Diamond drill bit? / TopFin Tank Tempered?

[ssm05rsx]

Hey, I am setting up my old 55 gallon Tank as a sump for my 90 Display Tank. And was wondering if this company on ebay is reputible, or if anyone knows any good sites for Diamond Drill bits.

http://cgi.ebay.com/1-3-4-DIAMOND-DRILL-BIT-For-AQUARIUM-BULKHEAD-FITTING_W0QQitemZ230346329340QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a1b60cfc&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=|301:1|293:1|294:30

Also I will need a Bulk Head for this, So I was thinking of a 1" bulkhead which I would need a 1 3/4 Drill bit right?


Last question is My tank is a 55 Gallon Top Fin, It says the bottom is Tempered, But I think the sides are not tempered. Can anyone chime in to help me out? Or anyone know any contact information to contact Top Fin?

Thanks- Dan

[uncleof6]

You can get the bits from glass-holes (http://glass-holes.com/category.sc;jsessionid=1D1883653F922AB458834053A4B46341.qscstrfrnt02?categoryId=7) for under 15 bucks. A reputable company for certain. Dunno about ebay stores, though I have done a great deal of business through ebay and have not been burned--yet.

I heard a rumor 6 years ago, that Top Fin tanks were made by Perfecto, but that may be just that: a rumor. But it is more likely that it is PetSmarts own brand as their own brand of dog supplies was/is Top Paw. Odd's are against the sides being tempered, as there is a tag on the bottom only, but have seen and heard of a lot of 50 -55s crumbling almost before the bit touches them. So it could go either way. Talk to a store manager type at PetSmart.

Jim

[james3370]

try the polarized sunglasses test....take the tank outside in direct sunlight & look at it thru polarized sunglasses. if you see a waffle pattern of small starburts, then it's tempered (look at your car side/rear windows & you should see the pattern i'm referring to)

most 55s for sale at walmart are tempered since they can make them out of thinner glass so they are cheaper to ship

[Rizup]

Ya, if I am not mistaken it says not to drill the tanks on the product info. I don't think I would try it without doing the test that James mentioned first.


Mike

[DawgFan79]

Every tank say Don't Drill, just that's warranty reasons.. 99% chance that Topfin Tanks are Tempered all the way around, Just like James3370 said - Wal-mart and the Big Pet Supply stores buy cheaper so it has to be tempered..

[Zimster]

I have found that it is easier to swap out sides of glass for plexyglass/polycarbonate. When i tried to drill my sumps, i ended up cracking the whole side so i just replaced it. Plexy is much easier to work with and you can put as many holes in it as you want without having to worry about cracking.

Since you have a 55G, i would just go extra heavy on the silicone sealant. :D

[dogstar74]

Here's my thread about drilling a top fin tank from pet-smart. It's a good quality tank.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=1647442

So it can be done!
Aaron