I would think the Styrofoam would work better than the tarps, as the tarps would sink during a rain event wouldn't they?
Side thought, you'll have to make sure that algae will grow on that Styrofoam finish - I wouldn't think it'd be a problem but just a thought.
Are you securing them so they don't drift all over? I believe I read on a previous post that the spawning substrate works better if it's secured.