BryceM

Over the past month or so, I've developed a new waterchange system for my 2.2g and 46g tanks.

The 2.2g nano sits in the bathroom and is open-topped. It currently houses a pair of white cloud minnows. Both of our cats are now using this as their exclusive water source. Every morning they tank up, which drops the level of the water a couple inches. The splashing sound from the little HOB filter is annoying and I refill the nano from the 46g tank.

Once the level of water in the 46g tank gets down far enough that it starts splashing, it's my cue to do a trim and a 25% WC. I don't know what I'll do if the cats go back to drinking from the "cistern of everlasting replenishment" (aka the toilet).

Stupid animals. The funny thing is that they aren't the slightest bit interested in the white clouds.

DonaldmBoyer

I don't think cats are stupid. We have three in our house, and they are very cute and surprisingly smart. They can just be a little irritating at times.

Well, they provide you with a reminder to do your tank responsibilities; otherwise, you may forget. Of course, if you REALLY hated it, Bryce, I'm sure that you would have come up with making some sort of top out of polycarbonate or something to that aim.

Frankly, drinking out of the toilet is more disgusting than out of the fish tank, IMO.

hooha

lol, that's what my brother's cat did with the pico tank I made for him - used it as the water bowl. They tried putting 'double-sided' tape around the tank, on the rim of the tank, couldn't get him to stop. Eventually I think they gave in and did 'Top-offs' when the water level dropped - so the cat could get water though, not to keep the tank filled

brion0

Toilets are cleaner than fish tanks, learned that for the PBS kids show Ruff Ruffman. You change the water in the toilet often, an use aggresive cleaners on them you wouldent let near your tank.

As far as cats go, Id rather my wifes spent more time outside. Since we moved here he only feels safe on the balcony, an freaks if anyone tries to get him out the front door an down the stairs. Seems to have pent up enegy from staying inside to much.

Tex Gal

I have had new driftwood soaking in a rubbermaid container in my tub for the last 3 weeks. In the same tub I have my cat's food and water. I change her water and refill her food. The tub is dog proof. She had now decided she'd rather drink the stagnant tea stained rubbermaid water than her fresh clean drinking water.

I think they do it just to show us who's boss. From where can cats drink?.... from wherever they want!

cs_gardener

At least your cats aren't leaving wet paw smears all down the front of your tank after taking a drink. I have 2 cats that favor my open top 44 gallon tank as a water source. They have to jump up and balance on the rim to drink and then they guide themselves down the front glass with their forepaws before jumping.

One cat likes the water that crept into one window track because the outside drains got clogged. How yummy! Buggy, dusty, slightly green water. Mmmm, mmm good.

In the summertime I fertilize outdoor potted plants and indoor house plants with fish emulsion fertilizer. Everyone (which includes 6 cats and the dog) tries to drink the water that drains through to the trays.

I don't know why they don't get sick drinking what they do. And why did I bother buying a Drinkwell fountain for the little nutcases?

Nevermore

Cats are great!

Pinto

I know what, trade it in for a different cat .

cs_gardener

I don't think that would do a bit of good, I think all cats are in some way impossible. They'll get you one way or another.

Bunbuku

Maybe its because you keep them well fed so they don't feel the need to "hunt". At least the little critters don't add "nitrogen" to your tank.