drain hole for fish tank

[Becky Jo]

I have just finished setting up my mistking system. I had put in pans to collect the run off but I think I am making more work for myself. Has any one ever been brave enough to drill a hole in a glass fish tank?

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[froggsong]

The bottoms of some tanks are made with tempered glass, which can't be drilled. You just have to determine whether it's tempered or not.

I read about quite a few people drilling tanks, and some of them break them, but most say that it's not that difficult. You just have to have the right tools and the right directions. OR, you could take it to a glass shop and have them drill it for you. How big is the tank?

[Hedge]

According to my husband, you need to use a drill bit suitable for ceramic tiles, ask at your hardware store for a glass cutting drill bit. Then apply a cross of coarse masking tape over where you want the hole, and then drill very slowly through the tape, without applying pressure, let the drill do the work.

Good luck!

[Ray]

Being a ceramic engineer, I can also tell you that of you drill through water, the cut will be a lot cleaner and there will be less of a tendency to break the glass.

[Becky Jo]

ok these are all so informative. If I put water in the tank do you drill from the bottom or through the water. I have done the tape and special drill bit but it was with pottery. My tank is 55 gals and if I could figure out how to post a pic I would Thanks for so much info Becky

[Izzie]

Wait....so if we have a ceramic pot that needs drainage holes- we do the tape and drill and it's fine?

Hope this works out for you!

[Becky Jo]

Yes I did it on a ceramic pot with no problem. I think I will go to the thrift shop and get a cheap fish tank and practice. I don't think it is tempered glass. It is a top fin.

[Izzie]

This is great to hear. Happy practicing!

[This Side of Paradise]

how big is the tank, the size will give you a better indication whether it is tempered or not

[lepanthes89]

Just make a doughnut / ring of playdoh or plasteline,around the area where you are going to drill,fill with water,and drill right through it!