish tank for the school, however In the middle of putting in the substrate, my teacher was concerned on how if the loud sounds of kids will disturb. I was reflecting this and was wondering what your opinions were on this, there are kids talking and playing ping pong from 30 feet behind. Attached is a picture of the fish tank next to me, with the kids behind me, should I relocate the tank, or will this location be fine?

 

[itiwhetu]

If it is just ping pong it should be fine. If it is loud music with one of those sub-woofer thingies' not so good.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Hi,

I set up a fish tank for the school, however In the middle of putting in the substrate, my teacher was concerned on how if the loud sounds of kids will disturb. I was reflecting this and was wondering what your opinions were on this, there are kids talking and playing ping pong from 30 feet behind. Attached is a picture of the fish tank next to me, with the kids behind me, should I relocate the tank, or will this location be fine?

I used to play drums in my bedroom with all my tanks in there, and it never bothered them. I’m sure the fish will be fine from the sound.

The constant motion does concern me though, because some fish are skittish. What are your stocking plans?

 

[Byron]

Fish hearing is much more sensitive than our own, and this is worth keeping in mind when siting a fish tank. Sounds travel faster in water than air. I recall reading an article in TFH or somewhere, mentioning that fish can hear the water running in the plumbing inside the wall, something I cannot hear. I have many times been sitting quietly in front of a tank when someone across the street closes a car door, and the fish in the tank all jump.

Fish rely heavily on the sensory reception of sound, which in water manifests itself as pressure waves. They have a very sensitive "lateral line" system that is tuned to ignore background noise and picks up unusual low frequency sounds vibrating at 1/10 to 200 herz. Fish also have an inner ear, which picks up higher frequency sound (up to 8000 herz). In some fish species, the inner ear system is highly developed, with the swimbladder acting as a receiver and amplifier for sounds that are passed to the inner ear by means of a series of connecting bones (the Weberian ossicles).

Sense receptors within the inner ear and in closely related structures also enable fish to orientate themselves in three dimensions within the aquatic environment. The otoliths (ear bones) register "tilt" of the head and respond to linear acceleration, while movement of fluid within the semicircular canals triggers receptors that register turning.

All of this says that loud extraneous noise will startle fish, and it could lead to stress--and stress results in 90% of all aquarium fish disease.

 

[Astronomiii]

I used to play drums in my bedroom with all my tanks in there, and it never bothered them. I’m sure the fish will be fine from the sound.

The constant motion does concern me though, because some fish are skittish. What are your stocking plans?

Rummy Nose Tetra, Rainbow Shark, Rainbowfish/Gourami/Angelfish

 

[Astronomiii]

Fish hearing is much more sensitive than our own, and this is worth keeping in mind when siting a fish tank. Sounds travel faster in water than air. I recall reading an article in TFH or somewhere, mentioning that fish can hear the water running in the plumbing inside the wall, something I cannot hear. I have many times been sitting quietly in front of a tank when someone across the street closes a car door, and the fish in the tank all jump.

Fish rely heavily on the sensory reception of sound, which in water manifests itself as pressure waves. They have a very sensitive "lateral line" system that is tuned to ignore background noise and picks up unusual low frequency sounds vibrating at 1/10 to 200 herz. Fish also have an inner ear, which picks up higher frequency sound (up to 8000 herz). In some fish species, the inner ear system is highly developed, with the swimbladder acting as a receiver and amplifier for sounds that are passed to the inner ear by means of a series of connecting bones (the Weberian ossicles).

Sense receptors within the inner ear and in closely related structures also enable fish to orientate themselves in three dimensions within the aquatic environment. The otoliths (ear bones) register "tilt" of the head and respond to linear acceleration, while movement of fluid within the semicircular canals triggers receptors that register turning.

All of this says that loud extraneous noise will startle fish, and it could lead to stress--and stress results in 90% of all aquarium fish disease.

So based on the picture, would it be reasonable to move the fish tank? Or would it be fine to keep it there

 

[itiwhetu]

Interesting selection of fish. I would of thought the rummies would do better in a more peaceful location

 

[Astronomiii]

If it is just ping pong it should be fine. If it is loud music with one of those sub-woofer thingies' not so good.

What I am concered about are the younger kids jumping/yelling etc.

 

[Uberhoust]

Almost any tetra I have had wouldn't like to have that much noise and activity around. The Angels I have would be ok with the location, they would spend the majority of their day watching the people playing hoping someone comes over to feed them. In regards to noise in the tank you might want to consider more the floor vibration. Is the flooring a cement or solid substructure or is it built on some elevated wood frame. Vibration from the table tennis could affect the fish more than the noise. The fish tank is likely to reflect more sound than it absorbs the result being it is more quiet in the tank, but floor vibration and noise transmission from the floor to the tank could be significant and cause more stress to the fish.

 

[Byron]

So based on the picture, would it be reasonable to move the fish tank? Or would it be fine to keep it there

Let me answer this by saying that I would not allow my fish to be in that situation. I have been fortunate to have a dedicated fish room for 20 years now, and that allows a better environment for my fishies. In a school situation, I would suggest the science room might be a better option, as it would be quieter (unless someone in chemistry explodes the place!!).

 

[itiwhetu]

When I looked after the school aquariums, they were always in the science labs. Aquariums in uncontrolled open spaces are always going to be a problem.
One problem how are you going to make sure one of the kids doesn't feed the fish his hamburger,.......and the list goes on.

 

[PheonixKingZ]

What I am concered about are the younger kids jumping/yelling etc.

Will the tank be constantly monitored? If not, kids being kids, will try something stupid and pour something in the tank.

 

[Sgooosh]

When I looked after the school aquariums, they were always in the science labs. Aquariums in uncontrolled open spaces are always going to be a problem.
One problem how are you going to make sure one of the kids doesn't feed the fish his hamburger,.......and the list goes on.

uh oh.......
at our school they had a fish bowl. got a goldfish, dide the next day because it "ate one too many rocks"
then they got a betta, and died the week after SMH