View Full Version : Taking a dive into saltwater
Gill Roy
06-02-2009, 8:48 PM
I have had freshwater tanks since I was a kid but never salt.
Well I found a sweet deal on a 120gal and I have to decided to take the plunge into saltwater fish keeping.
I want to drill this tank for overflows and returns.
Someone told me you can't drill tempered glass and some tanks do have it on bottom.
How can I tell if the tank is "tempered glass" or not?
It seems like it is some bit thicker than the sides are.......
Use polarized sunglasses. If the glass appears to have dark grey spots then it is likely tempered glass.
mlefessler
06-03-2009, 10:05 AM
Oooh, never knew that. Good suggestion.
One of the many useful things I have learned during my short tenure as the resident noob here on AquariaCentral... it is a gift that just keeps on giving.
Gill Roy
06-03-2009, 5:05 PM
I tried the polarized shades and didn't see any spots or such.
However I tried them on a "known tempered" glass door for a rotisserie and didn't see any either. Maybe that is a different kind of temper?
:cool:
or maybe try a different pair of sunglasses. The glasses that I use for fly fishing are polarized and when I look at tempered glass it is noticable.
GregAW
06-04-2009, 10:44 AM
I think you need to be in sun light for the glasses to work.
ZSandmann
06-04-2009, 10:48 AM
All sunglasses aren't polarized. If you have a pair of the 3D glasses they have been using in the movie theatres lately those would work as they are cross polarized.
Gill Roy
06-04-2009, 11:52 AM
All sunglasses aren't polarized. If you have a pair of the 3D glasses they have been using in the movie theatres lately those would work as they are cross polarized.
I am most certain that the glasses I used for the test are indeed polarized. I am in the optical profession and made these shades myself.
Shouldn't there be some sort of etch or sticker stating if it is or not tempered?
:help:
GregAW
06-04-2009, 12:00 PM
I've only seen such a sticker on a couple of tanks. I don't think it's a normal practice though. Hey, I could use some new shades? ;)
Gill Roy
06-04-2009, 5:41 PM
Hey, I could use some new shades? ;)
:lol:
You really have no idea how many times I have heard that.
I even halfway thought it would come up after I posted it. :lipssealedsmilie:
GregAW
06-04-2009, 5:52 PM
:lol:
You really have no idea how many times I have heard that.
I even halfway thought it would come up after I posted it. :lipssealedsmilie:
AND???? ;)
Dan06
06-05-2009, 10:03 AM
Hit it with a hammer and you'll find out real quick if it's tempered or not. ;)
I know with car windshields, you can see a pattern in the glass if you look at it from the right angle with good lighting.
CWO4GUNNER
06-07-2009, 12:22 AM
Perhaps you could trace the manufacturer through previous owners and send them an email with pics and ask if and how. If it turns out not to be tempered how will you cut a pipe hole, by etching a circle or some sort of abrasive cutter?
GregAW
06-07-2009, 5:44 AM
You can buy diamond hole saws that you run in an electric drill. I haven't done it myself but have watched videos of it being done and once the hole is started its just a matter of slow going until you cut through.
AMDPhenomx4
06-07-2009, 1:45 PM
Just drill the back side, and put overflows like a regular rr tank. Only difference is the pipes are out the back instead of the bottom.