Tank Drilling

[jbornfreund]

A buddy of mine in tuscon, az is looking to get a 135 drilled, has tried the glass shops and major aquarioum shops in arizona to find someone to drill it.

Anyone know of someone who can drill the tank (he'll evn drive to california to get it drilled if neccessary.

thanks in advance

Jbornfreund

 

[dsb1829]

I had one of my tanks drilled about a month back. I live in CA, but on the West coast. I think it is about a 12-14 hour drive depending on where you are coming from. It really wasn't that big of a deal to find a local shop. Is it that you are looking for a gauranteed/no risk drill? If that is the case most likely you won't find it. I had to sign a damage waiver so they weren't responsible for the tank if it had cracked.

 

[bensenvill]

I've done this several times to larger tanks and found it quite easy. The drill bit you need is costly though (about a 120 bucks). You put a metal ring (something that will hold a silicon lubricant liquid while you are drilling, this needs to be done to cool the glass and prevent cracking). And drill. It will probably be cheaper if you just buy the bit rather than having someone drive out there. Practice on an old 10gal a few times first if you are still squimish.

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

I've drilled maybe a dozen holes in glass tanks. I was amazed how easy it was the first time.

First you need a diamond core bit - they come in many grades - you need a CHEAP one. Mine cost under $50US for a 40mm one - that wasn't the cheapest I could find (but I liked the color).

To cut the hole, repeat this until finished:
1. Dip core bit in glass of water
2. Drill tank for 10 seconds (core bit must not heat up and cutting surface must be kept wet).

It will take several minutes to get through 10mm glass.

It's that easy...

Make sure the glass has not been tempered!!! Tempered glass will shatter if you try to drill it.

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

Don't get bored and drill for too long. You'll heat up the glass (not wise) and ruin your core bit.

 

[desertfish]

I live in Albuquerque, NM and paided $10.00 a hole when I got my 80gal glass tank drilled.

David

 

[bensenvill]

I would be hesitant to do the drill, stop, dip method. Especially with the thickness of the glass. You really increase the chances of hairline fractures (repeated extreme strains, hot cold, hot, cold) especially with the thickness of the glass. get something ring shaped that will hold the lubricant while your drilling. or get a second person to sit there and poar the lub while you are drilling (I'd rather spend money on a gallon of lub than add risk). Also if you are drilling the bottom, I think that tank size is reinforced glass.