strange question and safety concerns

bamse · 02/19/2010, 05:10 PM

This might be a weird question for a SW reef forum, but it is a real safety concern of mine.

I plan to start an aquarium, and I am not sure how I can accommodate this and the cat that currently "owns" the apartment.

My worries are mainly about the tank canopy, which will need to be sturdy and stable, so it does not swing aside or allow access to the water below.

Any suggestions of how I can still keep some ventilation going and stop the cat from reaching below? (no, I will probably fail to keep the cat away from the tank

; I'm already calculating the weight of the tank considering also the weight of the cat sitting on top of it)

Any other concerns about owning both a cat and an aquarium tank, from a fish point of view?

Thank you.

fstar25 · 02/19/2010, 05:15 PM

i got a biocube because of the closed top design. i dif this because if ny cats. they sit on top of it all the time. good luck

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

IridescentLily · 02/19/2010, 05:25 PM

I have the same concern...and I planned on a rimless tank with lights on hangers. I have ALOT of anxiety about this.
Though I had a sw tank and a cat previously and it was no problem. That cat was normal. This cat I have now is crazy.
*throws hands up*

ctrl+f · 02/19/2010, 07:00 PM

I don't know what kind of canopy you're planning, but you may have some luck with one of those Ssscat compressed air things, a scat mat around the base of the tank, or double-sided tape. I've used all of those with success to keep the cats away from things in the house.

Here's a link to the Ssscat, and scat mats are like this. You should be able to find them at any pet store.

Chiefsurfer · 02/19/2010, 07:55 PM

Ehhh, if you build your canopy out of entirely hard-wood(oak, poplar, cherry, etc.) although EXTREMELY expensive, it would be so heavy you could fling your cat straight at the tank from 20 ft away and I don't think the canopy would budge.

If you were to get/make a canopy for your tank, which I am assuming you will. You could either make a very long piece of trim that goes further down than normal ones. The "edge" would do down like 1/2", well get one that goes down 1". If it fits with a little "wiggle" room, then you can use the can-type spray foam and make it fit TIGHT. I can't really make a reference, but with it being MUCH tighter of a fit, the tightness of the fit will hold the canopy onto the tank.

thetonyage · 02/19/2010, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefsurfer

Ehhh, if you build your canopy out of entirely hard-wood(oak, poplar, cherry, etc.) although EXTREMELY expensive, it would be so heavy you could fling your cat straight at the tank from 20 ft away and I don't think the canopy would budge.

my thoughts exactly

Aquarist007 · 02/19/2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fstar25

i got a biocube because of the closed top design. i dif this because if ny cats. they sit on top of it all the time. good luck

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

+1 on this post---the biocube or the aquapod would be a great solution here

Shane Hoffman · 02/19/2010, 09:24 PM

I have an open top 150 and owned 3 different cats. None of them ever showed much interest in the fish. (unless one went carpet surfing)

Chris27 · 02/19/2010, 09:34 PM

I have a canopy with a MH fixture inside, I just run a couple of small fans inside to bring cold air in and hot air out. I have 8 cats, and they all fight over who gets to sleep on top of the canopy. Yesterday, I opened the canopy for about 1 min, and sure enough, a cat jumped in the tank again, luckily cats are fast enough that they can walk on water. No matter what canopy you have, if it's made out of wood, it'll hold a cat....

Here is a pic of mine a few months ago, sorry no cat in the pic:

Chiefsurfer · 02/19/2010, 11:07 PM

I agree it will be able to support, what I believe he is concerned with is side-ward momentum shifting it side-to-side. Nice tank and stand BTW.

lordofthereef · 02/20/2010, 12:15 AM

Any standard wooden canopy would be fine IMO/ Just make it fully enclosed and add a couple computer fans for ventilation.

roneil · 02/20/2010, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn_hylinur

+1 on this post---the biocube or the aquapod would be a great solution here

+2

dots · 02/20/2010, 04:36 AM

I found mine liked to sit on the canopy for the warmth.

billdogg · 02/20/2010, 06:37 AM

I have had both open top and canopied tanks, along with cats for a very long time. Most cats like to watch the fish. One of mine liked to go fishing....until he met MR HAND, and learned all about lateral acceleration and gravity. after that, no more fishing. as far as the added weight goes, unless we are talking about a full grown lion, it will make no difference whatsoever. As far as cooling goes, a couple computer fans blowing in will work just fine. (if the are trying to suck air out, the salt will corrode them quickly.)

insane · 02/20/2010, 07:27 AM

My 2 cats never bother my open top 180g or the 55g sump sitting behind it.

Give cats better places to hang out in that room and they will stay off of the tank. The higher up a cat can get, the more they like it. Give the cat a tall cat tree, the tops of tall book cases or stable shelves attached to walls that are higher than the top of the canopy on the tank. It will choose to stay up on the higher platform. A bed on the highest platform would help too. Imagine crazy cat people that have their houses built for their cats.

or

A scat matt placed on top of the canopy. Just put the cat up on it once and it will avoid that area.

DaveAngie79 · 02/20/2010, 03:38 PM

i have 2 tanks and 3 cats one tank has a canopy that they lay on never bother anything
the other tank is an open top with pendant they never bother

Sk8r · 02/20/2010, 04:24 PM

I've had cats and tanks all my life and never had a problem. My cats ignore the tank entirely. But if all else fails, get some lighting grid from Lowes and make a lid from it that you can set your lights on. Even a 20 lb cat isn't going to break that. With a little duct tape, they aren't going to pry it up, either.

mike810 · 02/23/2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefsurfer

Ehhh, if you build your canopy out of entirely hard-wood(oak, poplar, cherry, etc.) although EXTREMELY expensive, it would be so heavy you could fling your cat straight at the tank from 20 ft away and I don't think the canopy would budge.

That is just too funny. I have two cats and a open top. My cats never once tried to jump up to the tank. The only thing they would do is sit by the tank and look up at it or if i happen to leave my water bucket close by. they'll sit on that to get a better view. Other then that, I've never had a problem with my cat and tank. But I can tell you now, there will be lots of cat hair inside your tank.

02/19/2010, 05:10 PM	#1
bamse Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Philadelphia, PA Posts: 119	strange question and safety concerns This might be a weird question for a SW reef forum, but it is a real safety concern of mine. I plan to start an aquarium, and I am not sure how I can accommodate this and the cat that currently "owns" the apartment. My worries are mainly about the tank canopy, which will need to be sturdy and stable, so it does not swing aside or allow access to the water below. Any suggestions of how I can still keep some ventilation going and stop the cat from reaching below? (no, I will probably fail to keep the cat away from the tank ; I'm already calculating the weight of the tank considering also the weight of the cat sitting on top of it) Any other concerns about owning both a cat and an aquarium tank, from a fish point of view? Thank you.

02/19/2010, 05:15 PM	#2
fstar25 Getting there Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Friendswood, Tx Posts: 884	Re: strange question and safety concerns i got a biocube because of the closed top design. i dif this because if ny cats. they sit on top of it all the time. good luck Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk __________________ The only thing I know for sure is nothing! Carrie, why do you want someone in need to die? -iCam Current Tank Info: 29G BioCube with LED lighting, media basket, fuge (chamber 2), MJ1200 return pump, K nano & K 1 power heads, 32# LR, ~2" SB

02/19/2010, 05:25 PM	#3
IridescentLily Editor-Reefkeeping mag Join Date: May 2008 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 3,858 Blog Entries: 5	I have the same concern...and I planned on a rimless tank with lights on hangers. I have ALOT of anxiety about this. Though I had a sw tank and a cat previously and it was no problem. That cat was normal. This cat I have now is crazy. throws hands up __________________ ~April Editor-Reefkeeping Magazine

02/19/2010, 07:55 PM	#5
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	Ehhh, if you build your canopy out of entirely hard-wood(oak, poplar, cherry, etc.) although EXTREMELY expensive, it would be so heavy you could fling your cat straight at the tank from 20 ft away and I don't think the canopy would budge. If you were to get/make a canopy for your tank, which I am assuming you will. You could either make a very long piece of trim that goes further down than normal ones. The "edge" would do down like 1/2", well get one that goes down 1". If it fits with a little "wiggle" room, then you can use the can-type spray foam and make it fit TIGHT. I can't really make a reference, but with it being MUCH tighter of a fit, the tightness of the fit will hold the canopy onto the tank. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank Last edited by Chiefsurfer; 02/19/2010 at 08:02 PM.

02/19/2010, 09:24 PM	#8
Shane Hoffman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: 45 mins from Chicago Posts: 2,009	I have an open top 150 and owned 3 different cats. None of them ever showed much interest in the fish. (unless one went carpet surfing) __________________ A wise man once said "Never play leap frog with a unicorn" Current Tank Info: 150 gallon glass with 20 gallon sump, 175lbs of coraline covered live rock, EuroReef skimmer rated for 250gal, 25watt Aqua UV sterilizer, Fluval FX5, Hamilton 3x250watt MH, 160 watt Blue actinic....Mixed reef

02/19/2010, 07:00 PM	#4
ctrl+f Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 174	I don't know what kind of canopy you're planning, but you may have some luck with one of those Ssscat compressed air things, a scat mat around the base of the tank, or double-sided tape. I've used all of those with success to keep the cats away from things in the house. Here's a link to the Ssscat, and scat mats are like this. You should be able to find them at any pet store.

02/19/2010, 09:34 PM	#9
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	I have a canopy with a MH fixture inside, I just run a couple of small fans inside to bring cold air in and hot air out. I have 8 cats, and they all fight over who gets to sleep on top of the canopy. Yesterday, I opened the canopy for about 1 min, and sure enough, a cat jumped in the tank again, luckily cats are fast enough that they can walk on water. No matter what canopy you have, if it's made out of wood, it'll hold a cat.... Here is a pic of mine a few months ago, sorry no cat in the pic:

02/19/2010, 11:07 PM	#10
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	I agree it will be able to support, what I believe he is concerned with is side-ward momentum shifting it side-to-side. Nice tank and stand BTW. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

02/20/2010, 12:15 AM	#11
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	Any standard wooden canopy would be fine IMO/ Just make it fully enclosed and add a couple computer fans for ventilation. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

02/20/2010, 04:36 AM	#13
dots Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 6,258	I found mine liked to sit on the canopy for the warmth. __________________ ~Doug

02/20/2010, 06:37 AM	#14
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I have had both open top and canopied tanks, along with cats for a very long time. Most cats like to watch the fish. One of mine liked to go fishing....until he met MR HAND, and learned all about lateral acceleration and gravity. after that, no more fishing. as far as the added weight goes, unless we are talking about a full grown lion, it will make no difference whatsoever. As far as cooling goes, a couple computer fans blowing in will work just fine. (if the are trying to suck air out, the salt will corrode them quickly.) __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

02/20/2010, 07:27 AM	#15
insane Moved On Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: under your bed Posts: 771 Blog Entries: 7	My 2 cats never bother my open top 180g or the 55g sump sitting behind it. Give cats better places to hang out in that room and they will stay off of the tank. The higher up a cat can get, the more they like it. Give the cat a tall cat tree, the tops of tall book cases or stable shelves attached to walls that are higher than the top of the canopy on the tank. It will choose to stay up on the higher platform. A bed on the highest platform would help too. Imagine crazy cat people that have their houses built for their cats. or A scat matt placed on top of the canopy. Just put the cat up on it once and it will avoid that area.

02/20/2010, 03:38 PM	#16
DaveAngie79 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Greenwood, IN Posts: 662	i have 2 tanks and 3 cats one tank has a canopy that they lay on never bother anything the other tank is an open top with pendant they never bother

02/20/2010, 04:24 PM	#17
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I've had cats and tanks all my life and never had a problem. My cats ignore the tank entirely. But if all else fails, get some lighting grid from Lowes and make a lid from it that you can set your lights on. Even a 20 lb cat isn't going to break that. With a little duct tape, they aren't going to pry it up, either. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.