Drilling question?

[Turbosnail]

Has anyone ever drilled the side of an all glass RR tank before or does anybody know for sure if you can? I have checked online and they say the bottom is tempered but nothing about the rest of the tank. I just want to be sure before I drill the top side of it while it is still running as my sump.

 

[dannyp02908]

As you know, this is dependant on the tank. If the glass is not tempered, you can drill the sides. I have drilled the sides of a 45g, a number of 10gs, and a 30g long.

 

[Turbosnail]

I have drilled tanks I'm the side also I just never did a 90 on the side so that is my question are the sides tempered?

 

[Jim Tansey]

I have drilled the sides of All Glass tanks many times, no problem.

Jim

 

[mnavick]

I have drilled my 90g AGA 4 times (2 on each end), however it is not RR.

 

[MikeG]

The only tank I know of for sure that is tempered on all sides is 55g and not sure if all 55's are that way.

 

[mnavick]

Could always try the polarized glasses/laptop trick...................

 

[Matt L.]

The sides of an AGA RR tank are not tempered, and thus can be drilled.
Make sure you are using new drill bits -- the drill bits are generally only good for about 5 times before they should be discarded. You run the risk of chipping otherwise.
This is a two person job.
Drilling while the tank is in service is near impossible.
You will want to lay the surface you wish to drill horizontally.
You will need to constantly bathe the surface you are drilling for a tank with glass this thick in cold water to prevent overheating and cracking. Use a garden hose, and use the second person to run the hose over the area you are drilling.
Be very careful! This is not like drilling through wood. The drill will "kick" with glass this thick when you break through. I rest the drill against my torso to absorb the kick.

I hope this helps.

Matt

 

[CaptainHook]

I drilled the back side of my AGA 90 RR tank.