Drilling a Glass Tank

[elm66]

Hi there,

I got a 30Gallons Glass tank that I would like to transform into a refugium. To do so I need to drill on the side of the aquarium a 3/4" or 1" hole. Unfortunately, I have neither the equipment, nor the knowledge to perform such a task without breaking the glass tank. I would appreciate any help from somebody with the equipment and knowledge ... if possible in the Northern Virginia region.

 

Thanks,

 

Eric

[davelin315]

There are a few people out there with bits and you might want to take a look at dandy7200's 54 gallon corner build thread and also dhogan's 29 gallon build thread. There are a few others as well but those are the ones that stand out. They both drilled their own tanks for overflows and did good jobs on non-circular drillings.

[NRehman]

Eric,

 

This works for me.

 

You might also want to just go to BRK and pick up the bulkheads, strainer, and drillbit all for something like $15-20.

 

Drilling glass is like drilling a ceramic tile.

 

The drilling surface needs to be horizontal. Don't drill too close to the edge, but note when in operation the water level will normally be at towards the top or slightly above the bulkhead hole - when there is sufficient flow.

 

1. Using a hole bit, drill out a piece of hardboard/plastic around 1/8". This will act as a guide and template.

2. Use tape (duct tape or like) on the other the other side of the hole site so that the cut glass does not fall through and prevents chipping.

4. Holding the template firmly over the location of the hole, fill hole site with of water (the template should hold enought water or tape the template down at the edges).

5. Angle the bit a slightly within the template/guide so that the bit starts cutting into the glass. Once there is a slight bite and groove, gently start moving the point of the cut in a crescent shape. At this point the drill bit you can remove the template as you have a groove to follow (or you can leave it and continue as below as long as there is sufficient water in the hole).

6. Create a circular water dam using plumbers putty or like. Fill with 1/8"-1/4" water.

7. Using the same circular motion, and LETTING THE BIT DO THE WORK, you will soon have a complete circular groove. No rush...let the bit keep biting and you will soon have a hole. AGAIN...do not pressure the cut, let the bit do the work. The tape on the other side will hold enough water once you cut through. Drill through evenly.

8. Clean-up.

 

You can practice on a piece of glass. It will give you more confidence.

 

Have fun.

 

Nadir

[scott711]

It isn't too hard. I have done it on every tank that I have had.

[vaironman]

It isn't too hard. I have done it on every tank that I have had.

 

Piggy back on this topic,

 

 

1) Can I do with an old 10+ years old AGA 150G tank?

 

2) drill it with tank stands vertically. The tank is currently in use with full of reef and fishes, I am thinking of lower the water level and apply Nadir's technique w/o having to break down the tank and laying it horizontal to drill.

 

I keep having to suck the air out of the U tube for the overflow every two weeks and only drilling holes will fix this issue 100%.

 

Thanks for everyone inputs on this one.

[scott711]

Piggy back on this topic,

1) Can I do with an old 10+ years old AGA 150G tank?

 

2) drill it with tank stands vertically. The tank is currently in use with full of reef and fishes, I am thinking of lower the water level and apply Nadir's technique w/o having to break down the tank and laying it horizontal to drill.

 

I keep having to suck the air out of the U tube for the overflow every two weeks and only drilling holes will fix this issue 100%.

 

Thanks for everyone inputs on this one.

 

I have done it this way too...

[elm66]

I have done it this way too...

 

Thanks all for the quick reply. I will get to BRK and try out on a piece of glass.

Thanks again for the quick replay.

Eric