Need some help.

Prospec1 · 10/10/2010, 11:02 PM

I currently have a fresh water tank, and am in the process of changing it over to a reef tank. My current tank does not have overflow boxes, and I was wondering if there are any companies out there that will drill the holes in the bottom of my tank? I would try it myself but my tank has 5/8" thick glass, and I don't want to run the risk of cracking it. Would I be better off just selling my glass and getting a new reef ready tank, or getting mine drilled? If so where is the best place to find a new 110gal tall reef ready tank? Thanks, Andy

mcoomer · 10/10/2010, 11:13 PM

Call up some local glass shops, tell them what size and how many holes you want and get some quotes. I've heard more than a few people getting this done pretty cheaply. The bad news is that a big glass tank is heavy as heck. If you have to take it to a shop it can be a royal PITA. You can also try finding a local reefer who's done it before. Beer and pizza could probably get it done if you can find a local person with the write hole saws. Also, do you know if it has a tempered bottom? If so you won't be able to drill the bottom as it will shatter.

Good luck and welcome to Reef Central,
Mike

Prospec1 · 10/10/2010, 11:18 PM

Don't know if the bottom is tempered or not. It is an Oceanic 110gal tall. That is all I know about it.

FearTheTerps · 10/10/2010, 11:26 PM

On oceanic tanks the sides are never tempered, but sometimes the bottoms can be. There are a few ways you can determine if the glass is tempered or not. Im sure you can a find a few threads on here if you do a search.

mcoomer · 10/11/2010, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcoomer

Beer and pizza could probably get it done if you can find a local person with the write hole saws.

The older I get the worse my spelling gets. I'm going to be illiterate by the time I'm 99...geez, I hope I spelled illiterate write.

I don't know how to determine if glass is tempered but do a search on here as the terrifying terrapin has suggested and you'll find the answer. As for drilling the tank once you've decided on a course of action, take a look at this page. Glass Holes gives a pretty good drilling primer with a video to show you how they do it. I know that it's is a bit nerve wracking thinking about drilling a hole in your tank but if you do it right it's really not that big a deal.

Mike

Prospec1 · 10/11/2010, 05:40 PM

So where would you guys say is the best online place to get a reef ready tank?

mcoomer · 10/11/2010, 06:00 PM

What's your budget? Glass Cages is right in your neighborhood and they're probably the most budget friendly. Miracles in Glass is at the other end of the cost spectrum but they build probably the most beautiful tanks around. Are you giving up on the idea of drilling your current tank or simply trying to compare costs?

Mike

Prospec1 · 10/12/2010, 10:02 PM

Just trying to compare cost. If I can get a fair amount for my tank, and not have to come out of pocket too much then I would like to just get a new tank. I would like to try and stay under $500 if that is possible. Where is Glass Cages located?

10/10/2010, 11:02 PM	#1
Prospec1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 72	Need some help. I currently have a fresh water tank, and am in the process of changing it over to a reef tank. My current tank does not have overflow boxes, and I was wondering if there are any companies out there that will drill the holes in the bottom of my tank? I would try it myself but my tank has 5/8" thick glass, and I don't want to run the risk of cracking it. Would I be better off just selling my glass and getting a new reef ready tank, or getting mine drilled? If so where is the best place to find a new 110gal tall reef ready tank? Thanks, Andy

10/10/2010, 11:13 PM	#2
mcoomer Rat Bastard! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 1,487	Call up some local glass shops, tell them what size and how many holes you want and get some quotes. I've heard more than a few people getting this done pretty cheaply. The bad news is that a big glass tank is heavy as heck. If you have to take it to a shop it can be a royal PITA. You can also try finding a local reefer who's done it before. Beer and pizza could probably get it done if you can find a local person with the write hole saws. Also, do you know if it has a tempered bottom? If so you won't be able to drill the bottom as it will shatter. Good luck and welcome to Reef Central, Mike __________________ Spending exorbitant amounts of money on this hobby since 1998! My wife thought the tank would be cheaper and easier to keep than a dog...no seriously! Current Tank Info: 180 gallon mixed reef; Reeflo Barracuda, Tunze 6105 (X3), 250W Radiums with dual HQI Blue Wave 7, Reefkeeper Elite controller, custom sump with ASM G4, carbon and GFO reactors

10/11/2010, 06:00 PM	#7
mcoomer Rat Bastard! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Sammamish, WA Posts: 1,487	What's your budget? Glass Cages is right in your neighborhood and they're probably the most budget friendly. Miracles in Glass is at the other end of the cost spectrum but they build probably the most beautiful tanks around. Are you giving up on the idea of drilling your current tank or simply trying to compare costs? Mike __________________ Spending exorbitant amounts of money on this hobby since 1998! My wife thought the tank would be cheaper and easier to keep than a dog...no seriously! Current Tank Info: 180 gallon mixed reef; Reeflo Barracuda, Tunze 6105 (X3), 250W Radiums with dual HQI Blue Wave 7, Reefkeeper Elite controller, custom sump with ASM G4, carbon and GFO reactors

10/10/2010, 11:18 PM	#3
Prospec1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 72	Don't know if the bottom is tempered or not. It is an Oceanic 110gal tall. That is all I know about it.

10/10/2010, 11:26 PM	#4
FearTheTerps Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hagerstown, Maryland Posts: 87	On oceanic tanks the sides are never tempered, but sometimes the bottoms can be. There are a few ways you can determine if the glass is tempered or not. Im sure you can a find a few threads on here if you do a search.

10/11/2010, 05:40 PM	#6
Prospec1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 72	So where would you guys say is the best online place to get a reef ready tank?

10/12/2010, 10:02 PM	#8
Prospec1 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 72	Just trying to compare cost. If I can get a fair amount for my tank, and not have to come out of pocket too much then I would like to just get a new tank. I would like to try and stay under $500 if that is possible. Where is Glass Cages located?