Drilling holes in Glass Aquarium

[Justin]

I am looking to add a 15 high tank to my 40 breeder setup so that I can house some lower flow corals like Euphylia and Goniporas. The design will be that the two tanks will be plumbed together so that I can capitalize on my Skimmer. I wanted to see if there was anyone in town, I live near UTSA, that can drill a couple of holes for me through my glass. Nothing too crazy but I was thinking about basically (2) 1' holes for a drain and return. My plan is to have the holes placed with one on the side and the other on the opposite back end.

[rrasco]

How thick is that tank? If you manage to get it drilled without breaking, you will have to be very careful putting pressure on the bulkheads as it won't take much to break at that point.

I've drilled quite a few tanks, the only one I ever broke was a 10 gallon.

[Justin]

You know, I'm not sure what the thickness is. I do know that is an Aqueon so this is what I pulled from their website:



http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/011/17984_49w49h.jpg (http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/011/17984_400wh.jpg)
15 Gallon (http://www.aqueonproducts.com/assets/011/17984_400wh.jpg)
Download High-Res Image (http://www.aqueonproducts.com/download/?asset=/assets/011/17984.jpg&name=Aq15Blk.jpg) (146KB)

24.3" x 12.5" x 12.8"

Black Trim

015905100151
10015

[rrasco]

I'd think not much more than a 10 gallon, if any.

Have you considered an acrylic tank, or building your own out of acrylic/glass? Not that a 15 can't be done, but I'd honestly be hesitant to do that in my setup.

[Justin]

I honestly never thought about making my own tank out of acrylic. I don't have much experience with the stuff but from looking at Meleve's tutorials, it doesn't look like it would be that hard.

[Justin]

Although making a tank out of acrylic would be great, I actually just wanted to re-use a 15 high I have laying around as a zoa garden extension to my existing system. Still looking to see if anyone can drill me a couple of holes on an Aqueon 15 high.

[Mike]

One of the sponsors, AD (Aquarium Design) can drill tanks. Not sure on the cost, schedule, or if other sponsors do. I know Ace (Hobogato) had done it too. Not sure what he charges.

[furam28]

Judging from a lot of other forum posts and videos on youtube, it shouldn't be too hard drilling through your glass tank. People have even drilled through filled tanks with the water level lowered. The key is to apply almost no pressure, and just let the diamond bit do the work by friction. Also you have to keep spraying water at it. The Aqueon 15g high has either 3/16" or 1/4" glass thickness. For a 1" bulkhead you will need a 1-3/4" hole. I was getting ready to drill my rimless tank, before I contacted the manufacturer to find out it was tempered glass. I already ordered the diamond bit and I have the drill. If you want, PM me and we can give it a try. I live in the UTSA area. I would also suggest contacting the manufacturer to confirm that it is regular glass (not tempered) and what the thickness is.


Although making a tank out of acrylic would be great, I actually just wanted to re-use a 15 high I have laying around as a zoa garden extension to my existing system. Still looking to see if anyone can drill me a couple of holes on an Aqueon 15 high.