Drilling Glass

[dbartkow]

Anyone in Rochester have a 1.75" hole saw used to drill glass for a 1" bulkhead that I could borrow on Friday or Saturday? I need to drill my 55 gallon sump for an external sump.

Let me know - thanks!
Dave

 

[SkiFletch]

Sure it's 1.75 and not 1.5? MOST 1" bulkheads are 1.5" on the threads... 45mm works too

 

[dbartkow]

According to BRS, the 45mm (1.75") hole saw is used for the 1" bulkheads.

 

[reefman5511]

Better know the manufacturer of the tank before drilling. Marineland uses tempered glass on all the panels of their 55.

 

[dbartkow]

I really don't know. The tank is about 20 years old and was purchased from a pet store in Penfield that is no longer in business. Is there any way to determine that before drilling?

 

[fishome25]

don't do it. most 55's are tempered all around.

 

[Haffs09]

Put your tank outside in the sun and look at it with polarized glasses at various angles. If you see distortion then it's tempered ( http://www.ehow.com/how_5759804_tell-glass-tempered.html ) I used this technique to verify my 55 gal tank wasn't tempered before I drilled it. My tank was very old, with thick glass and no center brace. Good luck!

 

[cardiffgiant]

My old 55 (probably 13-14 years old) has a sticker that states that all side were tempered. Tempering all sides of a 55 is the norm. If yours doesn't have a sticker stating that only the bottom is tempered, play it safe and don't drill.

 

[Jacwil]

Put your tank outside in the sun and look at it with polarized glasses at various angles. If you see distortion then it's tempered ( http://www.ehow.com/how_5759804_tell-glass-tempered.html ) I used this technique to verify my 55 gal tank wasn't tempered before I drilled it. My tank was very old, with thick glass and no center brace. Good luck!

+1!!!

Before just giving up and not attempting to drill it, chk out the link that John provided!

 

[PufferNut]

According to BRS, the 45mm (1.75") hole saw is used for the 1" bulkheads.

If i remember correctly, when I ordered from there, the 1.75" are sch.80 bulkheads, the sch40 take the 1.5"
Just make sure of what you have.

 

[dbartkow]

Oh man, you guys just burst my bubble. Just when I thought I was making progress on my sump. This sticker was on the bottom panel. I assumed that meant the bottom was tempered, but probably means the whole thing is since it didn't specify.

 

[Haffs09]

Don't assume it means all panels. Most tank manufacturers temper the bottom pane of glass. I have drilled many tanks (not the bottom pane of glass) that have that sticker on the bottom. While most, if not all 55 gal stock tanks currently use tempered glass for all panes, I don't know what they did 15+ years ago. Put on some polarized shades and check it out

 

[dbartkow]

I tried polarized sunglasses trick, but I can't tell. I don't notice any black lines, but I don't see them on the bottom piece either. So I think I am going to have to explore other options now. This is disappointing, I was hoping to get my new system up and running this weekend. It has been a long process.

Anyway, anyone looking to get rid of a 55 gallon tank that has been drilled for an external pump?

 

[NirvanaFan]

I've got the bits if you find out the tank isn't tempered.

 

[teamdulski]

That Anchor means Perfecto/Marineland I would bet money the whole thing is tempered or call Marineland (800-322-1266) and ask since it is 17 years old.

 

[dbartkow]

Thanks for the number - I just called and they said all panels are tempered - dang!

Back to the sump drawing board.

 

[SkiFletch]

Oh and my math is wrong, 45mm = 1.77" (close enough to 1.75). Oops :lol:

 

[NirvanaFan]

Does it have to be drilled?

 

[dbartkow]

I am looking for a 55 gallon (48" x 12" footprint) that is either drilled or has the potential to be drilled (sides not tempered).

 

[fishome25]

deep blue 55 gallon does not have tempered sides