Marineland 5.5 gallon

[Gdbyrd]

I want to do a little project with this tank, but I wanted to ask you guys some questions. I did a leak test for a good week and it didn't leak a drop. BUT, the walls of the tank kinda bend out a little. I could sorta thump on them a little and it'd ripple all through the tank.

There's THAT, and I'm wondering how you can check to see if the glass is tempered. I want to put a 10g sump on this tank and I'd really like to drill it. How can you check?

 

[Bifferwine]

Don't know about the bowing question, but if you take a pair of polarized sunglasses and look at the glass, if it is tempered you will see circles and patterns in the glass.

 

[winyfrog]

Are you sure its glass? that small of a tank should bow at all in glass.

 

[bjohanson1234]

Thats what I was thinking also Winy, It might be a small plexiglass tank

 

[Gdbyrd]

It's definently glass. Thanks for the advice on the glasses. I took a look and it looks completely clear. So what do you think?

It didn't bow out a lot, but it was noticeable. I filled it up outside and thumped the glass a little and it held really solid. I'm kinda sure it won't leak, lol.

Where can I get a drillbit to give it a shot? What size should I pickup? The tank was cheap, I think I can buy them locally for 10 bucks...so if I screw up one it'll be a good lesson.

 

[dcantucson]

I think if it is bowing I'd get a different tank. JMO

 

[Gdbyrd]

Do you know of a cheap alternative for about this size of tank? I'm with you. It made me nervous but after I let it sit for awhile and messed with it, I was a little more comfortably with it.

 

[winyfrog]

Depending on the glass thickness which I am assuming is very thin, I wouldn't drill it it will most likely break.

You can get good glass drill bits off ebay for pretty cheap.