Top/Hood for a Metaframe 55 gal.

[Yankee]

Hi
I like Craigslist. I picked up a 55 gal tank with an oak cabinet and all the stuff that was used in it for $60 but I want to update the filter, heater, etc. as it is probbibly 20 years old.
My first concern is that it was been sitting dry for a number of years but I filled it up in my garage and for three days now it has shown no signs of leaks.:19:
The top/hood should really be replaced as well because it's ugly. My question is, am I going to run into problems finding a top for a 20 year old Metaframe 55 gal. tank?
Thanks

[jeffs99dime]

i would run a search in google to find it. you always have the option of making your own as well as getting a retrofit kit. make sure that you clean your aquarium thoroughly since it has been sitting in your garage for an extended period of time. you can use a mixture of 20 parts water to 1 part bleach. just make sure you rinse well and use dehlorinator. i see if i can find a hood for your tank and get back to ya. is your tank a standard rectangular 55?

[crackatinny]

Is the hood a throw out job or can you recycle it, if it looks bad, get some old chain, give it a hiding with it, sand it, give it a coat of walnut stain, then a couple of coats of matt laquer, I think you will keep it then:thumb:

[Yankee]

Thanks for the feedback.
Yes I think it's a standard rectangle tank. The outside dementions are 48"x13". In a pinch I could use the hood and I could look around.

[Severus]

It should be relatively easy to find a hood for a standard 55 gallon. There are a bunch of universal fit ones. I bought one for my 55 that is one piece instead of two (seperate hoods) I got it from PetsMart for $90. Came with the bulb and everything.

[Incredulous_Ed]

You got the tank and everything for 60$?! wow!

[jeffs99dime]

i would recommend getting glass versa tops, they're a lot more adaptable then a full hood

[Severus]

Do the glass tops have a light in them?

[jeffs99dime]

Do the glass tops have a light in them?

no. that's what makes them so much more versatile than a full hood. you can put any type of light above or on them. you also get a better seal. commonly people place strip lights on them. you can also mount them above the glass, and being as it's glass, the light will shine through. they work wonderfully.--jeff

[Lady Hobbs]

You could get one of those glass tops for your aquarium.

OOPS. Guess I should read all the posts before I respond! I was thinking of getting glass covers on further tanks myself.

[jeffs99dime]

You could get one of those glass tops for your aquarium.

OOPS. Guess I should read all the posts before I respond! I was thinking of getting glass covers on further tanks myself.

they really do make a difference. also, you can see the fish through the lids without actually opening the lids- another bonus!

[Severus]

no. that's what makes them so much more versatile than a full hood. you can put any type of light above or on them. you also get a better seal. commonly people place strip lights on them. you can also mount them above the glass, and being as it's glass, the light will shine through. they work wonderfully.--jeff

That is a good point. You can put anything on them

[jeffs99dime]

That is a good point. You can put anything on them

within reason lol. you couldn't put, let's say, another aquarium on the glass! lol. sorry i'm just being a wise a##! you can flame me all you want bro. lol

[Yankee]

OK, I started digging around in the bags of stuff that came with the tank and I found replacement parts for the top, hinges and the spacer thingys in that go in the back. I cleaned up the glass and replaced the other parts and it dont look half bad now. The light is an ugly 48" 1980s plastic woodgrain nightmare with an inline transformer that I'll replace. I dont like the idea of that hot transformer in the cabinet.

[Severus]

within reason lol. you couldn't put, let's say, another aquarium on the glass! lol. sorry i'm just being a wise a##! you can flame me all you want bro. lol

Your always a wiseass Jeff!! Thats ok though look where we live.... im used to it by now! lol

[jeffs99dime]

Your always a wiseass Jeff!! Thats ok though look where we live.... im used to it by now! lol

haha. i'm just messin' with ya'!