drilling holes in glass

[Ornatapinnis]

What size tank is it and who is the manufacture?

Assuming it is not a tempered aquarium it is not too hard to do. You will need a drill press and a bit specifically made for glass. The typically done "drain" is a 1" bulk which needs a 1 3/4" hole. THis is a standard size hole that can be bought at some glass shops and at many aqua culture related shops (aquatic eco systems for example) There are two typs that are normally offered, a diamond bit type and a bit that uses a carbide slury. The diamond bit is quicker at drilling the hole but is more expensive than the slury type. Either way, you must use a press to have a straight, stable cut. You can not safley do this with a hand hold method.

THis is a very quick overview of this subject but if you want addational info, I can help. I have litterally drilled 100's of tanks.

Local glass shops typically won't touch aquariums, they seem to be scared of them.

Joel

 

[joeytoe]

What size tank is it and who is the manufacture?

Assuming it is not a tempered aquarium it is not too hard to do. You will need a drill press and a bit specifically made for glass. The typically done "drain" is a 1" bulk which needs a 1 3/4" hole. THis is a standard size hole that can be bought at some glass shops and at many aqua culture related shops (aquatic eco systems for example) There are two typs that are normally offered, a diamond bit type and a bit that uses a carbide slury. The diamond bit is quicker at drilling the hole but is more expensive than the slury type. Either way, you must use a press to have a straight, stable cut. You can not safley do this with a hand hold method.

THis is a very quick overview of this subject but if you want addational info, I can help. I have litterally drilled 100's of tanks.

Local glass shops typically won't touch aquariums, they seem to be scared of them.

Joel

its a All-Glass 75 Gal
I just looked on aquatic eco systems, drill bit an the compound is about 30.00

 

[Ornatapinnis]

Most All Glass 75 gallon aquariums have a tempered bottom but the sides are often not.

Please note I said the sides are "often" not tempered, not all ways.

There should be a sticker that can be view from the inside of the aquarium under the trim that will indicate that either the bottom is tempered or that all the panels are tempered.

If you buy the bit & compound it' is fairly easy. Buy some play-do (clay) and roll it out like your making a "snake". Use this "snake" to make a ring aroung the area your going to drill a hole. The compound will be mixed with water to make a slury, the clay ring will act like a dam to keep the slury where you need it. Put a piece of duct tape or two on the other side of the glass where your drilling the hole, this will keep the slury from leaking thru the hole when you drill and "poke thru" one place before the rest of the hole is done. (this will make more sence once you've done this).

Make sure the tank and the drill press are level with each other and stable (cant wiggle around while drilling). Put slow but constant pressure on the press while drilling. Stop every few minutes and use your finger (with the drill off) to push the slury into the groove your drilling. Depending on the glass thickness, a 75 should take about 10 minutes to comlete.

Any questions, let me know.....Joel

 

[joeytoe]

Most All Glass 75 gallon aquariums have a tempered bottom but the sides are often not.

Please note I said the sides are "often" not tempered, not all ways.

There should be a sticker that can be view from the inside of the aquarium under the trim that will indicate that either the bottom is tempered or that all the panels are tempered.

If you buy the bit & compound it' is fairly easy. Buy some play-do (clay) and roll it out like your making a "snake". Use this "snake" to make a ring aroung the area your going to drill a hole. The compound will be mixed with water to make a slury, the clay ring will act like a dam to keep the slury where you need it. Put a piece of duct tape or two on the other side of the glass where your drilling the hole, this will keep the slury from leaking thru the hole when you drill and "poke thru" one place before the rest of the hole is done. (this will make more sence once you've done this).

Make sure the tank and the drill press are level with each other and stable (cant wiggle around while drilling). Put slow but constant pressure on the press while drilling. Stop every few minutes and use your finger (with the drill off) to push the slury into the groove your drilling. Depending on the glass thickness, a 75 should take about 10 minutes to comlete.

Any questions, let me know.....Joel

ok Thanks

 

[Booger]

Local glass shops typically won't touch aquariums, they seem to be scared of them.

Some won't as they don't like the liability, but I've found at least 3 in my area that drill tanks. Best bet is to ask around at the LFS or local club.