Drilling holes in aquarium glass

[dedritus]

Can any one help me with this one...

I have had my 90gal reef tank running for over 6 years, and it has come to the time where I have to move it due to basement reconstruction.

Since I will be relocating it, I thought I would take advantage of the chaos, by switching my external overflow to a drilled system.
Luckily I have an extra tank to hold my livestock, while this task gets done.

Has anyone attempted this?
Which tools should I use?
Can I be referred to anyone who can do it pofessionally?

I recall reading a while back somewhere that it can be done, but forgot the specifics.

If I were to build two overflows inside the back corners, could anyone recommend how to do this, and how to design the return and plumbing to the sump and then back to my tank.

Any help would be appreciated.

Tyler
:bigeek:

[dedritus]

asmodeus,

Thanks for the tips.

Not sure if it is tempered glass, I would assume that it is.
It is just a regular Hagen 90g tank.

Do know of anyone who has drilled a Hagen before.

My tank is less than a year old, as I have recently bought it new, because my old one was starting to lose its appeal.

By the sounds of things, I should have purchased a reef ready tank, so that I would not be in this predicament.

Tyler
:hmm1:

[Dman]

Sometimes the bottom of a tank is tempered, not as often as you might think though. Another alternative is why drill the bottom, why not drill the sides like I have done, check out the pics in my earlier post, here is a better link: http://communities.msn.ca/dereksaquarium/shoebox.msnw

Check the new tank photo essay, some of the last pics I posted should have good shots of the holes.
HTH
Dman

[dedritus]

Dman,

Great Pics. Are you moving the contents of your old tank to your new one?

I guess, holes in the sides would serve the same purpose, might be easier.

Where did you get the overflow boxes etc. Were they DIY?

How quiet is it?

I might go that way, I want to minimize going behind my tank.

If you don't mind, could you provide me with additional info.

Tyler

[ajx22]

Just wanted to take a moment to
http://www.aquariumpros.ca/images/welcome.gif
dedritus to the Forum!!!

Good to have you with us...and it looks like you're in good hands with answers to your questions thus far!

:idea: I would suggest drilling the back of the tank. Makes it easier due to not knowing the glass of the tank. All works the same way...just be sure that you know how many gallons will empty into your sump "IF/WHEN" the power fails for your return pump. :eek2: As long as you have enough room to handle the Maximum Water Level - then you're laughin!!! :roflmao:

Good luck and we hope to see you around!!!

[dedritus]

Unfortunatley I am still nervous that drilling my tank may cause the glass to crack, which will place me back to the drawing board.

I am pretty sure that the glass is not tempered, so that is one issue I will not have to worry about.

If I could do it again I think that I would have had one constructed for me pre drilled.

Does any one know of those who were successful drilling a 90g Hagen tank?

Tyler:confused:

[Dman]

Here are a couple of pics of the overflow I have installed.



http://sc.communities.msn.com/tn/E3/52/dereksaquarium/e/42.jpg

[Dman]

try this

[Dman]

and this one