hot water tanks

I started to type something out...but this guy explains it better than I could.

Rare look inside a Rheem water heater! | Oconomowoc Plumbing



Only thing I grab from a water heater is the brass valve(s), any copper and wiring. Sometimes I pop off the part the wires connect to. Am told they have silver but I haven't confirmed this.

ya after reading and seeing whats inside no need to cut it open nothin there to get. guess ill just take a whack at the valves and get the copper pipes and throw it in the sheet iron pile