edc_aquarium
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I've been thinking about drilling my 55 gallon tank, this would be my first drilling glass and I want to know if I should be scared and if it easy
Drilling glass
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corey01
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its much much easier than it seems like it would be. you dont need to be scared, however cautious is the word I would use. if you already have your bit and the glass your wanting to cut I would suggest a cordless drill. and if your climate ATM permits take it outside. lay the tank in the yard and either have a helper with a garden hose with about 1/4 flow run water over the area your cutting as you go. or you can just lay the hose on the side of the tank and let the water flow over it that way. although having a second person makes this much easier. all your doing is cooling the bit so you don't need the water blasting and going everywhere.
as you do this theres a few tips and things to remember. first of all go SLOWLY this can take as long as 10 mins of cutting for a single hole so remember not to rush. it will take as long as it takes.
as your doing this remember under no circumstances should you push on the bit. just let the weight of the drill do all the work for you. you need to be more concerned about keeping the drill as straight as possible. any wobble introduced can easily crack your tank.
some people have a jig or a guide to reduce wobbling especially when first starting the cut. I like to have about a 45 degree angle on the bit when I start and just kind of notch the glass. as you notch it and it grows you can slowly lower the rest of the bit onto the glass as your circle starts to form. this will create a channel as you cut so your bit wont wander
I know information is all over here but just kind of dumping what I know. ive drilled probably about 8 holes so far in various tanks and havent had any problems yet.
you might also want to watch a youtube video and get the general gist of how its done.
and if your still feeling nervous. find a spare bit of glass and practice on it until you feel confortable with what your doing. an old window pane. or even go to the hardware store and you can sepnd 5 dollars on a nice bit you can drill probably 6 holes into. kind of a waste but its better than breaking your tank
hope any of this helps.
as you do this theres a few tips and things to remember. first of all go SLOWLY this can take as long as 10 mins of cutting for a single hole so remember not to rush. it will take as long as it takes.
as your doing this remember under no circumstances should you push on the bit. just let the weight of the drill do all the work for you. you need to be more concerned about keeping the drill as straight as possible. any wobble introduced can easily crack your tank.
some people have a jig or a guide to reduce wobbling especially when first starting the cut. I like to have about a 45 degree angle on the bit when I start and just kind of notch the glass. as you notch it and it grows you can slowly lower the rest of the bit onto the glass as your circle starts to form. this will create a channel as you cut so your bit wont wander
I know information is all over here but just kind of dumping what I know. ive drilled probably about 8 holes so far in various tanks and havent had any problems yet.
you might also want to watch a youtube video and get the general gist of how its done.
and if your still feeling nervous. find a spare bit of glass and practice on it until you feel confortable with what your doing. an old window pane. or even go to the hardware store and you can sepnd 5 dollars on a nice bit you can drill probably 6 holes into. kind of a waste but its better than breaking your tank
hope any of this helps.
Last edited:
Make sure the glass isn't tempered before you attempt.
Dom
Theoretical Reef Keeper
Please be PATIENT and do NOT rush the cut. Run generous amounts of water over the area while cutting. DO NOT PUSH the bit through the glass; let the weight of the cutting tool (drill or plunge router) do the work. Also, practice on a piece of scrap glass a few times to get the feel. Then go for it!
thejuice24
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Usually the bottom is tempered, you can always call and check with the tank manufacture, some time you’ll get lucky and get a educated rep
ChrisOFL
Active Member
Nothing to worry about, you can cut glass with scissors ;)
All kidding aside, just make sure the glass isn't tempered and use a diamond drill bit, slow speed with minimal pressure (the weight of the drill is enough). I would also keep a stream of water flowing over the bit to keep it cool/lubricated.
All kidding aside, just make sure the glass isn't tempered and use a diamond drill bit, slow speed with minimal pressure (the weight of the drill is enough). I would also keep a stream of water flowing over the bit to keep it cool/lubricated.
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edc_aquarium
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This helped alot thank you
OP
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edc_aquarium
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On the bottom of the tank it says only the bottom is tempered
I've heard this recently, as well. Check the panel before starting.
Daltrey
Valuable Member
Use a guide. Make a guide out of any scrap piece of wood so the bit doesn't wander when you start the cut and leave scratches. You can also keep filling with water to cool bit. Done right it should take about 10 minutes per hole.
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Even Further
Active Member
Aqueon has been saying they might substitute tempered panels on certain sizes for years. I talked to them in 2014 about a 75 gallon, and they said the same thing. Always proceed with caution. Never drill the glass, or even start design plans unless it has been visually tested to be non-tempered glass. The test should be done using and old LCD laptop screen and a polarized lens.
55 gallon is an oddball size where it is common all panels are tempered, if its a mass produced standard rimmed model. But its still possible it's non-tempered.
55 gallon is an oddball size where it is common all panels are tempered, if its a mass produced standard rimmed model. But its still possible it's non-tempered.
Insane320
Active Member
Not to derail the thread.
I have to cut a hole in the side of a 75 gallon tank.
I have to cut it where it is (Vertical) AND I cannot put it on its side therefore I would have to cut it without water running. Any suggestions
I have to cut a hole in the side of a 75 gallon tank.
I have to cut it where it is (Vertical) AND I cannot put it on its side therefore I would have to cut it without water running. Any suggestions
Reef of Fillory
Valuable Member
Soak a paper towel with cold water and shove it into the center of the drill bit, when the water stops spinning out, re soak the paper towel. This is how I drilled my biocube while it was full, set up with fish in it. Also as everyone says take your time.
Drilled my first tank just a few weeks ago, it's actually really easy. Just watch some videos on YouTube and just take your time to have everything prepared before you start
Insane320
Active Member
Wow great idea Shep.
Thanks for your suggestion. I will be drilling a 2 inch hole, should be fun/ SCARY??LOL
Where is everyone getting there glass bits at???
Reef of Fillory
Valuable Member
Home Depot/Lowes sells bits as [glass cutting/diamond coated hole saw drill bits]
BulkReefSupply also has them for sale and they work well
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