metaframe tanks

[whirlcool]

I agree, it's work, but they are so calming to look at.

You are absolutely correct. This has been proven scientifically too. That's why you'll see aquariums in places like hospital waiting rooms, doctors offices, etc. I've even see them in auto dealers service center waiting rooms before. They can be used anywhere people are likely to be stressed out or have anxiety issues.

 

[hydralique]

"<a name="start_48462.703126">They can be used anywhere people are likely to be stressed out or have anxiety issues"</a>

 

Guess I need to figure out how to put one in my car for days like yesterday when I have to drive the 405 through the Westside.

 

[petek]

I got rid of my 33 gal tank when we moved here back in 06 but I  kept my Fluval 303 canister filter just in case. The last time I had set it up i used a few of those 10 cent feeder goldfish to  start the cycling of the water. Well they kept growing and growing turning into beautiful goldfish. I also had a beautiful pearlscale Oranda.  I think if I get another tank I'll just get a couple of those Orandas again...  They almost become tame. 

 

 

[tomturbomatic]

I have read through a few hobbyist magazines and all of the different things that are now known about water chemistry are very challenging. All of the equipment and products that are used now make it seem very hard to have an aquarium. I liked to raise the plants. Does anyone remember the Madagascar Lace Plant or those funny things with the bananas under the leaves or Cobomba or Ananacharis? I used to grow water sprite in my tanks, moving it to taller and taller tanks before I sold it to the pet store. I still remember the soothing sounds of the water flowing from the outside filters back into the tanks and the soft lighting from the fluorescent lights shining through the water.

I remember when they developed Cardinal Tetras and how much more colorful they were than Neons. As I have aged, I have come to realize that everything deserves its freedom and while aquarium fish are generally pretty much safer than their relatives in the wild, I still wonder if I am causing them discomfort with water quality or light or noise.

 

[cfz2882]

hexagon tanks

I remember tall,hexagon shaped tanks were popular in the early '80s-one setup I saw in a pet store back then was two hexagon tanks joined with two plexiglass tubes so fish could swim between the two tanks.

 

[petek]

I don't think it's a dying hobby at all and just the opposite. There's more stuff available out there than ever.  Remember when just about everything was Hartz Mountain or ?   Now there's 5 or 6 suppliers some even from Europe etc selling pumps, tanks, you name it. 

 

[tomturbomatic]

In major cities, you can contract with a maintenance service that sends a tech around once a week or so to make sure everything is doing well. They clean and treat and sort of eliminate all of the responsibilities of aquarium ownership except for the payments.

About the dog: We had a collie in the 50s that mostly stayed outside. When we brought him in though, he would lunge, nose first at the front of the smaller tank under the 10 gallon where he could see fish swimming. I did not know that dogs were that attracted to fish.

 

[whirlcool]

I remember tall,hexagon shaped tanks were popular in the early '80s-one setup I saw in a pet store back then was two hexagon tanks joined with two plexiglass tubes so fish could swim between the two tanks.

I remember those. I think they were made of plexiglass.

About the dog: We had a collie in the 50s that mostly stayed outside. When we brought him in though, he would lunge, nose first at the front of the smaller tank under the 10 gallon where he could see fish swimming. I did not know that dogs were that attracted to fish.

Yes, that's exactly what out Buddy does when he see's fish moving in the tank. I think it's the movement of the fish that gets him going. One time we were in a PetSmart and I kept him back from the fish tanks. He started making all these strange sounds at the fish, like he was talking to them.

In our home aquarium when I was growing up we had Discus fish. When you walked across the room they would follow your direction.

I remember reading something about modern aquarium care that recommended you change out 1/2 the water in the tank weekly. In a large tank that would definitely be cumbersome. It's supposed to help eliminate the ammonia and nitrates in the water.

 

[epixstar128]

Na i change one third of my water once a month and dont have any issues. That fish in the photo is nearly five years old.
The real hard tanks to keep are saltwater tanks.
I have a 30 gallon saltwater that takes alot more maintenance and money.
I have five metaframes in my garage waiting to be used all sizes.

 

[frontaloadotmy]

I'm not sure that mine

are all Metaframes, but I have at least five. No slate bottoms. I think the biggest
one I have must be an 80 gal. Not all have hoods/reflecters. I tend to buy them when I have the money. I have a few vintage pumps and filters; not sure of the brands.
I expect to get some of them up and running when I "retire" . . . .