Foam or Other Material for Sound Insulation of Stand

[The Mule]

Can anyone here recommend a material that I can use to serve as sound proofing for my large aquarium's stand? This would be mostly just to dampen the sound of the water splashing in the sump, etc. I was thinking Neoprene or something like that. Something with a peel and stick option would be nice. Anyone?

 

[M1A1]

Can you not eliminate the splashing? Or is it a drip tray or wet/dry sump situation?

My go-to for noise is Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) which you can usually find in sheets or rolls at home improvement stores.

 

[The Mule]

It's more just the rushing sound of the water than actual splashing. I'll check out MLV. So you'd go that route over closed cell egg crate foam?

 

[M1A1]

Yeah the heavier material means it affects a larger frequency range and attenuates (reduces) the sound more than foam. The downside is it's more expensive.

 

[The Mule]

Yeah the heavier material means it affects a larger frequency range and attenuates (reduces) the sound more than foam. The downside is it's more expensive.

Got it. Will shop around for some. I assume you'd use staples for installation? Or is there an adhesive option? I'll look into that... Thanks!

 

[M1A1]

The MLV manufacturer will usually include fastener or adhesive recommendations. Adhesives should work on most products and I've used both roll-on contact cement as well as spray-on adhesive (e.g. 3M super 77). For fasteners, those roofing screws with the big washers or DIY your own with drywall screws and washers or plastic scraps. Adhesive usually works for like 95% and then just a couple screws in key places to hold corners or cutouts in place.

 

[The Mule]

Cool - thanks very much. I did find a peel and stick option, but I also have some 3M spray adhesive in the garage so may go that route too.

 

[abdulrehma]

Thank you!