Question on drilling an aquarium.

[mochaclownlover]

I got a new 40 gallon nuvo black for Christmas and wanted to drill it(3/4 in overflow, 1/2 in return)
This will be my first time drilling an aquarium, so I decided to practice on 2 of my old 5 gal. I only cracked the glass on the first try, but after that no more cracks. The main problem I'm having is at the very end of the drilling. When the bit make the final cuts through the glass, a small bit of the inside glass chips off. How can I stop this from happening? Another question, is thicker glass easier to drill than thinner glass? All help is appreciated. Thank you

 

[p7willm]

I know nuvo uses tempered glass for some stuff. If the glass you want to drill is tempered it will shatter if you try.

When you are drilling apply no pressure, just the weight of the drill, and at the end try to take some of that weight off. Also if you support the bottom of the glass you are less likely to chip but more likely to break it when you are attaching the support. Thisker glass will take longer but most of the problems you will run into will be at the start and end of the hole so the size of the part in the middle just makes it take longer.

 

[mochaclownlover]

I checked the reviews and one of them mentioned that he had drilled 4 holes in the back for a beanAnimal overflow. I will include a link to the tank.
http://www.marinedepot.com/Innovati...ve_Marine-0I05505-FIAQNCNTOF-0I05543-vi.html#

 

[Squid]

Put tape on the inside of where your drilling and it will help prevent chipping. Also, go bigger with the holes or you will regret it almost instantly. I would do 1" or bigger for the drain 3/4" for return

 

[ca1ore]

The best way to prevent chipping is to actually grind about 1/8" deep on the inside of the tank and then do the rest from the outside. Requires that you line them up exactly though. Thicker glass is much less likely to crack, but equally likely to chip.

 

[mochaclownlover]

I figured 3/4 and 1/2 was big enough and I already have the bit and bulkhead for both. Should I just bite the bullet and buy the bigger bit and bulk head or could I be fine with what I have? Would it have been better to go bigger because of flow?

 

[cracker]

It's a 40 gl tank right? 3/4 would be ok & that's the size of the bit You have right? So 1 inch would be better but if that's what Ya got , Gotta go slow & keep it wet. Can You drill outside? use the garden hose if possible.
P7 is correct. take it slow and no pressure applied. the chip on the inside is ok the gasket on the bulkhead will seal it up. I remember tweaking 1st time I drilled a tank. It's not that tough, just take your time. Some tape on the inside of the glass will help.

 

[mochaclownlover]

Thanks a ton guys for the help. Yes it is a 40 gal and I can drill it outside. I've been practicing on some old tanks I had laying around.

 

[Tokash23]

I agree with going bigger for the drain and return. I just drilled my 40breeder a little while back and the glassholes overflow came with 1 1/2" drain and 3/4" return. Its just over a 2" hole for the overflow, but better to go bigger and put a valve on it to temper it down if needed then go too small and can do nothing about it after there is water in it. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[reefwiser]

Having drilled hundreds of tanks over the years. The best advice is to let the drill bit do the work. Don't place and pressure downwards.
Also keep water on the bit.