Drilling question, and Viv update :)

[Firewithin]

First, the update. Been working on a 125g viv with a front conversion for sliding door access. Still working on the track part, but I have some parts ordered and will document the steps as I go. Over the weekend we built the stand though, so I thought I'd show that process at least. We used Do It Yourself King's youtube video to help us construct this stand, and I have to say, it is the best construction I have ever seen. If you're new to building stands like us, this one was fool proof! And even as just a frame, it looks good. We're going to wrap it and there will be 3 doors in the front, but this is the start of the stand. Next will be the canopy



Now...the question. I've been researching the scary idea of drilling my tank. The thought never occurred to me until after the front glass plate had been siliconed. Drilling the bottom is out of the question. But what about the back pane, in a corner, roughly 6 inches from the bottom of the tank? Is it possible to drill a hole with the tank already sealed and siliconed as it is? I know the risk of cracks are high, but...that being said, it's going to be covered with a background so a crack is easily hidden. Also, if a crack did happen, I have the old pane of glass we removed that could be cut and siliconed over the crack should it happen below the water line (water line is only a 9 inch depth). Oh, and a side note - I plan on having the old pane of glass cut (just a small part of it) at the shop just to make sure its not tempered glass! If it's not tempered, then the rest of the tank aside from the bottom should be safe. So..thoughts on this? It would make plumbing and filtering this baby so much easier. Taking it to a shop for drilling won't be possible because it's obviously not a single sheet of glass, so i would need a tool list and any how-to videos to help me out. I have found some videos, but any more and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

[flybyferns]

Hi,
My tanks are drilled. It is SO worth it. You will not be sorry.

I wish I could help you. I had a glass guy do my exo-terras.
I think Bill 'deranged chipmunk' has drilled - I'll give him a shout for you.

[kueluck]

If you have a full service aquarium place I'm sure they'll have someone who does this. According to Bill & youtube it isn't that hard to do.

[Mentat]

With few exemptions, most aquarium bottoms are tempered and the sides aren't. There are a few odd ones like some 55Gs that are all tempered, and breeder tanks that are not at all. A recent company called Deep Blue tempers the whole tank in many sizes.

There is good information on this thread including couple videos on how to: http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...exo-terra.html. Good luck !

[deranged chipmunk]

Drilling a tank is a relatively easy process. More nerve wracking that anything. You will need a diamond hole saw made specifically for cutting glass. Just take your time, support the glass from the bottom, use extremely light pressure and keep it wet at all times and you'll have no issues.
I've drilled a few tanks now for local people, and it's not hard at all. The hardest part is avoiding the tendency to push down and apply too much pressure.
As far as drilling a previously cracked piece, as long as the crack is not close (within a foot or so) you should have no problems.