Stainless Framed Geezer Tanks

[duanes]

Those were what all tanks were like back in the late 50s when I started keeping fish as a kid, and all used black sealant.
It was only after NASA developed modern sealants for space craft that things changed.

 

[fishdance]

I have a couple of these with and without slate base including a working kerosene flame heater. They are best kept always full of water.

Silicon will adhere to cleaned slate without any problems . Can also use ceramic tile as a base if you don't have glass.

 

[fishdance]

I actually have a book somewhere that shows those old setups, the old water myth, the whole nine yards. I looked for it, but since it was a curiosity thing and not a reference it probably is still in the box from the move. It’s a pretty fascinating book, it really made a representation of how far we’ve come. It’s ratty, missing the cover and stuff so it’s like finding an ancient scroll on what not to do!

Would you know the book title and author(s)? I collect aquarium books.

 

[Trouser Cough]

Did you know that there's an aquarium museum? Here's a link:

The Museum of Aquarium and Pet History |

moaph.org

And here's a video (starting around 5:45) that shows mostly older tanks in movies dating back to roughly the 1930's:

 

[Trouser Cough]

Many of us thought the MetaFrame tanks were the hot setup and they were. Supposedly the Pemco Tanks were built a little stouter though.

MetaFrame History:

Metaframe: The Man Responsible for over 3 Million Aquariums | The Museum of Aquarium and Pet History

moaph.org

Patt Engineering and Manufacturing Co (PEMCO) History:

The Illustrious Pemco Aquarium | The Museum of Aquarium and Pet History

moaph.org

 

[Trouser Cough]

I might be just a hair too stupid to post my own pics here. I see the "Attach files" button but am guessing there may be a file size restriction or similar. Will sort that out soon.

 

[kzimmerman]

Would you know the book title and author(s)? I collect aquarium books.

No, I'm sorry, but the cover and first few pages are missing. I'm guessing the book was written in the 1940's or before, there is no mention of electrical devices except for the lights and bubbler, if there was any. I still can't find it, and some other books are missing. Like my reef books. Those were expensive! Making me a little sad.

 

[Backfromthedead]

I've seen these tanks but don't really understand the fascination. It's my understanding that the welded frames were necessary due to good silicone not being invented at the time so all that steel just obsolete imo.

If anything the design needs some updating, tweaking. Maybe skeletonize the frame or make it aluminum and finish it with a sharp looking cerakote or similar.

 

[tlindsey]

Those chrome framed slate bottom aquariums were heavy. I remember that well

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Yes silicone was not around back when I started keeping aquariums. Yes the sealant off the old tanks got hard and leaked. Stainless steel was not the only choice back in the day. \

I bought the cheaper painted iron framed tanks for the most part. The iron frames would rust away. Over time a 20 long with the painted fame rusted away and eventually became held together with silicone. I took it down to three unbroken glass panels and the slate bottom last year. Stored in my basement. From the late 1950's.

The metal frames do protect the glass edges. I have chipped the edges of all glass tanks. I now get some clear plastic wallpaper outside corner protectors and silicone them to the outside corners of my glass tanks. No chips. I also was not so nervous moving the metal framed tanks in the past as i am now.

I've seen these tanks but don't really understand the fascination. It's my understanding that the welded frames were necessary due to good silicone not being invented at the time so all that steel just obsolete imo.

If anything the design needs some updating, tweaking. Maybe skeletonize the frame or make it aluminum and finish it with a sharp looking cerakote or similar.