Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok I've had a glass drill bit since I first started looking into darts, and it was actually the first thing I ordered. Well I stopped on my way home from work last night and bought a 10gal tank to convert to a vert.

Well lets just say there goes $9. The first hole cracked the side, when it went through. I think I was pushing too hard. The 10gal was also only 1/8inch thick so that may have not helpes me out much. So I used the other side to do some testing and was able to drill 2 holes wich came out ok, not as smooth as I would like, but ok.

I am going to call some glass places today, but I think I might just build my own vert tanks, that way I can vent the top.

Does anyone have any links to places selling metal screen that is like no-see-um, or that will keep FF's in? My plan at this point is to get some glass (1/4 inch) and make a 11-12 wide, by 18 high, by 12-18 deep. But I plan to leave about a 2-3 inch spot open 1 inch back from the front for venting (on the top). We will see, the drilling was not as easy as I had hoped, also was a very cheap tank which i'm sure is very cheap glass also.

Any thoughts,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

You could double layer the screen. Also, drilling the glass, I would let the weight of the drill be the only help you give it. It might help to completely submerse the tank(or side) in water...maybe do it in your bathtub or a large sterilite tub.
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Matt

I had water on it, it sure does take forever.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

I have a glass grinder that I use to smooth cuts for stained windows...It can take several minutes to take off an 1/8" of glass
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Matt

I think the glass on the tank i bought was very cheap. I think I can build a tank for a little more.

It will be 11 wide, by 14 deep, by 18 high. It will be front opening and made from 1/4 inch thick glass. I hope to order the glass precut tomorrow, but I am unsure what type of cut to get. I do not think I need polished, but am not sure if rough cut is ok or not. We will see, I was hoping to use a 10gal and convert it, but I want to try building one also. So I might as well try it. If it works as planned I plan to build 3 more just like it.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

Post the pics when your done

I will, just a matter of getting the glass, and some other things.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

You dont have to push at all, the bit grinds the glass away. and you have to make sure it is well lubricated with water. I am going to practice on a spare ten gallon when I get my bit.
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As of 1/16/04
1.2.3 Leucomelas (the 3 juveniles are the brightest orange I've seen there almost red, there not from my trio)
1.1.16 Green and Bronze Auratus
0.0.2 Imitators
0.0.1 Vents (more soon)
0.0.2 Nicaraguan Green and Black Auratus
0.0.3 Citronella Tincs
0.0.2 Powder Blue Tincs
0.0.2 Yellow Back Tincs
1.1.0 Surinam Cobalts (extremely soon)
0.0.3 Bastimentos Pumilio (on waiting list)
0.0.3 Red Pumilio (on waiting list)
0.0.4 Green Pumilio (on waiting list)

I've come up with some plans for a custom tank, I am going to order some glass on Monday, it will take them 2-3 days to get it cut.

Anyone know what type of edge to ask for? I think there are 3 types. I don't think I need polished.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

I'm sorry to say that I believe you will be unpleasantly surprised to find out the price of 1/4" glass when you go to order it. It's not outrageous, but it definitely won't be in the range of a 10 gallon price. That's why I would use plywood for the frame and silicone regular single thickness plate glass to it. Then, you don't have to worry about the glass being the structural strenght, and you don't have to have the edges ground.

Oh, and you can make the top "frame" a little wider and drill holes in the wood for ventillation.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Well I had talked to the place and its $3.75 a sqft. I will need 7-8 sqft, and it should run about $30. They do not charge per cut, but by sqft, so we will see. I am still usure on the type of cut or edging. I plan to stop in after work on Monday of I can.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

One other thing, this place is a bit cheaper than some others. One other wanted $5.25 a sqft, and another wanted $42 for the 8sqft. So the $3.75 might really work out if that price holds true.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus

The glass isn't cheaper. A 10 gal. leader is the most sold tank, thus it can be sold for less because of large numbers sold.

It was only 1/8 inch, which is normal for that size. Its no biggy, I really bought it to try and if it failed planned to move on to trying to build one after the fact. I want to build one anyways so we will see.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus