Question about patching holes in glass

[McJaeger]

I got a really good deal on a deep blue 57g reef ready rimless tank, but the center overflow takes up way too much space in the display. I'd like to remove the overflow, patch the holes in the bottom, and drill new holes in the back to plumb a low profile overflow and return. Has anyone done anything like this? What would be the best way to patch the holes? Pics attached for reference.

 

[Daddy-o]

Clean the area around the holes and silicone a piece of glass over the top of them.

 

[McJaeger]

Clean the area around the holes and silicone a piece of glass over the top of them.

I figured it'd be that simple. How much of an overhang should I shoot for? 1-2"?

 

[BMW540]

Personally, I’d just cap bulkheads in that spot. It’ll be covered anyways

 

[C_mo97]

Personally, I’d just cap bulkheads in that spot. It’ll be covered anyways

I’d lean toward the silicone glass pieces because it will be way cheaper than bulkheads....

 

[McJaeger]

Personally, I’d just cap bulkheads in that spot. It’ll be covered anyways

Would that have the same structural integrity as the glass piece?

 

[cvrle1]

I did this exact same thing several months ago with dual overflows. Removing overflow box may be easy or hard, depending on how it was fixed. If they used just silicone, then it should be easy enough to take off. If they used glue as well, thats pain in the rear (ask me how I know lol) If you want ideas on getting rid of those, let me know.

In terms of patching holes, as daddy-o mentioned, get scrap pieces of glass and cut them to size. I used 1/4" thickness. I cut squares that were about an inch wider than the holes. I put lots of silicone on the tank, applied the glass patch and then I siliconed around the edges as well. To make sure I had absolutely no issues, I actually did same thing on the bottom of the tank as well. Since I had lots of silicone, I actually filled in the hole from the bottom, before I applied the patch. Let everything cure for a week and then water tested it. Had no issues at all.

I actually did same thing on another tank that I have. It was old sump that was setup for external pump. Since I will use it as QT or frag tank, I didnt need that hole.

 

[Radman73]

I did it in a 220. I just used bulkheads and capped them top and bottom. 30" deep, so they see some pressure and no leaks in a little over 2 years. So, far from proven lol!

 

[mfinn]

I'd trust bulkheads with caps more than a siliconed in piece of glass.
It may cost more for the bulkheads, but I would never worry about them failing.

 

[ReefLuck1123]

I'd trust bulkheads with caps more than a siliconed in piece of glass.
It may cost more for the bulkheads, but I would never worry about them failing.

How so? Glass & silicone make a heck of a bond... rubber deteriorates, plastic detiorates, more so than glass & silicone in my experience. Bulkheads can be pretty tough but they can be made cheaply too.

 

[mfinn]

How so? Glass & silicone make a heck of a bond... rubber deteriorates, plastic detiorates, more so than glass & silicone in my experience. Bulkheads can be pretty tough but they can be made cheaply too.

The bulkhead deteriorating? Really? I'm not denying that glass and silicone will bond. I just don't like patch jobs.
Like I said, I would trust the bulkhead option far more than a patch.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

People fail to realize how LITTLE pressure exists inside your tank. A 30" tall tank full of water exerts 1 psi on the tank bottom
.or bulkhead or whatever.

It's ridiculous to argue that a siliconed piece of glass on the bottom is going to fail. Your whole tank is a siliconed piece of glass!!!!

 

[mfinn]

People fail to realize how LITTLE pressure exists inside your tank. A 30" tall tank full of water exerts 1 psi on the tank bottom
.or bulkhead or whatever.

It's ridiculous to argue that a siliconed piece of glass on the bottom is going to fail. Your whole tank is a siliconed piece of glass!!!!

I never said it was going to fail.
I said I would trust the bulkhead. I didn't say or try to analyze one option over the other. I just said what "I" would do.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I guess what I am saying is that your trust, "far more trust" is what you stated isn't really grounded in physics or materials science.

They both are fine. All things equal the patch has less opporunity to fail compared to a bulkhead. (Over tightening, o-ring hardening, plastic burrs, etc)

My post was more to call attention that these high pressure situations that exist in aquariums.. don't.

 

[mfinn]

I guess what I am saying is that your trust, "far more trust" is what you stated isn't really grounded in physics or materials science.

They both are fine. All things equal the patch has less opporunity to fail compared to a bulkhead. (Over tightening, o-ring hardening, plastic burrs, etc)

My post was more to call attention that these high pressure situations that exist in aquariums.. don't.

After 55 years of keeping fish in glass boxes, I've learned to trust myself.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Ok

 

[vetteguy53081]

Buikhead plugs with silicone best and cleanest best

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Unless you dont want holes in your stand...

 

[Greg P]

Me, I'd silicone squares of glass on the INSIDE. No need for more silicone on the outside. I see no point as water will be pushing against the inside seals. The outside extra silicone will do nothing to hold back water. But hey, what do I know, I only fixed cooling systems for 25 years.
Pushing bubble gum into an outside hole does nothing to hold back the flood.

Using bulkheads is a good idea too, but you'll have some hardware hanging down that may or may not get in your way.

 

[cvrle1]

Me, I'd silicone squares of glass on the INSIDE. No need for more silicone on the outside. I see no point as water will be pushing against the inside seals. The outside extra silicone will do nothing to hold back water. But hey, what do I know, I only fixed cooling systems for 25 years.
Pushing bubble gum into an outside hole does nothing to hold back the flood.

Using bulkheads is a good idea too, but you'll have some hardware hanging down that may or may not get in your way.

While it may not do much at all like you said, it gave me extra confidence, thats all. My thought process was, if there is a drop or 2 that does somehow get through, bottom part shoould hold it between 2 panes. Yes, it doesnt make too much sense thinking more about it, but at the time in my head it made sense lol.

Hello from Surrey