Drilling a set up Terraium to install a drain

[lilblack94gt]

So, I have an 18x18x18 Exo Terra enclosure that I have set up for my frogs. I have a waterfall feature in the tank and didn't think about changing water when I built the tank. >_< I have a false bottom in the tank and I have a 10 gal tank I can use as temp housing for my frogs. My questions are, how does one safely drill glass? What materials are needed? (i.e, a low speed drill, bit types,) And how would you recommend I setup the "drain?"

I have seen that a lot of the new Exo Terra tanks already come with this feature. And I should have really thought about changing the water before I finished building the tank.

Thanks for any help! I am truly a knucklehead for not having the foresight to install a drain during the build.

[flybyferns]

I have my three dart enclosures drilled; I'm so happy did. The day-after-day, automated, mist water that collects in the hydro simply drains out a back hole ( 5/8 tubing) into a bucket. However , I had a glass guy do it. I was charged 20.00 per drill.

Josh ( JTeezy) has drilled ; maybe PM him. I think ? he older expos have tempered glass on the bottom only. So, don't drill there. I purchased some gizmos from the plumbing section of home desperate to create the drain.I also used fiberglass on the inside to cover the hole so nothing gets trapped in the drain. Aquarium sealant used for all.

Another great reason for a drain..........you are able to completely replace the water more quickly, if needed, with the ability to add and remove ( de-chlorinated ) water at the same time in a pond area . onthego . The drain water in my bucket never smells !

Here are some photos for you --sorry they are so dark







Hope this helps, Lynn

[UncleChester]

I've only made holes in glass, so I can't help with the plumbing aspect.

This page Diamond Drill Bit Use - Large Selection - SAVE! has everything you need to know about drilling glass (and other hard materials). There is a specific section on aquariums (but keep in mind a terrarium isn't under the same pressure as a water filled aquarium, so it isn't so structurally hazardous to drill the bottom).

I use a diamond hole saw/drill bit, like one of these Diamond Hole Saws - Lee Valley Tools and a cordless drill.

The key ingredients:

- Go slow
- Use a template to get started
- Cool the glass and bit with water while drilling
- Use very little pressure, this is a slow grinding process
- Make sure the glass isn't tempered
- Get some scrap glass to practice on before doing the real thing
- Go slow

[J Teezy]

Its easy. The above pointers are good.

Most important go a medium speed. Not too slow and not too fast.
Let the weight of the drill do the work
If you can let water run over the area while drilling do that instead of a putty damn
I use a tiny rocking motion every so often while drilling. Think of it lkke how you roll your neck in a circular motion to keep the grinding uniform

The most important is at the end when you are about to break through. You need to reduce drill speed to avoid chip out. The last 1/3 of the process takes me longer than the first 2/3.

DO NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO THE DRILL. GRAVITY APPLIES THE PRESSURE.

Go slow and take your time.

Also remember chip out is common especially the bigger the hole. So if doing a drain you sjould drill from the inside of the tank so that your bulkhead will have a smooth surface to provide leak proof seal. The bigger the hole the slower the process


I thought i did a write up on this. Search Glass drilling 101

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[lilblack94gt]

Thanks guys! I am really nervous.Not really sure how I would figure out if I have tempered glass or not. I bought the cage used and am not really sure how old of an exo terra it is. I am assuming that tempered glass wont cut because of a sealer on it? Would the glass on all sides of the tank be the same? If so, The back glass was cracked. It didnt spider web like auto glass does. I am assuming its not tempered? I just selaed it really well with silicone sealer before I sprayed the great foam over the top of it.

this is a pic of the tank I want to drill. I know I am going to have to remove everything from the bottom of the tank to drill it. I was thinking of drilling the bottom near the front.

[lilblack94gt]

I am also planning a new enclosure for my darts and am going to drill it before I do any building to it.

[J Teezy]

Make sure you dont drill too close to the edge

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