Remodeling

thisguyek · Jun 14, 2011

I'm currently renovating my house by myself, and i was just wondering how much (if any) stress it will put on my fish due to the extra noise and activity. I'm also a little bit concerned about all of the dust, but i draped towels over the holes in the back of the hood, so all of the major open spots are taken care of. Don't really have anywhere else to keep them, they're kind of stuck along for the ride...

thisguyek · Jun 15, 2011

anyone have any ideas?

This Old Spouse · Jun 15, 2011

Of course the best thing would be to rehome them while all this is going on, but that's impractical. I think you're probably doing about all you can by draping the tank. All that crud floating around is not good for them or your filters. Anything that's allowed to get to the surface of the water is bad. I'd also increase my water changes to twice as often, just in case.

Are you doing the whole house? I'm doing the same to mine ... a house that started out with no drywall or plaster! It's been an interesting ride so far!

soybean · Jun 15, 2011

If you can't move the tank but need to work around it, at least cover the tank with a quilt, sheet or towels. The dark will keep fish calm, they won't be startled by sudden movements nearby etc. Not sure what work you're doing exactly but a quilt should also protect it from scrapes and bangs, maybe vibrations. I wouldn't have the tank lights on while it's covered to stop it overheating. And give them a break and some peace some of the day.

saz326 · Jun 15, 2011

You could perhaps take advantage of the extra noise etc. Let them associate feeding time with the peak of activities throughout the day. They will soon associate the nasty noises & vibrations with the benefit of food. Even tetra seem to respond to this sort of training.

minnnt · Jun 15, 2011

soybean said:
If you can't move the tank but need to work around it, at least cover the tank with a quilt, sheet or towels. The dark will keep fish calm, they won't be startled by sudden movements nearby etc. Not sure what work you're doing exactly but a quilt should also protect it from scrapes and bangs, maybe vibrations. I wouldn't have the tank lights on while it's covered to stop it overheating. And give them a break and some peace some of the day.

saz326 said:
You could perhaps take advantage of the extra noise etc. Let them associate feeding time with the peak of activities throughout the day. They will soon associate the nasty noises & vibrations with the benefit of food. Even tetra seem to respond to this sort of training.

Brilliant advice. This is what i would do.

Good luck with the house! :good:

thisguyek · Jun 15, 2011

This Old Spouse said:
Of course the best thing would be to rehome them while all this is going on, but that's impractical. I think you're probably doing about all you can by draping the tank. All that crud floating around is not good for them or your filters. Anything that's allowed to get to the surface of the water is bad. I'd also increase my water changes to twice as often, just in case.

Are you doing the whole house? I'm doing the same to mine ... a house that started out with no drywall or plaster! It's been an interesting ride so far!

Yeah were doing the whole house! We're taking it room by room though. Can't wait till it's done! were all kind of crammed in the living room for now! I'm dreading the time when we get to the dining room (which is where it is) dont wanna have to work around/ move it at all!

Anyway, I will keep the blankets in mind (which is what i was thinking when we get to that room) and also increase water changes!

thanks to you who replied!