Retro Build

[Railcar79]

Talking with Scott from unique corals gave me motivation. I started salt in 1979, and ran till 1997, I am thinking about a retro build. Oldschool all the way, partly for my own nostalgia, and part to see if I could have kept corals back then. Any idea what decade I should stick with for equipment? 60s, 70s, or 80s?

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Welcome back!

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Whoops missed the idea of this thread! I vote go as old school as possible!

 

[Railcar79]

If it is still in 1 piece, I plan on using my first tank, a slate bottom tank with the old school stainless trim, under gravel filter and limewood air stones. Sourcing components will be tricky

 

[reefwiser]

Remember to get real sea water also. I remember that was always the fun part before saltwater mix in a bag was brought out. Finding a large slate bottom tank would be tricky.

 

[Railcar79]

Living in south Dakota, I can't get natural sea water, I am stuck with the same brand I first used, instant ocean

 

[reefwiser]

So it's the 80's then.
All Glass Aquarium tank would do with coral gravel on top of under gravel filter.

 

[Railcar79]

Instant ocean came available around here in the midwest around 66 or 67. I grew up in chicago, and moved to Northwest Iowa/South Dakota area, and we regurarly drove the 9 hours (pre 1974 it took around 5) Back home to Chicago to get livestock, salt and equipment.

 

[cdness]

I say start as early as you can source the equipment. I was not even swimming way back then so I will never be able to come up with anything for you unless I ask around here for some stuff... I will see what I can come up with for you though.

You can get natural seawater at the neighborhood petco, but I don't know how reliable it is... However you could fly to california or florida with buckets and bring some back

 

[Railcar79]

I do believe I may have 2 protien skimmers from 77 or 78, a Chrome light fixture from 68, and a slate bottom tank.

 

[Railcar79]

Ok seems project oldschool is harder than I thought. Went by my folks place, slate bottom is broken, along with my box of under gravel filter plates heaters, my old air pump is rusted, not sure if I can salvage or not and the Chrome light fixture is corroded beyond repair.

 

[reefwiser]

Wonder if you could turn up anything on Ebay?

 

[Intricateart]

I have two books that may interest you. One is a good bit older than what you are thinking about, circa 1936, with a marine section. Its pretty amazing to read how they maintained tanks back then. I also have Graham F. Cox's Tropical Marine Aquaria circa 1972. Let me know if you are interested. Both are specifically tank keeping manuals for their era.