How to Drill an Aquarium for a Canister Filter
The thought of drilling a hole in the side of a fish tank can be a scary thought. This is especially true if you are contemplating drilling a large aquarium. A mistake could result in scratching the glass at minimum or even cracking the glass rendering the tank useless. Not only is this expensive but it could cause the complete loss of a reef if the tank was previously supporting life. However, with the right tools and proper planning, drilling a tank for a canister filter is not as scary or dangerous as you might have been thinking.
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Things You'll Need
- 40 mm diamond tipped drill bit
- Electric drill
- Drill plate
- Sponge
- Smooth rounded file
- Black marker
Instructions
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1
Mark the location of the inlet and outlet holes using the drill plate and a black marker. The holes should be located as close to the top of the tank as possible to avoid cracking the glass.
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2
Hold the drill plate on the location where the inlet hole is to be drilled.
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3
Slowly drill the hole using a forty millimeter diamond coated drill bit. According to 365 Drills.com using slower drill speeds in conjunction with a drill plate will allow the drill to chip away at the glass without slipping.
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4
Keep the drill bit turning and keep slight pressure on the bit until the drill bit works completely through the glass. Complete this process with the outlet hole.
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5
Smooth out any sharp edges on the inlet hole using a fine cut round file. Complete this process with the outlet hole.
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6
Wipe the tank clean of any glass shards created by cutting the holes.
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Tips & Warnings
The inlet hole and return hole should be on opposite ends of the tank to allow for better water flow. According to Advanced Aquarist.com the holes should not be drilled in the bottom of the tank as doing so could create cracks due to the pressure of the water and gravel.
Caution should be taken to prevent cutting yourself. Using a vacuum with a hose attachment is also beneficial for getting the larger prices of glass out of the tank.
Do not drill tempered glass tanks. According to TheKirb.com, tempered glass is not acceptable for drilling. Untempered glass tanks and acrylic tanks are suitable for drilling.
Not all canister filters require a 40mm hole. This is a common size but you should reference the manual for your canister filter for the suggested size hole before purchasing the drill bit.
