Drilling Glass

[tucker3940]

I read an article today about how drilling your glass aquarium (even if done professionally), will eventually lead to hairline cracks and possible breakage. I am wondering how long anyone has had a drilled tank for? The article said it could take 5-10 years for this to happen, but that is still unacceptable IMO if it is true. I hope the article was just someone trying to sell acrylic aquariums , but I'm not sure.

 

[surfnturf]

Somebody was smoking something not legal. If this were true the edges of all glass tanks would fissure and basically turn to sand in a few years time. As long as you provide proper cooling to the bit/glass while doing it, there is no issue.

 

[tucker3940]

That's what I'm thinking too, but I just want some reassurance before I put 120 gallons of water in a third-story room.

 

[killyah]

i would be more worried about all that weight on the 3rd floor

 

[tucker3940]

I'm actually a little worried about that too, but I figured it out to be about 150 lbs/sqft, which is supposed to be ok.

 

[pmauro]

the only thing I can add is if you are drilling the bottom know if it is tempered or not, everything I have red says tempered glass cannot be drilled, and if possible always try to get a professional to do the drilling and get a guarntee in writing most places won't guarntee anything but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[newfishliny]

my 90 gal glass has been drilled 7 years ago no problem at all,
the holes where drilled in the back walls ( bulk head fittings)
To add about Tempered glass- It just so happens I e mailed all glass aquarium today about drilling-
they said no tempered glass is used on there products.
good glass

 

[krishj39]

Originally posted by pmauro
everything I have red says tempered glass cannot be drilled
YES! Do not try to drill it if it is tempered. Have you ever seen a broken windshield? That's what your tank will look like if you try to drill your tank and it is tempered glass. Tempered glass makes it stronger, but also means that if it breaks at all (i.e. drilled), then the whole piece of glass shatters into little pieces. Definitely make sure it isn't tempered b4 you drill.
Kris