The Quest for a Quiet Reef Tank

[aznt1217]

We all know we want one. We all know our companions (friends, family, spouse, etc.) want us to have one of these. It is the worst thing to hear waterfalls or pumps operating when watching a silent scene in a movie. I think this is one of the good things about having a RedSeaMax or one of those All in Ones-- less noise.

So the question is... how does one obtain a quiet reef tank? I want to try to reduce the noise on my tank so that I can only hear the faint trickles on my overflow.

Currently I have a set up that consist of the following. Fortunately, I do not have a light that has a fan.

The Noise Makers
- Rio 1700 Return Pump
- Aqua C Remora Skimmer w/ Maxi Jet 1200
- Mini Jet 404 for Denitrator
- Koralia 1 and 2 (These are very quiet and do not pose a problem)
- Built in Overflow box in 54 Gallon Corner Tank

The Quiet Modifications
- I have 2 Bags of Chemipure over the Return pump to prevent vibration, as well as a pad under the return pump to avoid vibration in the sump
- Piece of foam that came with a Seaclown skimmer on the Maxi Jet so that when the Aqua C Remora returns water it doesn't splash.
- Durso Pipe in the Overflow which significantly reduces noise in the overflow

The Potential Solutions
- I have heard many things about quieting the drain that goes into the sump and need some clarification. I want the way that requires the least maintenance so I doubt filter floss is in my best interest.

I have heard that drilling a hole and putting air line tubing in the drain can substantially decrease noise. Does anybody have a picture of this set up? -- not sure how it works on the physics end of things.

- I will be trying this modification on the MaxiJet, to decrease the air sucking noise.

- Dynamatting the Stand. I do not know if anybody has tried this before. But I was thinking of Dynamating the stand.

Dynamat is a product used on Cars to decrease sound "spillage" and vibration to create richer and deeper tones/bass. I think if I somehow put a few sheets inside the stand (the door, and the back where there is an openening) I can decrease sound substantially.

Any thoughts/input? If you have quiet set ups please post pictures up and share your knowledge!!! :splitspin :duh:

 

[MatthewScars]

My NEP light fans are pretty loud. That on top of the Vortech 40W running, it seems useless to dull the other noise in my set up.

I dont have any noise in my AGA Mega overflow. Maybe im lucky, but ive tried that air tube down the drain in my old 55 to kill the noise and it didnt work. Not saying it cant work, just not for me. I did it using a DIY thread on RC.

Also, what DID work is if you stuff some foam or something to sort of 'seal off' the top of the over flow. It cuts the noise down a lot.

I also put my Ehiem 1260 on a little peice of foam in my return section of the sump, and it runs silent now. All other sump noise is kill by my oak stand doors.

Sorry I cant speak for Maxi/Rios, I dont own any. Just a maxi 900 for a carbon reactor (maxi gets clogged constantly).

 

[aznt1217]

Where did you place the foam in the overflow, I don't want it to clog any detritus.

 

[MatthewScars]

It was like 2 years ago so. I just kinda of stuffed it in without it obstructing the return flow and put a peice of wood (ghetto, i know) over the top of the over flow.

 

[aznt1217]

Hmmm.... Everything is covered already. Other reefers say that my set up is very quiet but I am not quite satisfied haha.

Not sure what the wood on top of the overflow meant (your tank was open top and you covered the back?).

 

[MatthewScars]

ya

 

[aznt1217]

No other thoughts except Matt's? :splitspin

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Impossible, there will always be some noise.

 

[BZOFIQ]

here is a little DIY on making your light fixture quiet, it can be modified to fix pretty much any fixture. I used it on Current Nova Extreme Pro and its been a year with no problems to report.

http://www.bderen.com/DIY/

 

[MatthewScars]

here is a little DIY on making your light fixture quiet, it can be modified to fix pretty much any fixture. I used it on Current Nova Extreme Pro and its been a year with no problems to report.

http://www.bderen.com/DIY/

Awesome link. thanks.

 

[BZOFIQ]

No broblem, I figured a lot of people probably bought this fixture so I did a little DIY instructible. Man, the difference is unbelievable. Enjoy

 

[aznt1217]

Does anybody have any input on dynamatting?

 

[BZOFIQ]

^^^ dynamat (or similar materials) only work for specific frequencies and are meant to prevent pannels from resonating. It is not an accoustic absorber like some foams might be.

Years ago I dynamated and entire case of a computer thinking it would make it quieter and while the noise hasn't changed at all, the pc was extremely heavy to pick up.

I'd skip this as a solution.

 

[Marteen]

Why not just get an accoustic absorber? You can order sound absorbing panels online for relatively cheap. You probably should just figure out what part of your equipment is making the most noise and work it out one piece at a time.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Problem with accoustic foams is that they also act as an insulator. Putting it all along the stand will also cause heat to accumulate and while there will be less noise, the tank inhabitants may not appreciate the extra heat.

 

[aznt1217]

Interesting. Yea I am not 100% sure what the noise is.... from my understanding it could just be me chasing a unicorn because I want a crazy amount of silence.

More ideas!!!

I will be trying that Remora mod tonight!!! I'll keep all of you posted

 

[Marteen]

Problem with accoustic foams is that they also act as an insulator. Putting it all along the stand will also cause heat to accumulate and while there will be less noise, the tank inhabitants may not appreciate the extra heat.

Yeah you would need to add some kind of ventilation if you insulated your stand. you can get some pretty silent 120mm computer fans. The bigger the fan the more air pushed and usually the quieter.

 

[aznt1217]

Hey guys, with my new tank.... it's safe to say mission accomplished .

I put in rubber mats on the floor of the sump. My MSX160 Skimmer sits on 1/2 inch rubber mats and so does my Mag7 return pump. The Vortech mp20 is pretty quiet except for when it winds up to pump out maximum flow, but the noise is so minimal. My drain noise is bening shielded as well.

 

[FocusReefing]

Sorry, Just so I understand... by "rubber mats on the floor of the sump", you mean inside the actual sump? like in water?

 

[aznt1217]

yeap in the water.