drilling store-bought aquariums

[adamsfishes]

Hi all,

I've been considering a lot of different tank options, including custom tanks with 1/2" glass and pre-drilled holes.

In the interest of saving a ton of money, I'm instead now looking at store-bought tanks like Aqueon, probably a 75 or 125 depending on where I decide to put it.

Just to be clear, I would be drilling a total of three holes in the back of the aquarium near the top (but not within 2" of an edge of course). The holes would be for schedule 80 bulkheads, one 1.5" for the overflow (middle) and two 3/4" for the returns (both ends).

My concern is the thickness of the glass. It's not 1/2" on these tanks; I didn't measure it, but it's probably more like 3/8". I think only the tanks 150+ are 1/2 inch. I've heard it's risky drilling tanks that are less than 1/2" thick, that they could crack or develop cracks.

The thinner glass is appealing in that it's going to be a lot lighter and easier to move. I also have other filtration options that I'm considering that do not involve drilling.

Would appreciate your opinions on drilling a store-bought 75 or 125 for schedule 80 bulkheads. Thanks.

-Adam

 

[Ihsnshaik]

They're tons of YouTube videos on this! Search king of diy on YouTube he shows you step by step how to do it perfectly!

 

[adamsfishes]

Right, I'm fine with the process of how to do it.

I'm wondering if it's actually a good idea for the long term. Like if people have drilled their store-bought tanks and then developed issues down the road.

 

[monkeybike]

I've drilled everything from 10 gallons to 150 gallons, just keep a constant speed and use plenty of water. We used to use a modified drill press, pretty much start and walk away. Drilled a whole stores worth of tanks years ago. Never had any major issues with any of them afterwards.

 

[millerkid519]

monkeybike said it perfectly. I have drilled holes in alot of different thicknesses and even tanks that where running at the time. Just be patient and don't rush it

 

[monkeybike]

monkeybike said it perfectly. I have drilled holes in alot of different thicknesses and even tanks that where running at the time. Just be patient and don't rush it

I just drilled my 40 breeder sump the other day while the tank was running. I took a pvc end cap and stuck it on the inside where I was drilling with plumbers putty to catch any glass grit, worked great.

 

[millerkid519]

Good idea

 

[adamsfishes]

Cool. So it sounds like there is some unfounded paranoia about drilling thinner glass.

I was also considering drilling my sump tank to connect a refugium... sounds like I should just go for it.

Do you guys do anything to support/stabilize the side that you are drilling? I was thinking maybe cutting a couple 2x4s the width of the tank to support either side of the hole while drilling. Overkill? I don't mind overdoing things if it gives me more peace of mind.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

If it doesn't crack or break when you do it most likely won't do it in the future. My dad has tanks from the 80s that are drilled from 10 gallon to 500 gallons and still do fine. The bigger tanks are acrylic though lol

 

[davenmandy]

I wouldn't bother with schedule 80, only use those for surfaces that aren't flat such as barrels or garbage cans. You may run into sizing issues for the holes and such, more expensive, plus if you are concerned I would probably just buy some gasket material and make another or a thicker gasket. Don't see you putting that much stress on it to crack it, just my opinion though. I would also consider just going with 2" for the drain just for peace of mind, can always valve it.