How to Cut a Hole in a Glass Aquarium for a Tube Into Another Aquarium

In order to connect two aquariums together using a tube, you must first create a hole in each tank. Glass, a notoriously fragile material, is difficult to puncture successfully, and can shatter or fracture under even slight pressure or distress. To avoid irreparable damage to your aquariums, it's critical to take care when drilling holes in your tanks. Following the correct procedure will ensure that your tanks remain in good condition throughout the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Diamond drill bit
  • Electric drill
  • Drilling lubricant
  • Rag
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty the contents of the aquarium and thoroughly clean and dry the glass.

    • 2

      Position the aquarium on its side, with the surface you intend to drill facing upward.

    • 3

      Attach a round-head diamond bit to your electric drill, following the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a bit which is the size of your desired hole.

    • 4

      Apply a liberal amount of drilling lubricant to the area of the glass you will be drilling.

    • 5

      Turn on the drill. If your drill has a speed control mechanism, set the speed at 3,000 rotations per minute. Set the speed slightly lower for larger drill bits.

    • 6

      Lightly press the drill bit against the glass. Use a firm grip to keep the bit from shifting, but do not apply any downward pressure to the drill. Unlike other materials such as wood, glass must be drilled "at its own pace."

    • 7

      Apply additional drilling lubricant if the surface of the glass or the drill bit takes on a yellowish tinge or if the drilling causes a burning smell.

    • 8

      Turn off the drill once the hole is complete. Wipe away the drilling lubricant with a clean, dry rag.