Chipped overflow drilling hole

Moleo

New Member
View Badges
Joined
May 15, 2025
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Sweden
What state or country do you live in
Other International
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I chipped the glass when drilling. The gasket for the bulkhead completely covers the chip, and there are no leaks.

Should I be worried about the structural integrity of the glass, or is this okay?

Aquarium is a shallow 75 liter (≈20 gal): 75cm(W) x 40cm(D) x 25cm(H), glass is 6mm optiwhite.


Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.45.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.49.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.54.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.20.33.png
 
Last edited:
that would not concern me, it should be fine. Just ensure the rubber seal for your bulkhead is secure.
 
If the chip is on the wet side, you might have to snug the bulkhead a little tighter than you would otherwise to be sure the gasket seals it up. If it's on the dry side it shouldn't be an issue at all.
 
I chipped the glass when drilling. The gasket for the bulkhead completely covers the chip, and there are no leaks.

Should I be worried about the structural integrity of the glass, or is this okay?

Aquarium is a shallow 75 liter (≈20 gal): 75cm(W) x 40cm(D) x 25cm(H), glass is 6mm optiwhite.


Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.45.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.49.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.09.54.png Screenshot 2025-05-15 at 16.20.33.png
For you guys drilling holes: don't push the drill, let gravity do the work — otherwise, you'll chip the last layer. :D
 
Put a gasket on each side of the glass and you'll be fine :)
 
For you guys drilling holes: don't push the drill, let gravity do the work — otherwise, you'll chip the last layer. :D
^This!

In the way back, I've drilled some standard tanks without much issue or concern, but I'm now looking to drill a newer, rimless tank with low iron glass, and I'll admit, I'm a bit intimidated :rolleyes:

There's tips and tricks for sure, but I just want to add that I think if you use one of these relatively inexpensive, hand-held drill presses, I believe you can get really great results:
Milescraft Drill Press at the Big Orange Bookstore

I believe you'll minimize much of the chip out at the end of the cut (really, a grind).

I hope that helps :-)
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHICH PART OF YOUR SETUP IS HARDEST TO REACH OR REMOVE FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE?

  • Glass behind or beside the tank

    Votes: 16 21.9%
  • Powerheads or wavemakers

    Votes: 5 6.8%
  • Sump or rear filtration chambers

    Votes: 10 13.7%
  • Skimmer or other filtration equipment

    Votes: 9 12.3%
  • Overflow or plumbing

    Votes: 12 16.4%
  • Lights or lids

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Mine is pretty easy to access!

    Votes: 20 27.4%
  • Other—tell us what I missed

    Votes: 1 1.4%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new