How many AQUARIUMS did we break? 'TEMPERED' Glass Drilling 101

The day has come where we attempt to drill our 125 gallon aquariums. In the last video, we used our sunglasses and phone to see if the glass was tempered or not on the aquariums. None appeared to be. Today, we try drilling them. Did our test work? How many 125's did we break? Join us to see the aftermath of drilling day!
Find our last video here were we test the tanks for if they are tempered or not: • Preparing to Drill 125...
Check out all of our videos of the 125 gallon fish room here: • Playlist
If you love shrimp, fish, snails and plants like us, consider checking out our website to find everything we keep and sell: flipaquatics.com/
If you want to see more behind the scenes videos, live streams and so much more; consider joining membership here at Flip Aquatics: / @lupdiesel

[@METAFish]

I'm sitting here watching you drill tanks when I should be drilling and plumbing my own 24 tank new rack... lol

[@LupDiesel]

Hahaha I love it :)

[@user-GhOsT1974]

Awesome Job ! Looking forward to the next update ! Keep shrimpin' pimpin'

[@TMAquatics]

Rob, if you place painters tape (duct tape works well too) on the inside of the tank where you drill the hole, it will reduce the chipping and give you a cleaner hole 100% of the time. Also prevents the piece from falling and hitting the other pane. That’s a lot of drilling. Kudos for sticking with it.

[@michaela-be4le]

Your hard work and discipline will pay off Rob :) You are all doing a great job!

[@Cdubwow]

Rob! Add a piece of wood on the inside where you are drilling, it should minimize your chipping issues

[@TazawaTanks]

Rob! SAFETY GLASSES❗️⚠️🥽

[@mattriddell8983]

Here for the comments...

[@tippin.turtle]

If you use plumbers putty underneath your template you wont need a massive amount of water to drill the hole. And for the love of God put some tape behind the drill hole so the glass you've cut doesn't drop down and bust your tank!

[@danielnguyen148]

Or place a towel to catch it

[@NinjaSushi2]

You want running water so it washes the glass away from the cut and keeps the cut cool. If the glass stayed in a puddle eventually it would heat up. Also if you didn't wash the glass shards away you would just be grinding glass shards on top of glass shards. Some people even use oil.

[@phantomkrel2374]

I ideally Just put a towel down where the glass will fall

[@mikehendrix6558]

You're awesome. I just subscribed to your channel and I hit the notification bell. I'm interested guys. Keep up the good work.

[@nick2bk779]

Do a vinyl background, it’s easy cheap not permanent and you can still do black!

[@NinjaSushi2]

Brilliant.

[@DansFish]

The Variable Speed Glass Drilling Machine w/Suction Base from JehmCo was a game changer for me. For $599.00 it is a steal when building a store. Precision holes, less drilling time, and your arms won't ache so bad.

[@UnfilteredAquarist]

Looking awesome guys!

[@CaptainSavageAquatics]

Looks great! Thanks for sharing how you drilled your tanks. I found the video informative and educational! Keep up the awesome work👍👍😎😎😏😏😄😄

[@charlesblack2523]

👍 Have a great Labor Day

[@TheChubbyGuppy]

High quality tape on back will help in a couple of ways. The falling glass has broken tanks on me before. When you’re close only the weight of the drill should be used, no pressure. This will greatly reduce chips on exit. Flex seal makes quickly removable backgrounds that are waterproof and won’t flake with age. Trims up with a razor blade no masking needed. Hope that helps.

[@CraigHawks]

Could you post a link to the Flex seal removable background? Thanks in advance!

[@TheChubbyGuppy]

Small Fry Aquatics Sure it’s the flex seal liquid in black or blue. Just make sure it’s the liquid as “dry” it is safe for even in tank applications. Here is a google but I get mine at Walmart or tractor supply store. Just roll on with small roller. For outside you can get the spray too but not as good of coverage in my opinion. If it does get scratched or torn it is easily patched. www.google.com/search?q=flex+seal+liquid+black&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

[@mariaz9538]

Nice job guys 👍

[@Firestorm637]

Acrylic tanks drill so fast and easy vs glass

[@tropicalgems7243]

Also, the drill bit is only good for about 6 tanks unless you have a good one. ( North American made )

[@VStag]

Awesomeness

[@James_Hande]

Hey Rob... To help keep the drill bit parallel and drilling straight make the template thicker, say out of scrap 2"x4". When I worked at a glass shop we used special metal rings/cups with a rubber base. Place that on the glass, add a bit of water and drill away. No need for running a garden hose.

[@andysfishden6506]

I've drilled a lot of aquariums, get a drill press, you can rent one from jehmco and a quality bit. Clamp a block of wood on the underside of where you're drilling will help keep chipping down and so the piece you drill doesn't fall and crack the opposite pane. Been there, done that.

[@highwateraquatics2476]

Hmm, my drilling effort came out just like that first hole. Not straight and chipped out on the back.😎

[@hightechredneck3]

If you put tape underneath or maybe even another piece of wood, that'll prevent the piece of glass from giving way before you have cut all the way through. That way you also dont drop that piecr of glass and potentially crack the other side of the tank

[@annalee7403]

Just a suggestion. You need to place tape, like duct tape or masking tape on the side of the glass opposite the side you are drilling, covering the spot you are drilling. This will prevent the slug of glass from the drilling from falling onto the opposite pane of glass and possibly chipping it or cracking it. Also, the tank is at an angle and too close to your head and upper body. This will cause you to drill at an angle. With that many tanks, renting a drill press could be a good option. Good luck.

[@gwenandrix]

I used vinyl cling material on my last tank. I highly recommend it

[@parkerbenz]

HDPE foam/dense foam roller is amazing for latex paint on glass!

[@williamjansson]

A second plywood drilltamplet, helps you hold it straith. Then you cannot tilt it as much. But good work! Keep it up

[@laurafedora5385]

Safety glasses, guys! 🤦‍♀️ Congratulations though, looks exciting!

[@tippin.turtle]

Use a foam brush for the edges..works great! Paint the bottoms too! You can thank me later...lol.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Hi! I just wanted to ask about painting the bottoms? No argument from me I am just asking why? Thank you for your patience.😃

[@tropicalgems7243]

Rob, I've always put a piece of duct tape on the inside where I'm drilling

[@analog56x]

me too. keeps the plug from dropping, and keeps a lot of the mess contained

[@realhusky]

Can’t believe you guys aren’t putting tape on the back side and letting the plugs fall😮

[@cristianalatriste1777]

Hey I was just wondering where you bought your tanks from??

[@tropicalgems7243]

Rob, I can see in the video that you're not holding the drill parallel

[@NinjaSushi2]

Also make the glass level and allow the drill's weight to do the work.

[@aljanecko]

Should put something to deaden the fall of those glass plugs.

[@JasonRenoux]

yup, that's a very good idea

[@BettaFx]

tape the back first

[@GDanielCho]

You should put a piece of blue painters tape on the glass your drilling. Once you break through the painters tape will catch the glass

[@tropicalgems7243]

With that many tanks to do, you should buy a drill-press for glass. :)

[@JasonRenoux]

drill press, that's the name I was looking for :)

[@pentuplemintgum666]

A drill press would be difficult to use. There aren't many that extend that high, so they would have to built a platform for it to sit on. Probably inside the tank, on the opposite side's glass. Plus, they're relatively pricey. You could use a mag drill, but they are also costly. You could clamp it down, instead of using the magnet. But the best option would be to buy a drill guide. It would be a cheap and effective alternative. They could use the cordless drill they already have. It's a couple of 90° guide bars that can be clamped down, and have a chuck in the center. They're $30+ on Amazon. They should also clamp a piece of wood underneath the hole to prevent the chipping on the other side.

[@JasonRenoux]

@@pentuplemintgum666 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnzbqYymr9WbjdE

[@NinjaSushi2]

I didn't know fish like the back painted. Does up against a wall work?

[@charlottealtland6587]

are you going to paint the ends.......i have painted ends when tanks are side by side

[@ronganske6089]

Possible paint bottom if you might have tanks without substrate.

[@Smokinindachi]

What paint did you use to paint the tanks

[@mk_cichlids]

+1 for tape or wood to prevent chipping. I do not envy you having to drill that many holes in glass this thick.

[@espeterson522]

Place a piece of wood on the inside of the tank and clamp it down like a sandwich. The backing piece of wood will help reduce chipping and also protect the interior panes from the plug dropping. And if you use masking tape along the rims of the tanks, you can easily paint the whole background without using two different brushes, plus you keep the rims clean.

[@thomasdelgado3874]

What brand name is the tanks?

[@Andreas-yi6zf]

can i ask ? im new to shrimp keeping my tds is always creeping , last week is 200 and now its 400 (9 gallon tank) active substrate (local brand) 10 rcs egeria densa , bacopa caroliana , bacopa green , frogbit bio foam filter lights 22w 7 hours a day feed 2 times a week , not overfeed waterchange once a week (first set i use tap water 200 tds , now i wc with RO 20tds) month and a week old

[@briank.1221]

Should have put a piece of wood on the inside, up against the glass, as well; would have helped with chipping issues.

[@angs8068]

Not sure if this would help but maybe use the drill and drill a little bit on the inside and score it to maybe avoid the chipping.

[@shaftsquared]

plasti dip is awesome because you can peel it off really easily

[@abinasht.7061]

Never done it but drilling from both side might help chip / blowoff.

[@kerrypitt9789]

Rob I didn't want to watch this because I was so worried, but here I am. Your videos rock Rob! Totally enjoying your hard work! I am just getting into the Shrimp hobby, you are providing a lot of good information, thank you so much.

[@relaxingnature2617]

At 5:36 you can clearly see you were holding the drill crooked

[@marcelcurtis1915]

A drill press and Turpintine would work a lot better and faster. Turpintine keeps it cool and use plumbers puddy to make a wall to keep the Turpintine around the whole. Super easy! And less cumbersome.

[@TheWaterBox]

Bro, you could have check if it was tempered before drilling. haha. But yeh, fun stuff!

[@CreatedMind]

They did.....

[@socaliguy81]

Why not score the inside to avoid the chipping?

[@Teedot292]

I would fill one of the tanks with the bulkhead on to see if it would hold

[@CreatedMind]

Anyone know what roller he used? I'm about the paint the back of my breeding rack I'm setting up.

[@cynthiadameron1399]

Matthew Pylant see the chubby guppy comment that seems so easy!

[@Whiteknight0721]

i would of purchased an old drill press and removed the bottom stand so you could get it on the sidse at least then your hole would be straight and your arm also wouldn`t be sore

[@dwarfycottage]

Try standing on a stool or lower your drill side lower so that your arm not tired. Or your wood should made a Shape “ L “ so that drill rest on wood and bits on other side to make hole. As paint acrylic paint is good. Easy remove with high pressure water pump.

[@SethShaperoHomes]

Eye Protection!

[@tizzy070787]

The tanks are not tempered as they would shatter in a second and use tape on the back where your drilling it stops the hole smashing the other side of the tank

[@natejm]

I’m certain someone else has mentioned this... but you’re using a hammer drill, but not using the hammer function of that drill since you turned the chuck to “screw”. A regular drill would be adequate in this situation for a cheaper price. I would imagine that the hammer function would be a lot harder on the glass.. Anyone else have some experience/thoughts on this?

[@LupDiesel]

You are right but usually the hammer drill has a higher speed function. That's the main reason for using it. But you are correct! It is not needed. Lesser speeds will just slow down the drilling.

[@natejm]

Flip Aquatics - okay, yea I have a similar dewalt that’s not a hammer drill, and it only has the 2 speed settings. Anyone else, stay away from using the hammer function on that drill, I would only imagine that would end up in a shattered pane. Thanks for the reply and clarification

[@romanzabaznov]

I tried to drill 55g aqueon tank it crashed. I thought tempered glass can't be drilled

[@evoryann]

Sooo how about you send me one of those big ol tanks😁

[@lyndasnart7823]

🤩😎👍🇦🇺

[@aquariumfishhouse4565]

If you don’t stop and look at the hole all the time and use duct tape on the inside where the hole will be and focus on keeping it straight it will go much quicker.

[@NaturesWhim]

Hey slow down guys! Haha

[@davidz121]

Probably made those holes too small. That looks like 3/4 bulkhead and I bet you’ll be wishing you used 1 1/2.

[@smurfygoodtimes8148]

please do explain why I see no safety glasses🙄

[@gaylepuou7214]

Do one side half way and try the other side through..that might work better.

[@keithhoagland8403]

Get a drill press.

[@nathanbriner32]

Dude stuck his finger in the hole they just drilled😧🤣

[@architorture04]

I would have thought it would be easier on your arms if you got on the ladder and used your upper body weight to apply gentle pressure while drilling :-( Good job powering through though!

[@jimjones5419]

Put a towel underneath so when glass drops it doesn’t break the tank

[@peterock1313]

Please please tape the back sides before drilling so it doesn’t fall in, and get some ear plugs

[@diversdown2116]

Well it took 5min 30sec to drill each tank

[@To0Aw3s0m3]

You need a drill press or some kind of rig that will keep that drill vertical and straight. You're all over the place.

[@darrendelmonaco2249]

now way can that be tempered glass, mate ! liquid nails? are you kidding tell me your joking

[@Hirokiji]

At least by the end of the project, you won't be amateurs anymore.

[@LupDiesel]

haha you ain't lying! We still break tanks on occasion years later :D

[@nikhook1114]

If you guys held the drill straight, the hole will be straight. Watch your own video and notice that the drill isn't even square to the glass

[@scottsolar5884]

Not tempered. No way you are gonna *not* shatter tempered glass with a hammer drill diamond bit

[@P0HTAT0]

They are using it as click bate because one sheet of the glass is Tempered: The Bottom! The only full tempered glass aquariums manufactures provide are 55 gallons otherwise from 40 gallons on up Just the bottom is tempered to assist in holding the weight of the water and resist breaking when people put in the décor.

[@CreatedMind]

@@P0HTAT0 That's not true. I bought a 55 gallon from Petsmart. Drilled the back twice. Was not tempered. I've also drilled 20 and 10 gallons with no issues.

[@P0HTAT0]

@@CreatedMind It is true If you read my comment in full you will understand it better. I said that 55 gallon tanks are the only ones provided as full tempered but that does not mean they do it all the time. Also my comment explained that the bottoms are normally the only sheet that is tempered in "40 gallons on up" so drilling a 10, 15, 20, or 29 should not matter! Also as a brand new tank there will be a sticker on the tank somewhere saying weather any of the glass is tempered to keep people from destroying a tank than trying to return it after not reading the sticker. Both Tetra and Aqueon sell there tanks following this simple guideline being the 2 largest suppliers of glass aquariums in the US.

[@jefflyon100]

Its not tempered glass...

[@JasonRenoux]

Why not using a proper drill clamp to make sure drilling is done at 90 degrees? You've got so many tanks to drill and you are not making your life very easy.

[@braskathroughthegames698]

Oof no ear protection :( be careful with your ears

[@junito1957]

NEXT TIME DONT BE SO CHEAP AND NOT GET A DRILL GUIDE