Tank drilling question

phil_pl · May 22, 2009

I have a 55g tank that i want to drill but its tempered glass so i not to do it myself.
is there anyway that it can be drilled, like could i take it somewhere and have it done or am i going to have to buy a new tank?

any input wold be great

thomasdo87 · May 22, 2009

no ones gonna be able to drill if its tempered. it will shatter into a million pieces. your best bet is to probably buy a new tank.

good luck

thomasdo87 · May 22, 2009

its possible though dont get me wrong but with a success chance of less than like 5%

Hypertek99 · May 22, 2009

Nope. Not possible to drill tempered glass. It will shatter.

thomasdo87 · May 22, 2009

well its possible depending on the amount of temper, but it is impossible to know that so it is nearly impossible but still very very slightly possible. lol its late and im not even sure if what i typed makes sense

phil_pl · May 22, 2009

dang i was hoping that i wouldnt get that answer but i guess im going to be buying a new tank
anyone want the old one

cobraz · May 22, 2009

Tempered glass is usually only on the bottom. So if you side drill it - it would be fine but normally not ideal.

phil_pl · May 22, 2009

there is a sticker on the bottom that says all panals are tempered glass

cobraz · May 22, 2009

phil_pl said:
there is a sticker on the bottom that says all panals are tempered glass

Ouch !!! Sounds like a new tank is on the way.

Railrider1920 · May 22, 2009

It sucks that you can't drill it like you really want to. But why not get a HOB overflow? It would be cheaper than a new tank. Just don't want one?

cloakerpoked · May 22, 2009

I'm pretty sure at least All glass uses all tempered glass on their standard 55's. I would guess this is so they can use thinner (cheaper) glass in the construction, but this could be wrong, just something I seem to remember hearing somewhere. I'm sure the manufacturer website would have this info somewhere...

cloakerpoked · May 22, 2009

After some minimal research, I found that some are, and some are not, with anecdotal evidence by all that they are, or are not safe to be drilled on the sides. I'd call the manufacturer with the manufacture date and they should be able to tell you if the sides are or are not safe.

phil_pl · May 23, 2009

Railrider1920 said:
It sucks that you can't drill it like you really want to. But why not get a HOB overflow? It would be cheaper than a new tank. Just don't want one?

i really just dont want anything HOB on this tank
the reason i am upgrading from my 29 is because all the things hanging on the back are driving me crazy (too much clutter)
but i got great news today
i found a guy with a 65 gal reef ready aquarium with sump and 2 250 watt MH's and he'll give it to me for ~$150..I told him deal on the spot

So if anyone wants the 55gal tank i have been referring to let me know im selling everything i have for it except the hood (i already sold it)