Drilling a glass aquarium...

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peterp63

Gambusia
MFK Member
Feb 13, 2008
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On a boat!
Does anyone have experience drilling glass aquariums?

I was looking at a used O'Dell 300 gallon aquarium (8x2.5x2) and the only way it would work for me is if I was able to drill holes (or pay someone else to) for the suctions of the canister filters. I believe the glass is 5/8" thick (not sure if the thickness makes a difference).

Does drilling the bottom of an aquarium this large make it more prone to failure during or after the tank is put in service? If so, how much so?? It just seems that once you put a hole in something that big and thick that is supposed to hold more than 2500 lb you could look at having a huge disaster at some point. I'm new to most of this so anything will help. I just don't want to have to spend the money to buy an acrylic this big!! $$$$

Thanks!
 
Most all tanks have tempered glass bottoms. If you drill a tempered glass tank, it will shatter on you while drilling. The tanks with drilled bottoms have been drilled by the builder before the glass is tempered.

IMO I wouldn't want to risk it on that large of tank. It could be an expensive mistake. I would look into an overflow box, as an option

Here is an example- http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CR1517.html
 
Where did you buy your drill bits and if you could provide a little more information I would appreciate it. IE Where is the best place to put the hole? How far from the side should you be. Did you use a bulkhead fitting or just pvc pieces that thread close enough to make a tight fit?, etc.
 
The best way is to use a drill press, not a hand drill, i bought my glass drill bit off ebay. pretty cheap. if you use a drill press its pretty simple its just hard to get the tank in position to drill with a press.. i did on my 75gl and it was perfect, no scatches or anything.. just go real slow and keep cold water running on the bit as you go.. and put a piece of plywood on the inside part of the glass your drilling to prevent any chips when the bit comes through..
the bit i bought came with great directions on how to drill a tank, i guess he sells a lot of them to people like us lol.
 
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=42645

On such an expensive tank, for a first timer, I do agree on using a drill press.

They're not drill bits...they are 'diamond hole saws'.

Ebay's got the best prices around.

Use bulkheads and buy them first and measure the individual bulkheads and order the hole saws accordingly.

Install the bulkheads per manufacturers specs and not from hearsay.

Dr Joe

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:iagree:

Don't use a lot of pressure and remove almost all pressure at the point of punch through.

Keep the work surface flushed out and cool to prevent heat stress in the glass. If there is no heat stress, the glass will be just as strong with the hole as without.

Make sure the hole is far enough from the side for the bulkhead flange to clear the tank frame and the silicone bead.
 
I'd practice first on a throw away piece of glass. I had to drill holes in over 50 tanks for my lab. It took a couple tries for me on a throw away piece of glass to get the timing perfect.
 
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