Tropical Vivarium DIY - Drilling Glass

[mainbutter]

Here's part 1 of our DIY vivarium project.

We're going to take 20G high fish aquariums and converting them into vertical, front-door opening planted vivs for crested geckos.

In this part, I'm going to show how we drill holes through glass to install mist king nozzles.

20G Aqueon/All-Glass brand aquarium. NON TEMPERED GLASS is required to drill through it. I think most 20G highs don't have tempered sides, but may have tempered bottoms for strength since that is where all the water weight is.


Upturned, in the basement sink next to the washer, with some crappy comforter or blanket for cushioning.


A rim of plumber's putty + water keeps the drill bit and glass cool, and also keeps most, if not all the glass dust created from drilling out of the air. Use a sharpie or other PERMANENT marker to mark your drill spot, and clean it off with alcohol. Dry erase markers will wash away when you pour water on them (oops!)





Drill and drill bit. The drill bit is a circular hole cutting diamond bit, cost about $25 at Mendards. The drill is just a typical electric drill.



The girlfriend wearing protection gear. Don't forget it, there is considerable risk! Dust mask, safety goggles, and leather gloves. The biggest concern for me is glass dust.


Drilling is tricky, I'll try to explain it in a reply.


20 minutes later or so (it takes a LONG time!), here's the finished product, with the glass we cut out placed on the putty.