Any glass experts out there? Glass integrity

[virex27th]

Hi,

I am considering getting a standard 75 gallon AGA aquarium. I wont to drill the back panel for horizontal overflows and a closed loop. The overflows will be 2 holes in the top back corners big enough for 1inch bulkheads. For the CLS I wanted to add 2 more holes that would hold 1.5 inch bulkheads. I am concerned if the two 1.5 holes would compromise the integrity of the back panel beyond safety limits? Does anybody out there have 1.5 bulkheads or larger in the back of a standard 75 gallon glass tank?

Thanks

 

[windsor-aquatic]

What are the dimensions of the tank, how far apart will the holes be and what thickness glass is used?

 

[virex27th]

This is the standard 75 gallon from All-Glass Aquarium 48x18x20 I dont see the thickness of the glass anywhere on their website. The 2 overflow holes will be most of the length of the tank apart so 44 inches at least. The 2 other holes would be lower in the back and closer to the center. So I am thinking one 1.5 inch bulkhead 9 inches from the bottom and 16-20 inches in from the side and the other bulkhead 14 inches up from the botton and 16-20 inches in from the other side. I am trying to get 3000 gph out of the closed loop so thats why I want to us 1.5 bulkheads and then tee them to a 2 inch pipe down to the pumps inlet. Then hopefully a 1.5 inch manifold around the top of the tank with 6 outlets.

 

[windsor-aquatic]

From what you have said, I don't anticipate any problems with your proposed drilling, especially as the holes are in the upper area of the tank, where the water pressure is less. Good luck with you project!

 

[virex27th]

Thanks for the input windsor

 

[armygreen11]

Standard 75G tanks are 3/8" glass.

 

[Norboo]

Glass is lot stronger than you think. You shouldn't have any problems drilling. Just take it slow and use lots of water to keep the bit cool and lubricated..

 

[natual]

sorry to piggyback on this thread but I have a 75gal and I want an overflow with 3/4 to 1" overflows but I want to make sure if I spaced them 4" apart and 2" from the top would there be cause for consern?
I want alittle overflow box and to make sure the drains don't ever get plugged.

 

[armygreen11]

I'd make them at least 4" from any edge, and from each other. And that's 4" to the circumfrence of the hole, not the center.

 

[Norboo]

I cut 16 teeth 1/4" wide, spaced 1/4" apart, 1/4" from the top on a 3/8 glass without any problems. Again, glass is lot stronger than you think.