HOW TO: Drill A Glass Aquarium
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- Опубликовано: 29 авг 2024
- This is a video on how to drill a glass aquarium. While this may not be the method used by all, it is the method i have used to drill countless aquariums.
Drilling your aquarium will allow you to install a bulkhead. That bulkhead will then serve as your overflow to allow you to have a sump or some other sort of external filtration.
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![How to Drill a Hole in a Glass Aquarium the Easy Way [DIY]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IxuNYBlQZmc/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you so much. I recently tried to drill my first aquarium and could not manage to do it without cracking the glass despite multiple careful attempts. I made sure to get a good hole saw, a good drill guide, go slow, keep it straight, keep it wet at all times, and followed the general methodology that I found on various online guides. Yet it cracked right at the end every time. I even verified that it was not tempered since I could not believe how easily it was cracking. Thankfully I was only using a cheap 10 gallon for testing purposes. I was about to give up then I decided that I must be doing something wrong if so many people were able to do this without any issues. So I looked around on youtube and your video was the first to pop up. Your method intrigued me so I decided to give it a try.
I had a few issues with it. The gasket for the bulkhead was too small to use so I grabbed a larger gasket. I tried to clamp the wooden plank down but since it's an aquarium you can only clamp it on one side. That leaves the board at a slight angle which prevented the gasket from sealing properly. The only way to get around this is to do what you did and drill the holes very close to the top. But that's not a good idea for most overflow designs so I decided against it. Without a proper drill guide I decided to use plumbers putty instead of a gasket to seal the water in as so many other guides do. This worked much better than the gasket for me. Then I added the duck tape on the back and wala. I was able to drill straight through with ease without a crack.
The only thing I would add to your guide is to try plumbers putty instead of a gasket and to make sure to drill it in one continuous run. If you take the hole saw out to clean it then try to continue drilling you won't be able to line the hole saw up quite right with the original hole which will make the area around the hole weaker and more prone to fractures. I think the duck tape also helps to stabilize the area around the hole since the force of the piece of glass popping off at the end can put stress on the surrounding glass. Your guide definitely saved my ass though. So thank you.
I have just circled back to this after your most recent video, the content of these older videos is still invaluable for DIY. Thanks Joey.
I love checking out the old diy projects.
Love the videos. I do autoglass. front windshields are never tempered. always laminated for obvious safety reasons. just thought I would share.
Joey... Love the vids!
Here is a tip to prevent the gaskets from leaking..
The rubber gaskets tend to "stick" against the glass as you are tightening the nut sometimes preventing it from totally sealing. Simple fix? Make sure the glass is clean and put a little bit of dish soap on your finger and lubricate the gasket with it. Now as you tighten it, the rubber can slide some and make a good seal. This works for all sorts of fittings, including making it easier to push hoses onto fittings!
Very much appreciate the info. Purchased my 30 mm Diamond Coated Hole Saw and have already cut 5 aquariums perfectly.
its crazy watching old videos again lol you've came along way joey can't wait to see the 2000G fully stocked
Wow in 5 years you changed alot.. still a great video. Thanks
Always helping me for 9 years now! Thank you
Very useful! Great tip using those 3d glasses!
It's so weird going back and seeing baby Joey! As always, awesome content!
It's like watching 2 different people 2018 Joey is way more confident
And way more beefy
Steroids will do that.
The best I have seen so far, thanks. I’m considering to drill holes in my fish tanks.
The best demonstration of making hole in glass. Thanks.
Having drilled a few in my time, I still found a couple of nice tips. Thanks joey!
Great video! Short and to the point.
I love how you explain every thing and make it soooo easy. thanks
I wish you posted this before I started my 55 build lol. I feel that you have some crew standing behind the camera giving you ques and adjusting the lights haha.
I've drilled tanks before but I never checked to see if the glass is tempered. Thanks for the tip of looking at the glass with polarized glasses, I will always do that from now on.
good reason. I've decided to get back into this hobby and ill be building almost everything. the tank, lights, stand. your vids are a huge help. Something a store owner told me this week is that the home-built tanks ALWAYS leak, because they arent baked with the silicone after assembled like they are in a factory. do you have anything to say about that? what he said does kinda make sense, since im making a 125g but he may also have been trying to scare me into buying a tank.
who came from is new video?
Cringy? No, but...it looks like he is gonna cry. Just kidding...he's is super cool!
These videos are helping me learn so much and save a ton of money. Thank you!!
Excellent video. You gave some tips I've never even heard of before.
Whos watching in 2018? XD I like that blue on blue Joey.
2019
I picked up a 450 gallon glass aquarium. Its not drilled, can I drill the ends without disrupting the structure strength of the tank?
awesome video. I almost bought a drill guide but using a piece of wood makes more sense.
I got a feeling this guy is gonna have a million subs one day.
BTW...this was posted in 2013...not today, in 2018, just saying. I mean, I travel...in time, so...just believe what you read.
This Joey doesn't lift.
my tank has a sticker on the bottom saying its tempered...does this mean the bottom is tempered or all sides are tempered?
That generally refers to the bottom panel. However a simple email or call to the manufacturer of the tank would be best. Not all are the same.
Thanks, great video. Questions. Now, should the drain pipe be anchored to a surface as not to put too much pressure on the drilled hole for fear to stress cracks?
This video helped me alot and I finally had my tank drilled for the first time. My only problem is the back side of the hole seems a bit chippy.
Hey Joey thanks for a the vids! I love watching them and like how much info you put into each video making sure we all get what your saying!
When learning to drill through glass tile, I was taught "high speed, low pressure". Hasn't failed me yet. But always start out slow.
Hey Joey, not the correct forum for it, but you think you can show how you would make a co2 drop checker?
Thx. Was going to buy an older tank that i wanted to drill but was unsure about it being tempered or not
These vids always make me wish I could make a career out of this in my garage...
I was wondering if it is safe to use a hot steamer to clean the upper part of my aquarium. Because that way no harmful liquids can get in my tank and i dont get scratches on the glas from rubbing.
But I dont want the glass to break and have a waterpool in my house.... and a bunch of dead fish :(
I wonder if you know if it is safe. Cos it would be a great tool to use, but now im scared to try.
Thanks for all your great videos ! keep your awesome work bud !
Awesome video man
Old video, just as informative! Cheers Joey!
Fascinating the way to tell tempered glass.
Joey, you look a lot healthier now, thicker, more color, etc.. Got any good tips for a skinny guy around your age?
THANK YOU JOEY ! I HAD BEEN PAYING SOMEBODY A WHOLE LOT JUST TO BORE HOLES IN MY AQUARIUMS.
Great video, very informative and helpful...Thanks
Hey Joey, have you ever made one of those tall skinny floor standing aquariums? if not maybe be a cool video to make like a jelly fish tank!
Nice Video!! Typically how many hole can you expect to get out of a bit in general? Before the bit is worn out, I no the the thickness of the glass affects the number. Thanks for the info and nice jig!! oh no bandaids Lol
off topic question: do you find yourself getting shafted, being a canadian aquarium owner?
Prices too high?
Its real slim pickins in windsor ontario for fish stores. there may only be one reliable store in the city.
hello my friend. I got problem with my aquarium. I got RENA around 400L aquarium. I already run it about 1year with Discus fish. I would like to drill 2 holes. Could You tell me best way to do it with watter and fishes inside? thanks
Your new videos are of a better quality for sure, though this was funny. I watched it because I was promised cringey and you delivered.
Can u recommend brand of hole saw to drill holes in tanks?
Also could u make a manual drain pipe with the hole outlet at thst same height by adding a pipe inside the tank and have a ball valve on out side which i can open to drain out water? Could this work without loosing siphon?
Hi, I have a question. If I want to remove overflow can I just simply get a piece of a glass and use silicone to patch the holes? Or I need to do something else?
i enjoy these vids so much. thanku
None of the thickness calculators take in to consideration the depth (front to back) does this not matter? The tank I want to build is only 6 or 8 inches from front to back so I would like to know how that affects the thickness I need?
Just drilled my tank last week, love your vids.
Just out of curiosity, have you ever kept Native North American species?
good video, next time make it a little quicker about explaining the polarized glass deal. Other than that good video
2:44 wild stuff man.
if iam drilling a 30mm hole in my glass does the hole on the wood template have to be 30mm right on or a little bit bigger than 30mm
I had noticed the effect with the polarized lenses before when wearing prescription transition glasses, but had no idea it was my glasses that were doing it. I couldn't figure out why none of my friends couldn't see the checkered patterns on vehicle glass. I guess I have a reason not to throw out that old pair.
Quick question, (great vids by the way). Are you leaving the arbor brill bit installed or removing it? Im referring to the actual drill bit in the arbor to normally keep the hole saw centered. It looked like you did but I would have thought it wouldnt be needed with a wood guide and that it might crack the glass.
Thanks
hi joey . Do U or others Knpow best way to pull apart a 55 gallon aquar. its broke on one side so i want the 3 good panels to use as tops for other tanks> I cut away the silicone with razor b lade But Its at a stand still now. I was thinklin of Breaking out a side panel & work around from there?? PRASAP TY
Front windshields are not tempered, typically laminated glass. The sides and back are tempered
I'm thinking of making an acrylic tank of 5ft long by 17inches high by 2.5 feet wide so how thick do you recommend me to get the acrylic so it don't bow and I don't have to use cross bars?
I have been looking forever to this question...We would people drill a tank oppose to a regular filter setup?
because this is a regular filter setup for large tanks or saltwater tanks
Thats cool with the glasses!
I always wondered, that's better than I though. Thanks for the info!!
Great job thank for the info, and your time.
Can you drill the bases of aquariums or does that just lead to disaster?
So so so informative video, thank you
I've got about 30 tanks I want to drill. How many holes is each bit good for? How often do you break the glass?
hi there just wondered what hole size for overflow and return you think would be good for a 31 gal tank thanks in advance :)
look up gravity drain flow rates for pvc pipes. youll want about 300 gph on your filtration, so i would say 3/4 - 1 inch.
hello, I know this is an older video of yours. ut I wanted to know how to reverse this basically. I recently acquired a 75 gallon tank with a sump over flow an two 2 inch drilled holes in the bottom of the aquarium I have decided it's to much hassle to remove the overflow (fear of breaking the glass) but I still need to plug the holes. do you know how I could do this? I use fluval filters and I have no desire to switch to a sumps. also thanks for the vids! they are very informative
+Bailee Jane Just buy bulk heads in put a plug in them.
+Michael Skurnik that's what I ended up doing. it took me several months to find proper hardware becuase they drilled the holes in irregular sizes
Very well done. Thanks
I've drilled 4 tanks, the first 2 were successful, the last two were failures the glass popped as if it were tampered. I know what polarized sunglasses are (the only shades I ever use). After the last 2 failures I'm afraid to brake another tank!
another great video!
My bulkhead have a very small leak I tried to make it tighter but the leak is still there. Is it ok to used silicone and how? Many website says silicone is not recommended. Any advice for me, I think my problem is because I should had drill a smaller hole but the leak is very small.
Hi Frederic. I would try a small dab of Vaseline between the gasket and glass first. That should create a much better seal. If its still an issue, turn to the silicone. There is nothing wrong with silicone a bulkhead in place, it wont harm anything.... its just next to impossible to remove if you need to. Which is rare anyways. Last option is to replace the gasket(might as well replace the whole bulkhead).. also, it could be as simple as a bit of dirt stuck between gasket and glass or something of the sort, so try cleaning as well.
Are Aquaeon tanks bottom glass tempered?
dont know if anyone has told you but ur the shit man!! keep up the good work
Joey what's better to make the holes in the bottom glass or on the back glass? What do u recommend?
Its really up to you. When drilling in the back wall, you dont get as much flow though. So larger bulkheads need to be used. Other than that, i dont really have a preferance. Depends on the setup and what i need.
How far from the tank did you drill?
joey, how many times can I drill a tank? I drilled 2 holes in the back of my reef tank I am building out. I would like to add 2 more holes for returns, curious if having 5 holes in the same line along the top of the tank going to cause any integrity issues with the glass?
If the top of the tank is braced, then there will be no bowing there... any bowing will be in the middle of the pane. So you could drill as many as you like at the top. If it isn't braced, then i would space them out and only group 2 at a time.
***** the tank is braced, its a beananimal style overflow, three holes about 2 inches apart centered, and im planning 1 on each side for the returns. thanks for the awesome dedication to the hobby.. seasons greetings from colorado!!
Once a tank is drilled, can it be patched?
hey man... what if the hole your looking to drill is at the bottom of the tank how would u clamp it??
You can use double stick tape. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and is sticky on both sides. It holds very well so you shouldn't need much more than a couple of 1" squares to hold your guide in place.
Hey Joey did yo make your drill guide with the same drill bit?
No, that was with a wood hole saw
***** Do I need to make the wood hole larger than the bit for the glass?
Good info.
Hey Joey are you possibly from Minnesota or Canada?
Nova Scotia, Canada
Still usefull l in 2020.
Thanks, from 2019
How do I make the guide? I'm thinking about drilling my 5 gallon Fluval Spec tank because it's already reliant on a sump and I don't want to worry about breaking the siphon. I accidentally broke the siphon while messing with my T5 light fixture and water went everywhere because I have a very high flow rate coming from my sump. I was thinking about drilling the side because my sump is actually only partly below my tank. My tank is a saltwater and I'm a little hesitant to take everything down but if drilling can prevent water from overflowing during a power outage, it would be worth it.
hi I have a question do you think a jbj 45 will Crack if I drill it because I want to add a over flow in my tank
Wish I had the fortune to work under your supervision.
Ok thanks for the info I guess the bottom is the best option.
Or just look in the mirror with one eye and see if you can see your eye, if you don't see it then you will know if you have a polarized lens.
Where a good place to buy Glass to make costume tanks Any Ideas?
+cliff carty I explored this idea and cut sheet glass is more expensive than buying a pre-made tank from an aquarium store.
Keep up good work. AAA++++.
nice ride
Old joey is so funny
I been drilling for 3hour . I think I do if fast but nope.
I dont have a ker?
Here goes nothing! Lol
Yeah Joey found the gym after this video
You still stick by this video?