So aqueon has a glass shortage and they are using whatever glass they have on hand. I have bought two of their tanks and both were all tempered glass. I called aqueon after returning both tanks and they can not guarantee if the tanks sides are tempered or not. Basically it’s a shake of the dice. Did you do the computer screen test to see if it’s tempered?
Broken literally
- Thread starter Tallison
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No I did not. I figured since I saw Synergy use the exact same tank that I was good to go. I just tested the front though and it shattered into a thousand pieces so I'm pretty sure you're spot on
Great to know there's another reefer nearby! I just drilled the front in a medium to slow speed and it burst into a bunch of pieces so I think it may have been a quality control thing. Will let you know if I need some advice or the like!
Daltrey
Valuable Member
You should practice on that tank using the front and sides until you get comfortable. Using plumbers putty to make a donut filled with water would be best.
Edited:
If it shattered then its tempered and can’t be drilled.
Edited:
If it shattered then its tempered and can’t be drilled.
Call em. I’ve had a few conversations with their reps. In fact I have a 75 in my basement that the LFS guaranteed to be non tempered sides. Did the laptop test and no doubt tempered. LFS called aqueon and they told him the same thing.
Tommy Ray Oakley
Community Member
Next time if you try use fabric softener and a big piece of PVC pipe to keep it in. The fabric softener keeps drill cool and cuts down on friction temp on glass. Just go slow. Also now that you have a broke tank experiment with the good sides to get the hang of it.
Reef of Fillory
Valuable Member
I bet that was your problem, if the tank wasn't on a flat surface, I bet the panel of glass was bending ever so slightly and you offered a relief of tension which allowed it to snap. I did mine on the carpet with a towel underneath of the opposing side to catch the 'puck'. I also drilled my Biocube vertically while full using soaked papertowel as a cooler for the bit. Looking at the picture you posted, that tank couldn't have been tempered with a straight crack like it has. Tempered glass shatters.
Better to drill with it flat on a surface [ground, concrete, carpet, wood floor etc.]
Fin
Professional Procrastinator
The thing is, you can never be completely sure if it is tempered or not, unless you test it yourself. YouTube has numerous videos showing how to do this with a pair of polarized sunglasses and a laptop screen. I knew you couldn't have checked it since the glass was painted. You need to be able to see through it.
I had a friend that ordered a 220 gallon tank from a custom builder with a standard bottom. He told them not to use tempered glass, because he was going to drill it himself. As soon as the bit cut into the bottom, it shattered the entire pane of glass. Always best to check yourself to be sure.
I imagine he was pretty angry. To be fair I painted the back glass before I decided I was going to drill for an overflow but I trusted previous videos of aqueons getting drilled and that's on me. Realized it's kinda dumb to skimp out on a tank when pumps cost me $600 so I'll be checking my LFS today for a reef ready tank, especially if Aqueon is having a shortage
Fin
Professional Procrastinator
You don't have to use an Aqueon tank. I don't think you will find a reef ready tank drilled for your Synergy overflow. Those corner overflows take up a lot of real estate inside your tank. The Synergy overflow frees up a lot of space for aquascaping, corals & swimming room for fish. Just something to consider.
I agree, I wish I didn't have two internal overflows. I would much rather have drilled external ones, but after 5 years of dealing with them I need some serious motivation to build another tank in place of this one. Next one, whenever that is, will have custom overflows that do not get in my way. After a while you realize these things stay as a focal point for many years in your home, it just doesn't make sense to skimp on the tank and not get exactly what you want when you avg. the cost over life of equipment.
