New member of the glass drilling club!

[saltwatersmac]

I was so happy that I had to share. I just finished drilling my 15 gal fuge for another drain. A guy at the LFS drilled one already but I wanted a back-up. So I tried it myself. I used a Craftsman diamond point bit (P/N 953137) chucked in my drill. Took about 40 minutes.
Glad that's over!

Stephen

 

[dskidmore]

You are braver than I am.

 

[saltwatersmac]

It's really not too bad as long as you go slow.

 

[dskidmore]

Did you have a drill press or a hand drill?

 

[saltwatersmac]

I started out with a dremel knock-off that was cordless. The battery didn't last long so I finished it with a hand drill. If you have access to a dremel that plugs in to an outlet I would recommend this. Another tip I did to help was put several layers of packaging tape across the inside of the glass. This should give it a little strength. I also clamped a water hose near the hole to flow a little water across where you drill.

 

[dskidmore]

I may be tempted to try it on some 10 gallons eventually. I built my aquarium stand to accommodate a couple 10 gallons above the main tank, but haven't plummed anything together yet.

 

[saltwatersmac]

I wouldn't have tried it on say my 90 gal but I did on my 15 gal fuge. Worst case scenario may cost you $10 but don't be frightened. It's not that bad.

 

[dskidmore]

I'll have to decide when I go saltwater if I dare drill the 75. If I could convince my husband, I wouldn't mind keeping the 75 freshwater and buying a reef ready 75 for salt. I think though that economics of space will force me to either drill or risk an overflow box.

 

[saltwatersmac]

I purchased a reef ready 90 gal to replace my undrilled 90. I wasn't brave enought to drill it.

 

[Brenden]

Probably a smart move. Did you check to see how much a glass company would charge you to drill it?

 

[saltwatersmac]

I only checked the Local Glass Shop in town and they wouldn't touch it.

 

[Brenden]

Well it sounds like you did a good job on your own. I would still be scared to do a big tank though.

 

[dskidmore]

If it's a choice of drilling the old big tank or buying a new one, might as well take the risk. You're taking a risk anyway if you go for an overflow box instead of a drilled drain.