To drill or not to drill

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by RPM1, Feb 13, 2011.

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  1. RPM1

    RPM1 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2010
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    159
    Location:
    Arvada, Colorado
    I acquired a 150 gallon glass tank from a friend of mine. I would like to drill the bottom for a Herbie and my returns. I know that some manufactures make their tanks with tempered bottoms. I tried the polarized sunglass thing and I can't really tell much difference between the bottom and the sides. I suppose the whole tank could be tempered or I could be doing something wrong. The glass all looks smooth and I do not see any waviness to the glass like I have been told I would see with tempered glass.

    I don't know who made the tank but the stand that came with it is a Perfectaflo. The glass is about 7/16" and it has a faux wood plastic rim around the top and bottom. I do not want to run the standard over the side overflows.

    Any suggestions?
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2011
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  3. Projectx

    Projectx Plankton

    Joined:
    May 12, 2008
    Messages:
    8
    Get in touch with Elite Reef, they are off of 82nd (i think) and wads, they drill the side of the tank for the beananimal over flow, dead silent, and no risk of overflow
     
  4. RPM1

    RPM1 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2010
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    159
    Location:
    Arvada, Colorado
    I talked to a guy up there the other day and he told me about the polarized sunglass thing. I thought about the bean but I would prefer an internal to get the tank tight up against the wall. I will go talk to Heather on Wednesday and see what she says. While I have it in the truck I may take it by a glass place and see if they can tell me if the bottom is tempered.
     
  5. Projectx

    Projectx Plankton

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    Figured you might have known about it, but doesnt hurt to mention it
     
  6. Nannook

    Nannook Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Oct 24, 2009
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    Location:
    Weatherford Texas
    Look at the back or side windows of your car/truck, they ARE made of safety glass and you will see how it looks there. After using HOB overflows, I would go for the drill, either way it is a win. If it cracks, you did not want a HOB, if it doesn't you are golden. Watch the videos. Get a cracked 10 gal and practice a couple.
     
  7. RPM1

    RPM1 Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2010
    Messages:
    159
    Location:
    Arvada, Colorado
    I ordered a bit and before it gets here I'm going to haul the tank up to the glass shop. They said that they have a filter or meter or something that will tell me if it's tempered. If the bottom is tempered I'm going with a bean animal. If it's not I will plumb the Herbie. If it's all tempered I'm not going to be too happy.

    I have already built the stand for the thing and I was planning on using a 40 gal breeder for a fuge. I used 4X4 posts for support because I thought it was a good idea at the time. I failed to measure and it's 7/8" too narrow now. I am going to have to build one that will fit out plexy now.

    No water in it and it's already beginning to wear me out.
     
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  9. saints fan 420

    saints fan 420 Expensive Colorful Sticks

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2011
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    2,364
    Location:
    baton rouge...LSU!!!
    def drill..way less stress of things overflowing..
     
  10. RPM1

    RPM1 Fire Worm

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    Apr 8, 2010
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    159
    Location:
    Arvada, Colorado
    I got sick of looking at this diamond bit and wondering if the bottom of this tank was tempered or not so I bit the bullet today and just went to town.

    Tadaa..............I now have holes....
     

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  11. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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    Jan 29, 2011
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    Location:
    Nashville TN
    nice holes! haha
     
  12. BigReefin

    BigReefin Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2011
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    68
    Location:
    Michigan
    you got ba**s bro!!...looks pro
     
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