eatyourpeas Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 I have been smitten by the Metaframe tanks since Daniel posted his 1930's journal entry. Not a piece I want to get online, since I want to see the real bones. Well, last night was our local aquarium (GSAS) meeting, and this 10-gallon Metaframe aquarium showed up on the sale table. I just could not resist! So, it came home with me... 😁 Now, I call it a rehabilitation because I am not going to try to get all the historically appropriate pieces, but instead will try to salvage what came with it. I gave it a good clean to assess what it needs done. I knew the seals were shot, but I may salvage the glass. So, no need for a leak test. 😎 Check! It will leak. It came with a UGF filter, so I need to learn about those. Also has a functional thermometer, a heater, and air pump, and what looks like a HOB filter housing. After an initial pass at cleaning, I will test the heater. The air pump works, but it is loud so I'll open it and see if I can fix that. All this is, of course, a new rabbit hole. I am learning about the history of the tank, and I am sure this is not a "gem", but I like the look and that is what I am going for. It lacks the slate bottom (which is good for me) and it may not be real SS, but I think it will still be fun to fix up and use as my new BBA tank when it is finished. 3 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChargerstoLA Posted June 15, 2022 Share Posted June 15, 2022 Never seen this before but looks like an awesome project. I love how for the most part, most the the pieces look like they have not changed too much. Except of those are still working they were really made with quality. Good luck getting a heater to last nowadays. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted June 15, 2022 Author Share Posted June 15, 2022 (edited) On 6/15/2022 at 4:15 PM, ChargerstoLA said: Never seen this before but looks like an awesome project. I love how for the most part, most the the pieces look like they have not changed too much. Except of those are still working they were really made with quality. Good luck getting a heater to last nowadays. TBH, I do not have high expectations for this heater. I use Archaea heaters in my other tanks and am quite happy with them, so I may go that route with this tank as well. Edited June 15, 2022 by eatyourpeas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd Duck Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 That’s an amazing, vintage collection, especially the hood. The hinges always rusted like mad, then the flap would get twisted and ruined. The light parts would also rust and the wires get corroded. Always remember that heater is NOT sealed and NOT waterproof. They are also particular about water levels. They were pretty cast iron, but like other heaters can stick on or off, so a temp controller safety net would be very smart. The tank frame is certainly stainless steel, but it’s got some age to it. I can’t remember when they went from slate bottom to glass bottom, mid 60’s maybe? Somebody here will likely know. My first tank was asphaltum “sealed” and slate bottom. It came to me very thoroughly used in 1975, but was likely a dozen or more years older than that. I look forward to watching your restoration progress! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted June 16, 2022 Author Share Posted June 16, 2022 On 6/15/2022 at 5:06 PM, Odd Duck said: Always remember that heater is NOT sealed and NOT waterproof. Mr. Peas wants it for his desk, so I am good with that. I have to finish another project that has a pending deadline, then I'll continue with this . So far it has been a fun start! 😎 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrey Posted June 16, 2022 Share Posted June 16, 2022 On 6/15/2022 at 4:56 PM, eatyourpeas said: I have been smitten by the Metaframe tanks since Daniel posted his 1930's journal entry. Not a piece I want to get online, since I want to see the real bones. Well, last night was our local aquarium (GSAS) meeting, and this 10-gallon Metaframe aquarium showed up on the sale table. I just could not resist! So, it came home with me... 😁 Now, I call it a rehabilitation because I am not going to try to get all the historically appropriate pieces, but instead will try to salvage what came with it. I gave it a good clean to assess what it needs done. I knew the seals were shot, but I may salvage the glass. So, no need for a leak test. 😎 Check! It will leak. It came with a UGF filter, so I need to learn about those. Also has a functional thermometer, a heater, and air pump, and what looks like a HOB filter housing. After an initial pass at cleaning, I will test the heater. The air pump works, but it is loud so I'll open it and see if I can fix that. All this is, of course, a new rabbit hole. I am learning about the history of the tank, and I am sure this is not a "gem", but I like the look and that is what I am going for. It lacks the slate bottom (which is good for me) and it may not be real SS, but I think it will still be fun to fix up and use as my new BBA tank when it is finished. This brings back so many memories!!! The slate bottom was replaced with glass I want to say 1975? I won't swear to it though. The UGF looks like it's in good shape, I learned a cool hack of placing that particular UGF on top of some lava rock (increase bb surface growing area) and you may never have to gravel vac if you have plants. Leave plenty of space between the rocks for good water flow. Look forward to following! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted June 17, 2022 Author Share Posted June 17, 2022 (edited) Today I allowed myself a few minutes with the tank. I decided to look into the lighting hood. The actual socket cannot be used as it has completely corroded. But the hood has been cleaned, and the bad parts removed. I may end up making an LED mount and using a long light inside the hood. The hood looks nice after the cleaning. Edited June 17, 2022 by eatyourpeas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineSong Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 Oooh, I love those old tanks. I had a couple of the very small ones with slate bottoms years ago and I wish I had kept them. I'm with you on using that beautiful light hood even if you have to rig another light in it. You can have a super cool 1950's-60's tank setup! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd Duck Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 Score a win for the stainless steel! Those old sockets, however, were notorious for corroding. You’ll be much better off putting some LED’s in for lights. Better spectrum, better plant growth, far more economical to run, and far less heat. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torrey Posted June 18, 2022 Share Posted June 18, 2022 Everything Odd Duck said. Wait, I already do that, regularly, even with new tanks, lol I am really enjoying the flexibility with fully submersible LED lights. Easy to add more to improve growth, and zero worries about water damage. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted July 3, 2022 Author Share Posted July 3, 2022 I took advantage of a couple of hot days to let the tank sit outside to soften the asphalt seals. It helped a lot with the removal! Still lots to do, but the more I work on this tank, the more I like it! 😍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted July 30, 2022 Author Share Posted July 30, 2022 The hot days are definitely helping to soften the asphalt, but wimpy me has a hard time working in those temperatures. Progress has been slow, for sure. The only way to remove a side glass panel on a Metaframe is by removing the bottom panel. It is the only way to fit the glass through the frame. The glass has a lot of scratches and I am wondering if I should replace all of it. I really like this tank! The air pump is fully functional! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlyGenusCaps Posted July 30, 2022 Share Posted July 30, 2022 On 7/30/2022 at 9:50 AM, eatyourpeas said: I am wondering if I should replace all of it If you have to remove the bottom anyhow, you could replace it with tempered glass. Just to give it a bit more durability. A thought. On 7/30/2022 at 9:50 AM, eatyourpeas said: The air pump is fully functional! That seems almost unbelievable! I feel like it could be the poster child for the "they don't make things the way they used to" phrase. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon p Posted July 30, 2022 Share Posted July 30, 2022 If you have to take it out go with tempered glass. Most tanks made in the us are required to use it for the bottoms. Ifs not the same c 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick_G Posted July 30, 2022 Share Posted July 30, 2022 Nice looking project! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineSong Posted July 30, 2022 Share Posted July 30, 2022 Youtube wanted me to see this video today, thought you might like it: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Axredx Posted July 31, 2022 Share Posted July 31, 2022 (edited) Wow, that brought some old memories. I used to have a 5 gallon with slate bottom when I was a kid. It was my first tank. Edited July 31, 2022 by Axredx Spelling 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted July 31, 2022 Author Share Posted July 31, 2022 (edited) On 7/30/2022 at 4:56 PM, PineSong said: Youtube wanted me to see this video today, thought you might like it: Ahh, I wish I had seen this sooner! Thanks for the link! It is good to know I am doing it the correct way according to Tanner! I have not broken a glass, yet. It has scratches and I am just tempted to replace it since I am taking it all out anyway. I have crazy ideas for scaping it! Edited July 31, 2022 by eatyourpeas 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eatyourpeas Posted July 31, 2022 Author Share Posted July 31, 2022 Think Dr. Jonathan Osterman and Mary Shelley living together in the Metaframe: 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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