Old Slate bottom tank

[duragon]

I was talking with my neighbor today about getting a larger aquarium. He tells me he has one, a 55gal that he is wanting to get rid of and would sell me. I went and took a look at it, and its old, real old. It has a steel frame about 1inch thick at all joints, and it has a slate bottom. I was wondering if I got it, is there anyway I could reseal the joints to prevent leaks? Hes kept water in it to keep the seal from going dry, and it doesnt leak right now, but the tank still has to be 40 years old.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

 

[andyjh]

Probably a Metaframe. Considered a "vintage" tank now. 40 years old is about right. Even if it's holding water now, the thought of 55 gallons of water on the floor would be enough to have me resealing the whole thing. Definitely some work, but maybe worth it if you like the look of the tank. Is the stainless steel metal edging in good condition? I wouldn't pay too much for it. I've got a cute little 10 gallon Metaframe in my living room as a conversation piece. Great little tank.
Andy

 

[Ozymandias]

well i would say go for it, bigger metaframes are some what hard to come from, as long as its in decent condition i would go for it.

 

[The Zigman]

Actually these have become quite collectible. Would be worth the pick up, especially if he has the original light / hood that came with it.

 

[duragon]

It still holds water, he has about 45 or so gallons of water in it right now. Its in good condition. I am worried about it spilling 55 gallons of water on to my floor though...

 

[Dr. Awkward]

If it were me I'd be jumping up and down with excitement over the chance to get such an awesome piece of history. People sell those things for hundreds of dollars.

 

[duragon]

Alright. I found a photo. It looks just like that, but a 55 gallon verson. Is that a metaframe you guys were talking about?

 

[Zbbal]

Yep, that sure is one.

 

[ducatigirl]

mmmm...weigh up the pros and cons. sure things were made better 40 years ago, but silicon is silicon...
Would you use it as a crab enclosure?
Do you like the way it looks?
Do you like to lift the weight?
Do you trust it will hold the water for such a large tank, and was it filled to the top or half way?
Fill it up, mark the spot, leave it for 24 hours, see if the water line has moved.
Is any of that possible?
Still a tank can explode.
I posted a thread about second hand tanks, even ones 5 years old, and got so paranoid over it, bought a second hand one that was new.(couldn't afford new). Horror stories of exploding tanks.
How thick is the glass.
Does the seal look good?
think you can redo a seal over it?

Resell it, if someone is interested?
If you like it and feel good about it, then get it!

 

[Jayhawk]

Yes, you can reseal it...then no worries about leaks. Those things are as tough as nails.

Eric