Drilling a glass aquarium...

[peterp63]

Does anyone have experience drilling glass aquariums?  

I was looking at a used O'Dell 300 gallon aquarium (8x2.5x2) and the only way it would work for me is if I was able to drill holes (or pay someone else to) for the suctions of the canister filters.  I believe the glass is 5/8" thick (not sure if the thickness makes a difference).  

Does drilling the bottom of an aquarium this large make it more prone to failure during or after the tank is put in service?  If so, how much so??  It just seems that once you put a hole in something that big and thick that is supposed to hold more than 2500 lb you could look at having a huge disaster at some point.  I'm new to most of this so anything will help.  I just don't want to have to spend the money to buy an acrylic this big!!  $$$$

Thanks!

[CichlidFan]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

I cannot offer any advice professionally, I do not work with glass nor have I ever drilled a tank, but I have read/heard, that it is not advisable to drill TEMPERED glass. Seek out Fluval303 on this site and pm him for his input in this matter, he seems to be somewhat familar with the process.

Good Luck.

CF

[Zulaab]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

When you are looking to drill holes in the tank, I take it you are going to use either massive canisters or wet/dry system.
For your system I would recommend strongly against drilling it yourself.  Get someone else to do it.
I would personally not drill and just use overflow boxes one in each corner of the tank.

If you dont want to have the tank much off the wall you can buy Eshopps 3" deep overflows which would only put your tank about 3.5" off the wall.
I would go get a pro/clear 400 for your tank and run a wet/dry.  Using a single mag 24 with a flow valve on it to slow it down to 1600gph and you will have a system that will absolutely take care of your filtration issues.

If you have any questions about wet/dry systems there are several here who are masters of them :)

[bethesdaboy]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

If you are looking for the least amount of stress on the structure as a result of drilling you drill the side panels.

[peterp63]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

I though about wet/dry filtration, but I thought it would get too humid underneath the aquarium.  The 300 gal will be a room divider and one side will be drywall (painted on the inside) and the other side will be cabinets.

Not sure if the glass is tempered... but I'll give Fluval303 a shout.  Thanks.

[Delock]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

Call John at Global Fish and pets.

[marauder_77868]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

You will not find anyone in the Houston area who knows more about drilling glass than Prosper. Call Prosper at Aqua Zoo...281-286-2238

[eklikewhoa]

Re: Drilling a glass aquarium...

O'dell?

Man I remember having one of their 30g longs back when I was about 14......haven't seen them around since so you might want to rethink this?

John at global knows his stuff since I have seen a lot of his work but with a name like Prosper I bet he's got the scoop on it too