More MetaFrames.

[GraphicGr8s]

I had 2 55 Metaframes. I paid 30 for one, the other my brother in law gave me years ago.
I just got another 55.
And a 10
And another 10
And a 2.5 or 5 not sure.

They need work, but they were free.

I love Metaframes.

[ilroost]

I do to. Growing up we always had a 55 gal. complete with the stainless hood ect.
Right now i only have a 2.5 gal with a light

[Mugwump]

I have a 28/3o gal fully restored...stainless light hood and all..nice and shiny....

[BallAquatics]

I have 5, 10, 20 Standard, and 20 Long.

Dennis

[Mugwump]

They made a lot of 15's too.....

[GraphicGr8s]

Jon what did you seal the slate with?

[Mugwump]

A friend, and I, used a 3M black sealer, I believe?.....I can't remember the name...I'd have to check..??..but it's had water/fish in it with no issues, and no leaks...

[BallAquatics]

They made a lot of 15's too.....

I'll have to check the ones I think are 20 standard.....  maybe they are actually 15's.  LOL

I also have a wood grain 20 long that has the MetaFrame name embossed on it.

Dennis

[GraphicGr8s]

They made a lot of 15's too.....

I'll have to check the ones I think are 20 standard.....  maybe they are actually 15's.  LOL

I also have a wood grain 20 long that has the MetaFrame name embossed on it.

Dennis

Probably made after they were bought out by Mattel.

[GraphicGr8s]

Let the games begin.

So over our Christmas vacation at work I was planning on finishing the carpentry for the roof over the back half of the fish house. My body disagrees however. So here I am looking around for something I can handle. And there they are. The Metaframes. Just sitting there on the front porch of the fish house. Waiting patiently for the time I get around to putzing with them.
So I grab the heat gun. An ink knife I have from when the fish house was a print shop and some patience.
To take them apart you need to look at how they were put together. You can't just start taking panels out, you'll break the glass. These tanks are put together with the front and rear panels in first. Then the sides. Last the slate. Taking it apart is the reverse. But with a ton of patience. Start on the slate with the heat gun. Start working the blade of the knife in between the slate and the frame. DO NOT TWIST THE BLADE!!!
Keep working the heat and the blade around the frame. You're going to be melting out the old asphaltum. After you have gone around a couple of times hit the inside around the perimeter of the slate. On two tanks so far there is a little ridge that prevents it from sliding out easily. Then go back to the outside and just keep working it. Try twisting the blade ever so slightly and see what is giving and what isn't. When it starts to come apart push it slowly out. Remember it is hot so use gloves. Once the slate is out the side panels are next. The procedure is the exact same but is quicker.

The important thing to remember is you need to be assertive but not to forceful. You don't want to mangle the frame.

Once all the panels are out you need to clean the frame. I'm using the heat gun and ink knife but am going to try acetone or lacquer thinner or maybe mineral spirits. I'll see which works best.
I've got to say these guys were pretty smart building these tanks. Taking them apart to fix is really pretty easy. I fear with silicone it will be a bit more difficult.
Coming up next will be getting it back together. And on the next ten I'll try for pictures. Maybe.

I am going to get Dow Corning 795. It is supposed to stick to slate and Disney uses it in their large tanks. So I've heard.

[Mugwump]

Nice..please keep up with the tutorial, and the pics when you can.......your descriptions are really good.......   thank you..

[GraphicGr8s]

Here is what I started with. All the tanks have cracked glass. This particular tank also has the slate free floating so that part will go easier.

[GraphicGr8s]

One glass panel and slate removed

[GraphicGr8s]

The 5 gallon with all panels and slate gone. All that's left is cleaning and reglazing.

[wsantia1]

Here is what I started with. All the tanks have cracked glass. This particular tank also has the slate free floating so that part will go easier.

Brings back great memories.