Can you Drill Tempered Glass?

[roktsintst]

Hi. I have drilled a glass tank for a bulkhead before, but i can't remember if it was tempered or not? I just bought a new 90 gallon tank that has a tempered sticker on it and i was wondering if i can drill it? i have the diamond tip hole saw to do it???

 

[tom obrecht]

No you CAN NOT drill tempered glass...it will explode!

 

[roktsintst]

DAMN! I think i remember that the bottom of the last tank i drilled was tempered and the sides were not! There are stickers on the sides and bottom of this tank so maybe they just put extras as it is the same manufacturer...

 

[kretzkiller]

typically the sides are no tempered and the bottom is. Just check with the manufacturer to make sure.

 

[nyvp]

some manf. drill the holes then temper them if that what you were asking

 

[SnowManSnow]

can it be done.. .yes...

can YOU do it.. no (no offence)

 

[Zestay]

NO . dont try. if your tank is tempered where you dont want it. get a new tank or dont drill.

 

[SnowManSnow]

+1

 

[BeanAnimal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15669127#post15669127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SnowManSnow
can it be done.. .yes...

can YOU do it.. no (no offence)

No, it can not be done, under any circumstances, no matter who or what is doing the drilling, etching or cutting.

If you want a hole, it must be placed there before tempering, or the temper must be removed from the panel be heating it to nearly its melting point and allowing it to cool and transform back to its anealed stated.

 

[Lo0seR]

EDIT

 

[kaine806]

I have heard of people having luck using a high pressure water jet to cut holes in tempered glass. but for what it would cost to have a company try it.
you could probably just buy a new tank that is reef ready.

http://www.ttgwebsite.com/waterjet.php

this company claims the can cut it. but they charge $195.00 per hole.

so i would be over $400 after it was done. and I know wear I live I paid $249 for my 90g reef ready.

so if i where you i would sell that tank and just buy a reef ready tank. or go with a overflow.

as far as drilling tempered glass. it cannot be done with drill bit's. it will shatter ever time.

 

[sirreal63]

That is not correct Kaine, you can never cut tempered glass, and neither can TTG, as they point out in the first section under Tempered Glass.
http://www.ttgwebsite.com/tempered.php