Ever Heard of Planet Aquarium Using Tempered Glass?

[Razorbacks]

I'm looking at a used tank for sale in my local market. It's a non-drilled planet aquarium tank that I would want to drill and add a sump to. The seller is unsure if the glass is tempered and I've tried but been unsuccessful in reaching Planet Aquariums to ask directly. The tank is currently running so I can't drop a laptop in to do the polarized lens test though I'm going to see if the seller will drain before I buy. What are the odds the back pane is tempered? I feel like it's probably a safe bet it isn't but not 100% on that. Tank is only about a year old.

 

[Fish Fan]

I mean, if the seller ever wants to sell it, they will have to drain it sooner or later. Once drained, then the "laptop" test is probably best. Maybe make a deal telling the guy you'll take it for sure if it's not tempered (which it's not likely to be at that size), but not if it is tempered. If I was that seller, I'd start braking down the tank immediately.

I'm pretty sure you need to use the correct type of display screen here, but the size isn't important. What I mean is, try to find a small cell phone or other device with the correct screen to do the laptop test, and then drain just enough water out of the tank to get the cell phone in to check the glass. I'd be like doing a big water change for the seller.

There is another way to tell if the glass is tempered using polarized sunglasses, but I believe you have to be outside in the sunlight, if I remember correctly.

Maybe others will have some better ideas. Good luck!

 

[Razorbacks]

Still haven't been able to get an official word as to whether they do or not but I got the owner to drain the tank. Assuming I did the test right, it's untempered so I'm going to buy and drill.

 

[Fish Fan]

Still haven't been able to get an official word as to whether they do or not but I got the owner to drain the tank. Assuming I did the test right, it's untempered so I'm going to buy and drill.

Good for you! What kind of screen/display did you use for "the test"?

Again, I can't remember what you want exactly, but it's a certain kind of mobile device display that if I remember correctly was very popular like 6 years ago, but newer devices use a newer, and different display that may or may not tell you for sure what glass you have. I may be wrong, someone please correct me, I just don't want any surprises for you.

I'm sure you've already looked into drilling, but go slowly and with light pressure; let the tool do the work and keep the bit cool with water (there's a few ways to do this). Try to 'back' your drilled cutout with a piece of blue painter's tape to hold it in place, and also place a towel under where you're drilling to catch the piece you drill out, rather than have it come crashing down into the other side of the tank.

I've drilled a few old, 'standard' tanks before, never a 'premium' tank, so take my advice accordingly!

This INCREDIBLY OLD video by the guys at BRSTV is pretty good, if you or anyone else needs some help drilling a tank:

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/content/post/howto-drill-aquariums-and-install-internal-overflow

Also, as a hobby-level wood worker, I'd recommend something like this for your drill to help keep it straight:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Milescraft...yHMED3JzhM6A6EA5N4waAljwEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Best of luck with your purchase and drilling!

 

[Razorbacks]

Update: Planet Aquariums never did get back to me, but I paid my LFS to move the tank and they contacted Planet on my behalf. They told him over the phone that I'm safe to drill it.

My LFS speculated they use the same glass for all tanks whether they are sold reef ready or not. I feel better about drilling it now with the additional confirmation, but I'm still nervous enough that I'm just going to drill a single hole for the drain line and then plump the returns over the back.