tank drilling

cwb_reeftank · Jul 28, 2015

I was thinking about building my own tank stand for my 55 gallon tank and when I drain it to move it from the old stand to the new stand I thought about drilling it for an overflow box because I'm tired of my overflow box now breaking its siphon all the time. is that a good idea or not I've heard that if you've filled the tank before and you drill it it could crack it.

Reefing Madness · Jul 28, 2015

Run a coast to coast on the back, with this you just have the back glass cut a bit shorter than the rest of the sides, because you want the water flowing through the back side.

StevenBell · Jul 28, 2015

Customaquariums. Com has good bits and a template for Drilling.Also gives great instructions for a first timer.Drilled my first tank with their kit.Glass holes is also a good one!

redfishbluefish · Jul 29, 2015

First off, tanks made with tempered glass CAN NOT BE DRILLED. They will shatter into a million pieces. A large number of 55 gallon tanks are with tempered glass. First test your tank to make sure the glass isn't tempered....it's easy to do.

You will need a cell phone/tablet/computer and a pair of polarized sunglasses. Place the electronic instrument into the tank, ideally showing a white screen. With the sunglass on, start to turn the electronic device until the screen goes from white to black. If you see solid black, the glass is not tempered. If you see white blotches in the blackness, the glass is tempered.

Hope this helps.....and Glass-Holes rocks...includes the drill bit and a 700gph kit would be great for that 55.

StevenBell · Jul 29, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
First off, tanks made with tempered glass CAN NOT BE DRILLED. They will shatter into a million pieces. A large number of 55 gallon tanks are with tempered glass. First test your tank to make sure the glass isn't tempered....it's easy to do.

You will need a cell phone/tablet/computer and a pair of polarized sunglasses. Place the electronic instrument into the tank, ideally showing a white screen. With the sunglass on, start to turn the electronic device until the screen goes from white to black. If you see solid black, the glass is not tempered. If you see white blotches in the blackness, the glass is tempered.

Hope this helps.....and Glass-Holes rocks...includes the drill bit and a 700gph kit would be great for that 55.

That's a sweet trick!!!!Props to you buddy!!!

cwb_reeftank · Jul 29, 2015

Thanks I will try this when I do my next water change

Aussie paul · Aug 4, 2015

When drilling glass go slowly and only put light pressure on the bit and also keep the bit wet otherwise it will heat up and that can cause the glass to crack

cwb_reeftank · Aug 6, 2015

can I check to see if my tank in tempered with water in the tank or will the water mess up how the light is? I have a life proof case on my phone.

redfishbluefish · Aug 6, 2015

Very interesting question. I would think that water wouldn't impact the testing....assuming the phone/tablet/etc is water proof. Or you with polarized glassing can hold your breath long enough to dunk into the tank while you view the phone/tablet/etc on the outside of the tank.

But the question I have is how will you drill the tank with water in it. Even if you drop the level four or five inches, that's enough to do the test and drill the tank. The other option, if you know the manufacturer of the tank, is call them (email, etc) and ask if their glass is tempered.

Best of luck.

cwb_reeftank · Aug 6, 2015

well I was going to see if I can do the test with water in it now so when it comes close to when I do I can get the stuff order to drill. and I was going to empty my tank till there was about 2-3inches of water because I was going to change stands too because my stand is to small for what I want to do.

redfishbluefish · Aug 6, 2015

Just so you know, it's best to keep the drill bit totally wet while you're drilling.....to keep both the glass and the bit cool. This is most easily done drilling perpendicular to the tank with a reservoir of water around the bit.

The guide in this picture is first placed on the tank with plumber's putty and then the guide hole is filled with water. Water is constantly added to this hole while the drilling is occurring. Hope this helps.

ReeferBob · Aug 11, 2015

99.99% chance it is tempered. Almost all 55s are as they glass is very thin. 55 is not a good choice for reef tanks. Time to upgrade.

lueleon · Aug 12, 2015

Same scenario for me. Wasn't happy with stand I had and wanted to quite my aquarium down. So I had a new stand built that I am extremely happy with (Local wood shop and owner is a friend of mine took 6 months to build. Was partially my fault because I did modifications along the way) and decided to drill my tank with a 3rd hole to do the Herbie Overflow Method. So I did my research went on bulkreefsupply.com and ordered drill bits and all new plumbing. Drained my tank, checked my 75 gallon to make sure it was not tempered. There were no labels or markings to indicate that it was so every thing was a go... Been a nightmare since. Bottom glass turned out to be tempered and shattered into a million pieces. I had transferred my live stock and some rock into a 15 gallon cube I use as a QT. Rest of my rock is in a huge tub with salt water and water pumps to hopefully keep live bacteria alive and keep circulation going. Sand is just sitting in containers and some of my clean up crew that was buried when I pulled sand out managed to dig their way to surface within 24 hours of when I did drain. So some managed to make it and I'm assuming a lot others did not.... Anyhow when glass shattered I decided to get a new StarFire glass tank built that is taller and deeper. Back glass is regular but blacked out because I was never happy with black paint job I did myself but that glass is on back order about 3 weeks out. Once I get new tank back my build will be dialed in to my liking but I'm almost sure I will have to let my tank cycle through again before I put my coral and fish back in. Whole process has been testing my patience because if it's not one thing it's another. In hindsight should have just ordered a new tank from the beginning and once plumbed with new stand would have been easier to transfer everything over... 50/50 is hindsight but have gained tons of knowledge along the way. Good luck to you with what you decide to do going forward. Hope my experience I shared helps you some to make a better decision.

TaylorPilot · Aug 12, 2015

Yep, time for an upgrade. If you have the room for a 55 you have the room for a 120! LOL

LakeCityReef · Aug 24, 2015

Glass holes.com just drilled my first tank this week and it was a breeze

reeferphil89 · Aug 24, 2015

Does it hold Water with flow in the tank

LakeCityReef · Aug 25, 2015

I have done a water test and it held but I'm still building the stand so there hasn't been flow in it yeah

ReefHeretic · Aug 27, 2015

I second the glassholes kit. However, if you get your overflow box elsewhere, then BRS has some drill bits that work. Keep the area wet, and let the bit do the work (just push enough to keep it seated in the hole). This is more of a grinding process, than a cutting one. I've done it four times now, and it's really very easy. Keep it wet and work in 30-second increments as not to overheat.

Also check with the manufacturer to see if the tank is tempered. MANY tanks of that size are at least tempered on the bottom, but the back side varies.