Drilling tanks?

[ryansweet]

How do you tell if a tank is tempered or not? I just bought a used 150gal Marineland. The old owner said they got it at PetSmart. Anyone know if this is tempered or how I can find out?

 

[PRDubois]

is there a sticker on the bottom?

 

[ryansweet]

No stickers anywhere. The old owner pulled everything off but didn't remember if it was tempered or not.

 

[mat167]

Marinelands are "usually" tempered. The only way I know how to tell is by crossing your fingers and drilling it lol =P although that can have some undesired outcomes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's only the bottom pane that is tempered so you ought to be able to pierce the back wall without a problem. Try calling Marineland and asking them to be sure.

 

[surgeonfishbarb]

Ye the bottom pane is the only pane tempered. I ahd the same dilemma. I decided not to drill the tank but to go with external overflows. They work great

 

[Delr3]

I was told when I was drilling my tank to look at the glass with polerized sunglasses, if you can see waves in the glass then it is tempered. Thats what I was told to look for. I saw them in the bottom and not on the sides, so it work for me. Hop that helps,

Del

 

[reefergeorge]

Just drill the back, and be safe. The glasses work as mentioned.

 

[ryansweet]

Thanks everyone for the terrific information! I'm going to go with a HOB overflow for now. One day I promise to grow the man fruit and drill this bad boy!!

 

[hos]

you could ask the manufacture just find their web site and ask them if it is or not that is what I did before I drilled out the side of my tank .
I got tired of the HoB loosing siphon .

 

[mat167]

Sounds like you've got it figured out. Best of luck.

PS the term "Man Fruit" made me laugh pretty good lol.

 

[alextheromanian]

i didnt know if mine was tempered so i drilled the side and back...have to tell you it worked out better than drilling the bottom.

 

[surgeonfishbarb]

Since you are going with a hob overflow, I would recommend using a CPR overflow. They are a little pricey but they work

 

[hummermaniac88]

Question guys, can I use a angle grinder to drill my tank? Or do I absolutly have to use a clutched electric drill? If I use an angle grinder thats pneumatic, I can put the lowest psi out put possible?

 

[toddc76]

I am not sure an angle grinder would work so good.

I use a dremel to make the first hole then I put the diamond bit in the RotoZip and finish the holes off. Works like a champ.

 

[reefergeorge]

I just used my dewalt, and a $10 ebay bit. Worked great for me.

edit- I also made a pool of water with plumbers putty to keep the bit cool.

 

[hummermaniac88]

So an angle grinder wont be a good idea?

 

[James79]

There is no reason that an angle grinder with proper bit wouldn't work just fine.

 

[REEFFER MADNESS]

If you can avoid HOB period. Do not be afraid to drill your tank. However you must find out if it is tempered or not. Usually only the bottoms are tempered. Contact the manufacturer of the tank and they will tell you. Do not use an angle grinder go to Glass-Holes.com and they will set you up with the correct diameter for the bulkheads you are planning to use. Talk to Scott V.

Do not attempt to drill tempered glass you will regret it. GL

 

[hummermaniac88]

Oh I have the Diamond hole saw and all, I have an electric drill, but wanted to use the new compresor and pneumatic tool set my dad bought lol. My bottom is not tempered butwas just wondering if it would work well. If I put the angle grinder on high speed, would it drill the glass better?

 

[Posidion]

no slower is better the excess heat from high speed friction could crack the glass. remember to keep that bit drown with a coolant and lubericant.