drilling holes in tanks. a question

[noodlestrudel16]

I'm planning a 200 gallon glass aquarium (80"x24"x24") and only 1 thing is keeping me from building it.

Is it really safe to drill holes on the bottom panel of the tank (not tempered). I will be placing a corner overflow made of glass about 10"x8"x23".
BTW glass of the tank is 1/2 inch thick.

1) Is it safe to drill a hole?
2) If yes, how large of a hole is safe? Is 2" still safe?
3) How many inches should the holes be spaced apart?
4) Could drilling a hole cause the tank to fail over time?

 

[hmt321]

there are several videos of people drilling tanks on u-tube, they took a lot of the scare factor out of it for me. I have drilled several tanks and there is really not much to it, go real slow, and get someone to help you.

You can drill the bottom of the tank, before you drill get your hands on the bulkhead fitting you will be using. If it were me i would keep the edge of your holes at least 4" from the edge of the glass panel you are drilling. then get the holes about 6" apart.

Depending on your set up I would recommend drilling the back of the tank, drill about 8" from the top. I have a 125 gal, 55 gal, and 75 gal all set up with overflows and inflow and outflows all plumbed through the back of the tank, it is easy to tighten up on the bulkhead fitting like this. (i could not get the fitting tight enough by hand)

 

[Pharaoh]

1. yes
2. yes, 2" is fine
3. I would space them at least 1.5-2" apart
4. Only if you chip or crack it, otherwise, it will be fine.

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

I have drilled around 20 holes on 10 tanks or so over the years. All of them were in 1/4" glass from smaller tanks. No problem at all

When I bought my first 125 a while back I cracked the entire back panel trying to install a gl*******s overflow.

The replacement panel cost me 150 bucks and alot of work. Plus have to buy a HOB overflow.

IMO

the only reason to drill a tank is when a box overflow is more expensive than drilling.

For instance 10g tank cost 10.99 at my lfs. A small HOB overflow cost 30 bucks. So I will drill every 10g I ever get.

But a 150g cost 599.99 at my lfs. A hob style overflow for 1200gph cost 75. So I will buy a HOB style over flow for every big tank I own for now own.

My 1 mistake in cracking that 125g could have bought my
HOB overflow,
pump,
tank for sump,
and the glass for dividers. Just to put it into perspective.