A long time ago, I bought a really big tank at a yard sale. it had a metal frame that went all the way around and up the sides, and used a hard black material (think it might have been slate) rather than silicone to seal it. the rock also lined the inside of the metal frame on the bottom. Anyone know how old these tanks are? any more information in general? I'm ticked because my dad gave it away, but i'm still curious about it. I can post pictures of it later.
anyone ever see those really old metal frame tanks?
- Thread starter Carefree_Dude
- Start date
The "newest" estimate I saw was stating at least 30 years old.
My best guess, before seeing that, is they were not made, mainstream, since the 70's. I had a 20g H in the late 80s, and that had wood type framing. Maybe that helps as well.
Could prolly find some metal trim type at Home Depot to recreate the look on a standard tank if you are so inclined. I think a nice brushed nickel look may be pretty cool.
My best guess, before seeing that, is they were not made, mainstream, since the 70's. I had a 20g H in the late 80s, and that had wood type framing. Maybe that helps as well.
Could prolly find some metal trim type at Home Depot to recreate the look on a standard tank if you are so inclined. I think a nice brushed nickel look may be pretty cool.
my 50 gallon has metal on the top and bottom
I did have a 33 gallon that was metal all the way around.
I did have a 33 gallon that was metal all the way around.
Yes! My father has a small 15g one he keeps fancy guppies in. We found it at a flea market. It has a scratched runsted date on it that reads "Cory - 1959". No indication if thats when "Cory" got the tank new or just when he had it. Thats the closest I've come to dating it though, but have not really looked into it. Its really neat though the metal frame is chrome has a nice retro look.
Here is a pic of one i found online. The one I had was like this, but about 6 feet long. It also had a metal strip down the middle on the front for more support, as well as a black wire stand that was kind of rusty. I had it filled for about a month, but things in life happened so i had to swap it out for a 55 gallon, and keep this one in my dads basement. It had a manufacturer name on it, but a google search didn't find the manufacturer.
The tanks were called Metaframe aquariums. They were very popular before the all glass aquariums we see today.
The metal frames were made of stamped stainless-steel sheet metal and tack welded together. The frame was filled with hot tar to hold the 4 glass panes in place and then a slate bottom was inserted.
They seem to be coming back into style so keep an eye out for them if you are interested. I'm always on the look out for some as I remember having a few as a child.
Dee
The metal frames were made of stamped stainless-steel sheet metal and tack welded together. The frame was filled with hot tar to hold the 4 glass panes in place and then a slate bottom was inserted.
They seem to be coming back into style so keep an eye out for them if you are interested. I'm always on the look out for some as I remember having a few as a child.
Dee
In the early 90's I had a 20 long with metal framing. It was just like the one in the picture. I think that my parents my still have it some where. It was the second tank that I had ever gotten. My Ant gave it to me. I think these tanks are really nice looking. Mine had the all metal hood.
1969 was when the last few were made. All glass aquariums first one apperared in 1970. My first 5 gallon tank when I was a kid was from metaframe bought from saving S&H green stamps. LOL