drilling store-bought aquariums

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
slow and steady, thickness doesnt matter unless its paper thin.
 
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adamsfishes said:
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.
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If you are concerned with drilling the hole straight then drill a hole threw a 2x4 to guide the drill and keep the hole in the 2x4 full of water. Biggest thing to remember is let the bit do the drilling don't push on the drill slight pressure is all you need and tape the inside of the tank to catch the blank and keep from chipping
 
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Cool... sounds good guys. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. MFK is a great community, definitely the best aquarium community on the internet.

Still deciding on my plan, but at least now I feel comfortable with the drilling option if I decide to go that route. I have another month or so before I pull the trigger so I've got time to decide.
 
Caption obvious here: make sure glass isn't tempered lol. I don't know if it was stated before or not, some ppl don't know so just saying.
 
Another interesting thing to note about that chart is how the weight goes up from the 125 (177 pounds) to the to 150 (281 pounds). Same dimensions, only 6" taller, but weighs 104 pounds more because they step up to 1/2" glass.

That's a huge weight difference and one of the main reasons the 125 appeals to me. I need to be able to get it into my basement, which has a narrow door frame. The 125 will be much more manageable.
 
adamsfishes said:
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
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keep the weight off and ur be fine, 40 weighs less then 80, 80 is generally used for areas where it could be damaged, in this application being that its a glass tank, schedule 40 is stronger then glass, schedule 80 is kind of a waste of money if cost is a factor. Though its usually black and looks nicer.

Just watch that ur angles all flow down and u don't create a trap, when you go horizonal use straps to support the weight. Long as you aren't putting weight on the bulk heads and or stress/pressure don't see it cracking. Just my opinion...

If you are really worried, drill the bottom and run a stand pipe. U drill the stand to fit the bulkhead flush and snug u then minimize the stress/pressure on the glass through the stand distributing the pressure.
 
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