A sad day Sunday afternoon

[emtp380]

This past sunday I got the bright idea I would drill a 55 gal. I have had for 20 years (built Aug. 1987) I knew the bottom was tempered so I decided to drill the back panal. I have the proper bits, so here we go. I had the water for cooling and started drilling, using very light pressure, then all at once it sounded like a small bomb went off, the entire back panal collapsed into small round peices. DAMN! if I did not know better I would say the side was tempered as well. My kids came running out of the house to see what had happened, they heard it in the house. There I stood with drill in hand and looking down onto the shattered remains of a 20 year history of my life that has withstood two ex wifes. I didn't know what to say. Well it turns out I had a back up extra 55 gal. in storage and it needed drilling as well. HOWEVER I took it to my LFS and had them do it. I am thinking about having a panal of glass cut and replace the back and salvage this ole tank and keep her in the family.

[omard]

Sorry for loss. Tempered/Non-tempered how can you tell

Guess you found out.

Replacing panel is certainly doable. And if you are that attached to in sentimentally, you should do so.

But used 55 gallon tanks are usually available everywhere for very little money.

Money I suggest you save for that 125 gallon tank you are going to want pretty darn quick.

[Tangster]

I know that sound well Must have been a perfecto tank.. Well tempered can't be drilled with anything But next time make a dam with plumbers putty and use 3 and 1 oil or simple cooking old better lubrication and heat transfer

[geekdafied]

If you get the pane replaced, have them predrill it for you, lol.