Aqueon 55G Tempered?

[jeep454]

I currently have a Marineland 55 for Freshwater which I know is completely Tempered and a Aqueon 29 for saltwater which has no tempered panels and I also drilled bulkheads in.
I am relocating both tanks after the wife had me renovate the room they were in. To save space I am building a stand to carry 2 vertically stacked 55 Gallon tanks. The problem I have is I need a 55G that can be drilled through the back for the saltwater tank. The only tank I have heard of that has been drilled is Aqueon. However, some sources say all tempered and some say tempered bottom only. And the chart on their website (attached) only has a column for tempered bottom. Does anyone have any insight?

 

[UncommonSense]

I’ve heard that the big box tanks can be a mix-match of tempered and non-tempered side panes, depending on the batch and what the manufacturer can get at the time…

Best bet here would be watching a YouTube video on “how to tell if glass is tempered”!

Usually, the process involves using a white phone/computer screen, positioned behind the glass, and a pair of polarized sunglasses or a polarized filter!

 

[rc1626]

When I was looking for a 55g as a saltwater holding tank back in the early spring I had the same question. I called Aqueon and the gentleman on the phone told me all of the 55g are all tempered as of that time. His explanation was that during the pandemic when everything was shutting down they bought a whole lot of tempered glass due to what was available. He said all 55’s would be full tempered until further notice until current stock was depleted. He couldn’t guarantee that they’d go back to regular glass side panels on the 55 either.

I wound up buying a tank from Petco and busted one of the end panels and replaced it with regular piece to drill.

Not sure where they are at now. Maybe try calling.

HTH

 

[Fish Fan]

The test couldn't be easier, and could easily be performed in the store before purchase:


Good luck!