How to tell if your tank can be drilled?

serratus · #1 08-30-2009, 10:38 PM

Hi there, I was wondering if there is any way to tell if your tank can be drilled or not?

BlueAbyss · #2 08-31-2009, 09:23 AM

I understand that tempered glass panes will show a pattern when viewed with polarizing lenses. Or you can scratch it... tempered glass shatters when the tension is broken

serratus · #3 08-31-2009, 02:25 PM

Sweet, I think there is a small scratch on the glass. That should mean it's not tempered then? I also have a polarizer that I can use to test it. Thanks for the tips

fencer · #4 08-31-2009, 03:27 PM

Polarizer should work. But any new tank over 50g usually is tempered. Also if the glass looks thin for that size of tank then it is probably tempered,

sphelps · #5 08-31-2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serratus

Sweet, I think there is a small scratch on the glass. That should mean it's not tempered then? I also have a polarizer that I can use to test it. Thanks for the tips

Not at all tempered glass can be scratched. What's the size and brand of the tank?

BlueAbyss · #6 08-31-2009, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Not at all tempered glass can be scratched.

Hmm, okay I was told a while ago that when scratched it will shatter or spiderweb. I guess I was misinformed, sorry

SeaHorse_Fanatic · #7 08-31-2009, 09:20 PM

Most tanks will be tempered on the bottom & the manufacturer will have a sticker on that pane that states "Tempered". I don't think they usually temper the other panes, just the bottom.

serratus · #8 08-31-2009, 09:50 PM

The glass is super thick for a 50Gal and it's pretty old and very heavy. I have no idea about brand.

fencer · #9 08-31-2009, 10:57 PM

Tempered at 50 gal is about 6mm thick. I know I blew one out 2 weeks ago. You want to sell it?

Old and thick...I think my old 72 was about 3/8 thick

serratus · #10 09-01-2009, 12:22 AM

Do I want to sell it? lol, I'm looking to build with it, why would I want to sell it? Although from another thread I had, looks like there is no point for me to do a sump system so I guess I won't be drilling this one.

Why, are you looking for a 50gal thick glass?