Glass Tank. Drilling holes?

[Solid Snake]

I know tanks dont hold himidity and have bad ventalation so is it possible to drill holes around the tank as to a rubber maid? I hate using rubber maid because it looks wiered and funky, though it is cleaner and easier to use and not to mention cheap. I like using tanks because i'm a person who like to decorate and my room is somewhat of a Hobbiest's room. I've got alot of swords, guns and other antiques. A rubber maid wouldn't fit right with everything else.

If i drilled holes in the tank is there a possibility that it will shatter? I'll be drilling holes roughly 1/2" diameter.

[snakemann87]

I would think.....what would make sense is to duct tape ALL the areas where you arent drilling......go buy a 5 gallon or sumthing small and cheap to test it out. Wear goggles too just incase:)

[snakemann87]

OH and paintball rules:) Im gettin a Piranah!(sp)

[Tim_Cranwill]

Tough call... I think your best bet would be to call a glass shop... ??? I've tried to cut glass a bunch of times and my success rate is pretty low... and that's with the right tools. Now drilling may be a different story, who knows... Just call around and see what the real experts say... :)

[Bryce Masuk]

Why drill holes? the lid should have the ventilation you can drill tehm but you should use a glass drilling drill bit to do it otherwise there is a good chance it will break

[Jeff Hathaway]

You're just about guaranteed to break it unless you use a diamond bit that is designed for glass. Such bits are available but quite expensive. If you want to increase the ventilation, a few holes around the sides are not likely to accomplish much. For better and cheaper results, consider a small fan that would blow some air into the tank from above. Put it on a timer so that it runs for about 15 minutes 2 or 3 times per day, which should be enough.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[Pookie]

Depends on what animal you're using the tank for. I have most of my animals in tanks, except for my cham who needs the most ventalation. I think the tanks can hold humidity pretty well, so i doubt it needs holes. But calling a glass place would be your best bet since they're professionals..:)

[Linds]

For the most part, tanks are made fom tempered glass, which usually is not successfully cut. If you don't like the look of rubbermaids, how about making some nice custom enclosures? These can be made to look a zillion times better than any tank, as well as they are made to fit whatever animals requirements ;)

[Steele]

The glass shop I talked to would cut your tank for you. Just by vents from the hardwar store and take them in to the shope. They will cut and bond in the vents

[Jeff Hathaway]

Linds,

Most glass tanks are actually regular float glass, not tempered. Neodeshas and other similar cages do often have tempered glass doors. Tempered glass can not be cut or drilled; such tasks must be completed before the tempering process. Regular glass tanks can be cut/ drilled; it is done all the time, especially for marine set ups. It isn't cheap, though. Most places will charge $40 to $60 per hole to do it, which can rapidly make it way too costly for a small reptile enclosure.

Jeff Hathaway
Sciensational Sssnakes!!

[LurkerAccount]

As someone already said, you can, but you need a diamond bit.
You won't have much luck with a regular bit because the hardness of glass is Around 5, and the hardness of steal is Around 2.5 or something. So it just can't be done, just like no matter how hard you try, you can't scratch glass with a knife, or any steel object....

[Invictus]

If you're talking about Moh's Hardness Scale (used in Geology to determine the hardness of minerals), glass is about 7.5. Any mineral harder than Quartz (which is also a 7.5, and oddly enough the very mineral that glass is primarily made from) can cut glass. But unfortunately, you're right. Steel, though not a mineral, is an alloy composed of other minerals which don't even come close to 7.5. Diamonds, of course, rank 10 on the scale.

Just thought I'd throw in that useless little nugget of information. :D

[Bryce Masuk]

Linds the bottom of aquariums that are 30 gallons up are tempered (maybe a few other smaller sizes)
You can drill tempered glass but Most of the time the glass will break and no glass shop will do it for you the sides are not tempered unless you make it out of tempered glass

The Glass drill bits as Jeff mentioned are diamond impreganted As you should know diamond is harder then glass. I have diamond files then just Rip Though glass like no tomorrow

You shouldnt need holes in the side of the aquarium and if you do just build a new one out of plexiglass then you can drill it where ever and however many times you want

The hardness of steel depends on What Elements are in it and how it is heat treated so what you said varys a insane amount so you cant base all steel on one number They also make cobalt drill bits which are very hard as well

[bborysow]

Before you drill, try one of the earlier suggestions, a little computer fan, on a timer, with a mostly glass lid. Will only cost you a few dollars, and you do not risk your valuable tank with drilling. By adjusting the fan, opening, timer, you will get the air flow and humidity you desire. If you are really not happy with the result, then you can go the tricky route of drilling. And if you do, try a saltwater aquarium shop, they have experience with drilling commercial tanks for wet dry filters.

[chas*e]

You could always turn the tank on it's side and install front Plexiglass sliders...drill away all the vent holes you want in the plexi

[Lisa]

Or you could just get some custom cages built for you.

[shaggybill]

Does anyone here know if there are custum-built enclosure plans on the internet?