How to Drill a Hole in a Glass Aquarium
Adding new equipment to your aquarium, or modifying your existing set-up, may require drilling holes into the glass. Drilling a hole in a glass aquarium requires the proper equipment and patience.
Instructions
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Empty the aquarium and set it on a solid surface with the side you want to drill on top. You will be drilling straight into the glass, so make sure there is enough room to comfortably maneuver the drill. Set up your work area close to a water source so that you can run a hose to the aquarium and the water can drain.
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Support the area to be drilled from the inside of the tank with a piece of plywood supported with a two-by-four cut to size.
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3
Place the end of the hose near the area that you will be drilling. Turn the hose on for a slow, steady stream--just enough water to cool the area as you drill to prevent cracking.
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4
Place the drill guide over the area that you want to drill. Don't attempt to drill too close to the edges or joints of the aquarium, or it will likely break.
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Drill straight down into the glass using a steady, light pressure. Once the hole is started, gently wiggle the drill.
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Be careful not to apply too much pressure as the bit breaks through the glass, or you may chip the glass with the drill.
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Tips & Warnings
Drilling glass can be nerve-wracking. Be patient and take frequent breaks.
There is always a chance the glass will break, so make sure that no children are around and take precautions for your own safety. Only attempt to drill annealed or plate glass. Tempered and laminated glass requires special tools and should only be drilled by a professional. Do not drill the bottom of the tank. It weakens the glass and it won't hold the weight of the water.
