Reviving a Ruined 60 Year Old Vintage Nano Aquarium
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ส.ค. 2024
- While driving through my neighborhood a few years ago, I stumbled up something special in someone's trash... a 60 year old Metaframe Aquarium! This wasn't the first time I recovered a tank in this manner, but it was the first time I found a vintage tank like this. I was very excited, but years later and I still haven't done anything with it. That is, until now.
Unfortunately, I couldn't just go and create a new aquascape in the tank. The entire thing needed cleaned, dismantled, and reassembled with some new materials. After all, the thing is 60 years old! A lot went into all of that, but I'll let the video tell the rest of the story.
Enjoy the build/restoration and let me know what you think in the comments!
Material List (Non Affiliate Links)
Lights - bit.ly/3oMGhWy
Window Frost - bit.ly/3OXqsXK
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
00:00 Intro to Metaframes
01:00 Pre-Restoration Inspection
01:55 Dismantling the Aquarium
04:13 A Clean Frame
04:33 Replacing the Glass
05:29 What Silicone to Use?
06:09 Reassembling the Tank
07:34 Doing a Water Test
08:28 Creating the Hardscape
10:37 A Pre-Formed Scape
11:40 Setting up the Aquarium
13:07 Adding the Plants
14:14 Final Details and Fish
14:56 Finished Design
#aquarium #restoration #serpadesign
![[ไฮไลต์] แบดมินตันชาย วิว กุลวุฒิ(ไทย) vs Kenta Nishimoto(ญี่ปุ่น) รอบ 16 คน | โอลิมปิก 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kaQRLljJkSI/mqdefault.jpg)
![[ไฮไลต์] แบดมินตันหญิง ไท่ ซือ หยิง vs เมย์ รัชนก อินทนนท์ รอบแบ่งกลุ่ม | โอลิมปิก 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LUCG0H5qkpQ/mqdefault.jpg)
This was a trip down memory lane Tanner and what A sweet find....almost as good as SpongeBobs Spec 5
L🦲L !!!! Replacing all the glass for sure was the best way to go . Now this one has me thinking if you had ever given any thought of making your own metal frame or even a Faux version? Having a lot of free time to search for anything that involves such a build has been in vain and I am sure that the average hobbyist would have either never thought of it or because of the challenges of manufacturing something right ? I don't know anyone who would be up for the challenge and then I just realized 🤔 Your not just another anyone , and I think you should visit the idea of your tribute to the antique aquarium from scratch 😉 That would be Awesome 🖼🎨☮
Pinning this for the "Sponge Bob Spec 5" reference. That's some SERIOUS SD Lore! As for manufacturing my own faux frames, it's probably pretty easy to do. Maybe I'll have to visit that concept down the road because I really like these tanks.
@@SerpaDesign omg that would be awesome, keeping my fingers crossed for the future
Im also gonna give this a try with some rimless tanks, maybe even using wood or brass
I've done frames for similar sized aquariums and terrariums out of wood. I used mahogany for one, it actually is pretty beautiful! A great idea and not that much of work people may think.
My first aquarium was like this (I'm almost 60). I had goldfish in it because there wasn't much info on how to keep goldfish properly in those days. Even books gave incorrect info. No filter and weekly total water changes with no kind of water conditioner. Makes me go cold just thinking about it!
It's nice to see one of these old tanks again. They did have a certain charm
we can only do what we know at the time :)! I'm 28 nd maybe when I'm 60 I will look back on how I keep fish and be shocked now!
@@MHF22 Yeah, there may be even more research, products and eqipment and info by then!
That's terrifying!
I'll be honest, I've never gone wrong with the old couple of goldfish won from the fair, some snails from the crick, and a wal-mart pleco. Few enough mortalities that I had to stop winning goldfish after a couple of years.
I love rimless tanks, but there's something special about a Metaframe! What do you think? I had so much fun with this one and I hope you all enjoyed it as well. Have a great weekend SerpaSquad!
Metal frames is stronger! 👊😉🐶
I think this tank is good for the bettas
Hi
@@JakeDogg-RIP metal frames "ARE" stronger
I hope you and your very large family are doing well!
Said it before and I just want to say it again, THANK YOU for including all of your “oops” and their fixes and not editing them out some YT’s do, so much more helpful and real. Also, it shows things can be fixed and not just thrown away due to an accident. Keeping it real, educational, and just more diy friendly for us in training lol and ofc BEAUTIFUL work as usual. Always a pleasure watching an artist do their thing and share their knowledge.
🤘
+1 the mistakes and corresponding solutions are THE best part. Oh and the final reveal of course :)
This brings back so many memories! I started keeping fish as a 9 year old boy. I have a fond memory of me and my dad looking over my metal five gallon tank in my bedroom the night before he left for Viet Nam, we talked about when he got back how we would get me a bigger tank and set it up, and we did, got a 15 gallon after he came home. He did have to go back for a second tour but that began a life long hobby for me. I ended up having several tanks set up throughout the house growing up, and still do…
That's awesome! The aquarium hobby is very special. It's cool how it ties to memories like that and how so many stick with it for life.
My first fish tanks was metal frame(no idea how old they were, it was 2000's, they all had glass bottoms). The fact, the fact they can just be resealed and replaced a side, makes them amazing. the sides also protect the seams against overly agressive using algae magnet. my current tank is rimless, but there is a certain charm with rimmed tanks.
This was my first, too, circa 1975
I really liked this episode. Seeing a scape in a rimmed tank was a nice touch.
That was my first tank. My 5th. grade teacher gave it to me, because he didn't want to take it home for the summer. Mr. Campbell had no idea how much joy he's given me throughout the years with all of my tanks. Thank you, Mr. Cambell.
Thank you for sharing this, it brings back fond memories. What a beautiful scape. All I had was a ceramic castle and plastic plants. I still have the castle; it sits on my desk.
That's pretty awesome and cool that you still have the castle.
I'm not even really into aquariums but I watch your videos every Saturday morning because they are relaxing and I appreciate the craft. Thank you!
Wow, this looks great! The composition of the Ohko stone and driftwood really flows beautifully well. When you showed the finished hard scape I had to just pause the video and look at it for a bit. I’ve been going through a tough time lately and starting my day with a new video of yours has definitely given me a bit of a spark. I appreciate and value you and your great work. Thank you for sharing it!
Appreciate the support and hope you make it through your troubles soon!
I am 51 years old and own an ORIGINAL META Tank. It's been in my family since the Mid 1960's when my father purchased it for my mom's. With that said, it's been in my family ever since. I remember my parents going to Central Park and catching a Few Cat Fish and adding them to the Tank. Many years later, I have it stocked with African Cichlids. Love this tank. My son will be carrying on this family tradition..
I haven’t seen a slate bottom in years! I love the restored tank. Well done. Your scape looks great too! Overall, you score an A+ on this lovely project.😍
Mid-century tank......brings back memories.
I raised guppies in a tank like this in the early 70's. Seeing this episode brought back so many memories of my first aquarium. I would love to find one like this and restore it as you have done. Great job as always.
This is truly beautiful. Yrs ago I built a 300L aquarium with slate sides and back. We had a large earthquake and I lost that as well as a 250L aquarium. I live in a light and airy house (no dark areas) now and have never got back into aquariums. Having said that you have inspired me to build a terrarium. Thank you so much for posting.
Do you have room to build an in-ground pond inside? That might be a bit more earthquake proof. I built a pair in an office building lobby lining it with EPDM, I think I have videos on my channel from 10 years ago. Been through a couple of four on the Richter scale earthquakes and that was enough for me, where were you and how big was yours?
the falling pieces comment is so true. used to be so impatient i would glue sticks and rocks together, try to pick them up before the glue dried, and end up with a pile of materials
I found a 20 gallon metaframe for $15 at the local goodwill a few years ago. It came with a huge box of tank accessories from late 60’s to 1973! Everything-from pumps, plants, air driven gadgets like a backwards water wheel and treasure chest, fry boxes, separators, a heater, lights, and even food, meds, and carbon. After confirming it held water it has been sitting and waiting. I can’t wait to set it up.
Really enjoyed this episode. Had a tank like yours in the 80’s, long since regrettably disposed of. You would’ve loved that time, everything was much more available and affordable (eg. things like newts were $3 and not $30). Thank you for taking me back.
I had a 30 gallon Metaframe tank when I got my first iguana. Loved it. The slate bottom was great for a heat pad underneath, spread the heat out alot more than a glass bottom
I bet it would! However in my opinion nothing beats the classic heat lamp... to me it just makes sense to have something that better imitates the sun, and the light looks really nice on a well decorated enclosure.
I remember those metal framed aquariums from my early childhood when my great grandfather raised guppies.
Really wanna see more tank restorations and cleanings, really cool to see it going from, almost unusable, to fill decorated and clean
The selection of lights is the icing on the cake for this set-up, I think!
I know remaking it was much more difficult, but it reminded me of those shows on Netflix where they breathe new life into antiques - they normally have to replace a few things too. You made it properly, much safer, something that will last many more years than a simple clean up -- and now it looks like it gives more life and can be appreciated for what the tank originally was. The final product is absolutely amazing!! This was so much fun and interesting to watch!
Definitely think it was worth the extra effort as well. Glad you enjoyed the build!
I have two or three of the old metal frame tanks. I found all of them on the side of the road/trash. They're so cool looking. I love them. I'm so glad I know how to tackle restoring them thanks to you!
Exactly how I found mine! Makes you wonder how many have been discarded.
Seeing this old aquarium revived again is so awesome! Now I could only wonder if you'd found one of those vintage hexagonal or even octagonal tanks, what sort of scapes would you'd have put inside ❤️
Ah my dad had a hexagonal tank! They were cool, never enough room though :")
@@migwat aaah that's so cool though! ✨
Such a nice trip down memory lane. Lovely to see a old aquarium brought back to life!
I love the framed tank look. It's beautiful, charming, and really makes you feel like you're peering into another little world. I would absolutely replace all my modern fish tanks with awesome metal framed ones if I had the opportunity.
Reminds me of the question, "If you replace every part of a ship, is it the same ship?" I think if you capture the essence of the thing you're repairing or building, yes.
No matter how long I spend watching your videos I always manage to find one I haven’t watched yet and you constantly blow my mind with the quality of your work
Love the lights, embracing the metal look and not downplaying it was a good choice
The reason for the slate is so that there could be a heat source underneath (like of like a chafing dish at a catering event). This was because although there were electric heaters, it was still seen in common practice that this would be a viable way to keep the tank heated. The fish keeping community has come a long way!
I read that the Dutch during the 40s and 50s would have pilot lights running under their slate bottom tanks for heat
@@GreenCanvasInteriorscape That would make sense 🧐
My first tank, in 1967, was just like that except with a less pleasing scape. Fun vlog and nostalgic. Thanks, Tanner.
Well done! I like how the frame... well... FRAMES the aquarium, treating it almost like a work of art. And I love the directionality and flow of the hardscape!
Love the choice of lights there.
I think what's neat about this tank design is it gives me the vibe of being a window underneath the waterline of a boat.
I'm in the process of refurbishing a 30 gallon Metaframe, and this video was very helpful, thanks! I've been scouring old aquarium books to find an accurate aesthetic and stocking of old-fashioned fish and scapes
I love it. I agree with you completely, antiques should look antique. I'm glad you kept it as original as you could
Plz save as many of these beautiful tanks as you can. You did amazing 👏.
I found a 20 gallon metaframe around 2004 out on the loading dock of my university biology department. had no idea what I was doing but I was interested so I carried it home, did a really amateurish job of resealing the inside with silicone, and kept some fish in it for my whole time there as a student. I don't have the tank anymore bc I gave it away when I finished school and moved away, but I still love that metal frame look!
You're one of my favorite artists Tanner! Every week or so you dazzle us with living art, and not only that but you detail your intricate process every time, just amazing. Thanks for all your hard work, we really appreciate it; and personally it ALWAYS brightens my day :)
I love these kind of videos from you. Just perfect on a chill saturday afternoon. Thanks, man!
My dad has had meta frames for years I finally found my dream metaframe, the 55 gallon and cant wait to re do the whole tank thank you for the tips!
The hardscape insert has such a perfect shape and motion, I love it!
Love it! Had those tanks growing up and raising my own son! He took it with him when he left home!
I LOVE the vintage style of this setup. Great refurbish project!
Phoenix Rasboras!! They're perfect for this tank! I love this scape. I just got a few old tanks from an old hobbyist myself and this is really inspiring - we have a lot to owe to the folks who made the hobby what it is today
That 60 year old tank turned out super cool! I love the Exclamation Point Rasboras that you stocked with the Rams horn snails 🐌. The plants were great with that scape. Thanks for giving me a new idea to scape my nano tank. Gina Hetlage
Love the Metaframe tanks. Takes me back to my childhood. Yes, I'm that old.
Well done. The old framed look is nice. For your top glass cover laying loose on top. I've used those little clear self adhesive rubber bumpers in each corner facing into the tank onto the bottom of the top glass to lightly lock snug in the top from sliding around. Beautiful.
This tank and scape all look sort of retro, I love it!
It is like a picture frame. I miss my old tanks.
Thank you for this! I used to have one of these with some water sprite, a couple of gambusias and a 25 watt tubular incandescent aquarium bulb. Somehow that little aquarium with its "porthole" effect had a warmth and magic that I'll never forget.
Thanks to your vid I was able to repair my 29 gal Metaframe! The Dowsil 795 was perfect for sealing the replaced broken glass! Thanks for this vid!
I just want to say thanks for putting this content out there. I'm a 911 dispatcher and my days are extremely stressful but you've given me a hobby that I never would have imagined I'd be able to get into and it's brought so much to my quality of life. It's given me a great outlet for stress relief and I'm really grateful that I've got this instead of drinking myself to death like many of my colleagues. Thanks again ❤️
Stay safe! I wish I could get into aquascaping one day. Nowadays my stress outlet is still staying in bed.
I have one just like this!! It’s a 20 gallon with the slate bottom. I’m so glad I happened upon this video! I’m planning on restoring mine but I didn’t know how to go about it. Thank you so much for making such an in depth and detailed video!
I really love the look of the aquasoil mixed w gravel
I'd forgotten just how nice a metal frame tank can look. I remember my dad's one - he's painted the frame white with gloss paint that was flaking off - and it was made using putty! He'd bought it second hand, and ended up resealing it with silicone - over the putty! But the fish were happy and it worked well, somehow
What a great job. I love your attention to detail. Going all the way with a total job of replacing glass and resealing makes this a beautiful antiquey aquarium.
1974 I lashed out on a stainless steel 3ft version of these tanks with a matching two bulb light housing and hinged flip lid that had a turned bakerlite black handle that only opened halfway to the width. planted with undergravel system and a corner bubble filter, it was one classy system and worked well for about five years winning 1st place in established planted Aquarium catagory "no co2" at my local club where the judges visited. Using a vintage "Medcalf Bros" Hy Hlow C Reciprocating Piston Pump that chuggd away feeding 2 x 3ft tanks. happy memories and nice to see. Cheers UK...
I enjoy your videos very very much, I rarely ever comment, but when I love a video I just can't help it. The world needs more creative and innovative people like you, thank you for these videos
I love old style tanks so much this made me so happy to see it being restored and turned into something beautiful.
I'm just starting the vid & already in love
My first memories involve a 125/175 gallon tank like this that we used as a terrarium for most of my life
I hope you’ve recovered from your injury! Wonderful to see you back to making beautiful tanks.
Something about this is so sentimental. It touches my soul. Thank you for your awesome work, Tanner. Adore your content
love it! my neighbor had one of these vintage tanks that sat outside for years. I always wanted to ask if I could buy it, but never did. this restoration came out great, even the scape seems vintage.
I’ve never even thought about searching for an antique tank, but now I HAVE to find one! I’m fully a frameless, rimless, lidless guy…until today!
My daughter (8) and I love to watch your videos together! So informative and interesting- as well as being totally family friendly!! 💓
Love the hard scape on this one! The directionally is visually beautiful
So much of what I do with terrestrial mosses immersed and submersed is thanks to you! Over the years you've given me so many more tools to apply to husbandry and projects with 'found' materials from my own yard and nearby. You've enabled a lot of people. I favorited this video as a reference for the sealant used with slate as I've almost pulled the trigger on antique tanks before. Now if I do, I have more confidence and references to do so.
In the 60's when we had aquariums like this, they never looked so good.
So glad you decided to finally restore it! I just picked one up recently after searching for a few years, after watching this I’ll definitely be taking mine apart to restore! Thanks for the as usual super comprehensive guide!
I have one and it is my pride and joy. The frame is just steel and it sits on it's wrought iron stand. I had it all sand blasted and powder coated then I put back in the glass (that was in amazing condition) with black silicone.
I'd forgotten about those tanks having slate bottoms. So cool!
Such an awesome build. Love how the tank itself looks after restoration. Stocking is just perfect too!
I’ve been really into vintage decor lately but I haven’t considered vintage tanks or enclosures at all! I definitely cannot do one this level of justice as you have but it really makes me want to keep my eyes peeled for one.. 👀 thanks for the great video Tanner!!!
This is definitely one of my all time favorite tanks that you've made. Everything about this tank fits perfectly, from the frame and lights matching, to the directional terrain and choice of flora! LOVE IT!
I have a 5 gal long Metaframe. One summer, about 50 yrs ago (maybe a bit longer) my grandparents arrived from out of province for a visit.. They brought us the tank with blue gravel, a bubbling pirate ship and a fantail gold fish. Grandma, Grandpa and Goldie are long gone but the tank and the memories are still with me.
very cool. really brought an antique back to life.
Really nice contrast between the metal and the wood/nature elements.
I currently have a tank like this that I'm about to repurpose as a terrarium! It was fun to watch you restore this thing.
Evan the gooseneck lights adds a cool retro vibe! Home run project!
Very Retro!!! What was old is new again. Ala Serpa!
I have to agree with Tanner here; the Metaframe tank emphasizes a completely different aspect of the scape! 😮 I also love how his passion for this living art is so evident in the video. . . I was smiling the whole time! I look forward to these videos so much.
Blessing in disguise breaking that glass panel. I really appreciate that you kept the core elements of the original (frame, slate) but gave it a solid structural restoration that will give it a brand new life. Really awesome!
I had a 10 gallon aquararium back in the 70s. You aquascaping looks great. I love an aquarium with lots of live plants.
I love it!! The rocks and wood look amazing. And those lights are so cool. Glad to know those are an option. Thanks for the post
Just found one of these at a thrift store and was instantly reminded of this video! Might even be the same manufacturer!
This brings back memories. My first aquarium was a fifteen-gallon Meta Frame tank. At the time, it was considered the top-of-the-line-modern aquarium. I haven't been able to find out when they were first introduced, but it was sometime in the middle to late fifties. Prior to that, tanks were made of common steel angle iron, welded together and given a heavy coat of paint. If the paint chipped or was scratched, the frame would rust. The thing about Meta Frame was that it was stainless steel, so it would never rust and looked great without paint. One reason that they are so uncommon is that they were only made for from fifteen to twenty years. After that, they were replaced by the All-Glass Aquarium.
Making your own Meta Frame tank would be very difficult. If you look closely at yours, you will see that it required special machinery to cut, bend and weld the steel, but, if you had access to some stainless-steel angle iron, the ability so cut and bend square joints, and a good welder, it might be fairly easy to make something similar. The advantage to that is that such tanks are very strong. As long as you can lift the weight, you can pick up and carry such tanks around while full of water without having it spring a leak.
I love the look of slate as a nice natural but flat material
Awesome video! I have never seen the restoration of such an old tank before! Absolutely amazing!
Metal and wood rims have a certain classic feel to them that just can't be replaced, no matter what
I really like how you keep in the mistakes and finish the project. I know a lot of people would just throw this out and not have it in the video. This shows us all, mistakes happen and can be fixed. Thanks Tanner. This turned out great! Love those lights also.
I love this. I always learn so much about composition of scape when I watch your videos. Thank you!!
You have made so many fantastic projects, but I think this is one of my favourites. It turned out really peaceful and charming
That's a lot of work but you took your time and did a great job! Thanks for sharing the video of your progress and taking us along for the adventure.
I think it’s beautiful. The shiny metal in a very Art Deco frame really adds something. I think it’s fantastic you refurbished it but still kept as much original as was possible and would be best - keeping that slate piece makes it very unique. I’d love to see you do a refurbished Victorian or Victorian recreation aquarium/terrarium. They’re absolutely beautiful. But finding one would probably be so difficult if not impossible!
I really love how the metal frame, frames the scape in the last shot. It looks like a photo I would print and hang on my wall. Just adds another layer of perspective.
Loved the ‘retro’ look of the old tank. Had one when I was young. Good job on the refurbish!
the lights are the cherry on top😍
I could see myself with an aquarium like this. The metal frame makes it feel like a picture frame.
The hard scape in this is gorgeous! The whole thing is stunning as well. Great turnout.