Slate tank
- Thread starter 00rollins
- Start date
Once the cement that was used to seal them dries out, they are prone to leaking. Tough to repair (hard to find the old cement). Silicone doesn't adhere too well to the old material. I have an old 20 gallon slate bottomed tank. Good for reptiles. Good luck in setting yours up.
The stand is actually just a standard rought iron stand I had laying around. But once I get a chance I'm gonna clean this thing up and throw some fry in it.
Probobly looks real cool with the hood. I didn't even think about breeding pros, guess the entire bottom is perfect cichlid breedingThose were my first tanks! They are tough.
I had the stainless hoods on mine as well.
They make great breeding tanks.
Spike
Pros - you are now considered old/retro.
Cons - Heavy as ****, hard to repair, you are now considered old/retro.
Ive done a couple fixes on these...old tanks that came with the building my lab is in I think. Got one one wheels
I think I am getting old
and unfortunatly I'm nothing like wine. Wheels, interesting . Do you have any picsSent from my HTC VLE_U using MonsterAquariaNetwork App
In the year 1968 my brother had a ten gallon and I had a 5 gallon. We got them from S and H green stamps if any one remembers them. Both had stainless steel hoods with a box filter sand feeding ring. The sealant that held them seems together was black and smelled like turpentine. Cool tanks but as was stated heavy as hell. LOL
I fight hard to get these tanks. Only tanks I will do bare bottom. My favorite tank style by far.
Mine needs a tiny leak fixed. Only thing imo that sucks is the old black silicone crap they used. Often needs replaced.
Mine needs a tiny leak fixed. Only thing imo that sucks is the old black silicone crap they used. Often needs replaced.
These were the only commercially available tanks around when I started in the hobby. The slate had to be tarred in. because silicone doesn't adhere to slate. I have no idea where you might find aquarium tar nowadays. If you do, and the tar looks dry and cracked, just place the can of tar in a saucepan of simmering water and it should sofen up enough to apply it to the slate and metal frame (be sure to remove all traces of the old tar before applying the new tar seal).
Thanks for the info, I'm gonna clean it out this weekend and see if it holds water. Any idea how large they went commercially, a big tank in this style would be pretty cool.
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Hello; I have a survivor in my basement. I have had it since the early 70's.
I have been able to seal it with silicone and had the seal last a while. It does take some care to trim the old tar back as much as possible. The post stating that silicone does not adhear well to slate may help explain why the reseal jobs did not last as well as the all glass tanks.
The last issue was with the slate becoming porous enough for water to seep thru slightly over time. Perhaps some one will have a suggestion for a coating that will paint onto the slate and silicone will adhear to. At any rate I have been able to get it sealed and the seal lasted for a few years on a few occasions.
The main issue will be an increased chance of shock hazard. I had the metal framed tanks and the stainless hoods on a metal stand. I have been bitten by stray current on these setups a number of times. It can be dealt with, but a person need to be more diligent that with the newer all glass tanks and plastic hoods.
I like the way they look and the corners are well protected so they do not chip. They are so much less prone to damage when being moved.
Good find and if the glass is not scratched up you can have a sharp setup.
I have been able to seal it with silicone and had the seal last a while. It does take some care to trim the old tar back as much as possible. The post stating that silicone does not adhear well to slate may help explain why the reseal jobs did not last as well as the all glass tanks.
The last issue was with the slate becoming porous enough for water to seep thru slightly over time. Perhaps some one will have a suggestion for a coating that will paint onto the slate and silicone will adhear to. At any rate I have been able to get it sealed and the seal lasted for a few years on a few occasions.
The main issue will be an increased chance of shock hazard. I had the metal framed tanks and the stainless hoods on a metal stand. I have been bitten by stray current on these setups a number of times. It can be dealt with, but a person need to be more diligent that with the newer all glass tanks and plastic hoods.
I like the way they look and the corners are well protected so they do not chip. They are so much less prone to damage when being moved.
Good find and if the glass is not scratched up you can have a sharp setup.
Yup no scratches , but a few dings on the metal frame. I would use epoxy free resin if the slate has become permeable. If the seal becomes to much of an issue may have to put it on the back burner as I currently have my hands full with alt aqua projects and my new little boy.
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