How close can you drill glass holes?

[FlyPenFly]

I want to drill some holes on my 34G Solana glass top. This would allow my AI Sol to be able to shine in without having to cut through glass with condensation on it. Will also make feedings a bit easier. Dimensions of the tank are 20x20 and the top is slightly less than that to fit.

I don't want to go the screen door way right now so I am just thinking of drilling holes in the included glass top which I am fairly sure isn't tempered. I could also cut a .25 inch sheet of acrylic to the same dimensions if it's any easier or better to use acrylic sheets.

My current dilemma is whether to drill 2 or 3 large holes or 6 smaller holes matching the light. The AI Sol has six circular emitters about 1.8 inches in diameter with about .8 inches in spacing edge to edge of each circle .

The largest affordable glass cutting hole saw I came across is 4.1 inches. I could just make one hole near the middle with that or possibly two holes spaced some distance apart? I don't mind a spotlighting effect.

Alternatively I could cut six 1.5 inch holes that correspond to the layout of the AI Sol.

Thoughts?

 

[cmantis]

They should be at least a hole size between them. Also depends how thick the glass is.

 

[rookie07]

You should only use the glass top if you think your fish will jump, and even then you should use netting instead.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I've had terrible luck with jumpers so I don't want to go topless. I've thought about using netting but it looks not great to me and I don't have an ATO setup so evaporation will be a bear.

 

[al0ha]

DIY Glass drilling

different item but same application. u should also practice on spare if u can. also i agree....i would look into screen/netting before using glass. also since theres nowhere for the evaporated water to go, the water will find its way to the exposed AI unit.

if i were you, i'd save the money you would've/going to spend for the drilling bits and misc. tools for an ATO unit. there should be some cheap used ones on the forum or new ones too depending on your budget.

 

[rookie07]

Check autotopoff.com
They are reasonable in price
Make sure you get a double float (for safety).

A auto toppoff is almost a necessary part of a reef as stable water parameters is of the utmost importance!

 

[Tonyscoots84]

Get rid of the glass netting looks fine with or without a rim

 

[fishman1069]

get rid of the glass netting looks fine with or without a rim

+1

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

If you are thinking about drilling the glass top that came with the tank you can't. The glass is tempered. I already tried to have a glass guy cut mine and it didn't work.

 

[FlyPenFly]

You guys are right. I'm going to pick up a premade screen top from Glasscages and get a JBJ Auto Top Off with a 5.5 or 10g at the bottom of the stand.

Last night really convinced me to switch out the gravity ATO. My pump was going CRAZY and I couldn't understand what was going on because the gravity bottles were still full so the water level should have been fine. It was running dry though instead and the bottles simply failed to drain.

 

[rookie07]

You guys are right. I'm going to pick up a premade screen top from Glasscages and get a JBJ Auto Top Off with a 5.5 or 10g at the bottom of the stand.

Last night really convinced me to switch out the gravity ATO. My pump was going CRAZY and I couldn't understand what was going on because the gravity bottles were still full so the water level should have been fine. It was running dry though instead and the bottles simply failed to drain.

Do not get a screen top. Make one from netting. Metal is heavy, rusts, and blocks a lot of light....just a bad idea!
I think bulkreefsupply.com has kits. Oru can search on here for ideas on different types of net covers.

5.5 gl reservoir should last you a week or two, thats what i use.

 

[FlyPenFly]

Okay they told me their screens rests on top with no guard for it just falling over so that's not going to be an option, I'll look at BRS.

 

[Aquadicted]

rofl at your bottles not releasing water........