Vintage Aquarium

[mielabor]

Ohh... stainless frames, very nice. I don't think they existed here at all.

 

[austinado16]

I can tell you that the slate bottom in this tank is a drawback.....at least to me. I know it makes the tank more valuable and rarer, but it's a huge leak liability IMO.

I've read countless times online where people say that silicone won't stick to slate for long, because the slate is pourous and moisture gets in under the silicone and then lifts it. Most recommend siliconing a sheet of glass to it, and then seal the glass to the rest of the glass with silicone. They're apparently bulletproof after that.

That said, I've got a buddy in LA who's got slate bottoms and says he's never done anything other than silicone the corner seams, let 'em bake in the sun for a few days, and they've been perfect after that.

I keep hearing about how clear the water was with these old school filters and it's really making me lean toward firing mine up.

 

[austinado16]

Thought I'd share a photo that a Metaframe collector near Chicago sent me this morning. His entire house is filled with Metaframes, some in use, most on static display. Not the correct light hood for it, but still looks good. Wish I had room to keep the other tank, and set it up like this one.

 

[geextrarinse]

Thanks for the great offer...

but I don't have the room unfortunately or the money at the moment - though it would be very cool to have with my Dynaflo filter. Speaking of my filter - if you have or know of any old Dynaflo's I'd be interested in them as I have a 150 and an older 410 model but I'd love a 310 or 450. Just putting it out there - they are such simple work horses.

If I change my mind I'll let you know!

Matt

 

[austinado16]

The guy with the huge Metaframe collection may have them and I think there's one for sale on ebay, although I'm not sure which model it is. If you want to get in touch with the collector, email me directly.

 

[austinado16]

Moonlight!

Not the best photograph, but here's the "moonlight" effect from these light hoods...

 

[mattl]

Funny...

I was cleaning out a closet in the basement a few weeks back and tossed my old 10 gallon metal frame tank out. Is there any demand for them? It's sitting in the garage waiting to go out in the trash.

Todd, you have a beautiful setup. I like it without the background...

 

[mattl]

Oops.

Sorry, meant the dark background, shows the fish off better.

 

[lordkenmore]

I wouldn't toss an old aquarium out in the trash. Even if the thing isn't of great value or interest, there probably is someone out there who can use it. I have known many animal people who seek out used equipment when possible. It saves money, and it's probably better environmentally to use something that already exists than toss out something and have it made all over again.

Even if an aquarium leaks, it could still be useful as a glass case to hold dry-land animals.

I knew someone who worked for a nearby Goodwill. Stuff like aquariums came through regularly, and was priced at the "who really wants this junk?" level. She knew that it was worth a lot more, and twisted the store manager's arm to allow them to be repriced. The new price was quite a bit higher, although still reasonable. Much of the time, stuff sold quickly--often in hours.

 

[austinado16]

Definately don't toss it out!

I just sent you an email Matt, so don't toss it out!

 

[mattl]

Thanks... got it.

I'll go out and check the tank out and see if it's any worse for wear after a few weeks in the garage. Been sick and busy so odds are it's fine, haven't touch much of anything out there in weeks.

Will advise...

 

[austinado16]

Even if the glass is broken, don't toss it. They can be taken apart and new glass installed.