Easily Drill Your Aquarium with the Right Tool
- Diamond Coated Glass Drill Bits
- For Non-Tempered Aquarium Glass
- Sized for Common ABS Bulkheads
- Great for Overflows, Drains, and Returns
- Ideal for DIY Aquarium Plumbing
Diamond Coated Glass Drill Bits make it easy to drill clean holes in non-tempered aquarium glass for installing bulkheads, overflows, drains, returns, and other custom plumbing. Each bit features a diamond coated cutting edge that grinds through glass when used with light and steady pressure and proper cooling. These drill bits give you the flexibility to place bulkheads exactly where your system needs them.
Is Drilling a Glass Aquarium Hard?
Drilling your aquarium is probably a lot easier than you think. The key is to take your time, keep the bit and glass wet, and let the diamond coated cutting edge do the work. A drill guide or template can help keep the bit from walking when starting the hole, and steady water flow helps reduce heat while improving the quality of the cut.
Before drilling, always confirm the panel is non-tempered glass and verify the correct hole size for your bulkhead. Once you are set up, the process is mostly about patience rather than force. Use light pressure, keep the drill level, and slow down as the bit begins to break through the opposite side of the glass.
What is Tempered Glass and Why Can't it be Drilled?
Tempered glass is glass that has been specially treated to make it stronger. If you try to drill tempered glass, it will shatter instead of making a clean hole. Many aquariums use tempered glass on the bottom panel, and some may use it on the sides too. Always check with the aquarium manufacturer before drilling. If you are not sure whether the glass is tempered, do not drill it.
Compatibility
Choose the drill bit size based on the bulkhead you plan to install. Hole size requirements can vary depending on the bulkhead style and material, so always confirm the required hole size before drilling.
- 30 mm Drill Bit: 1/2" ABS bulkheads
- 35 mm Drill Bit: 3/4" ABS bulkheads
- 45 mm Drill Bit: 1" ABS bulkheads
- 53 mm Drill Bit: 1 1/4" ABS bulkheads
- 60 mm Drill Bit: 1 1/2" ABS bulkheads
- 75 mm Drill Bit: 2" ABS bulkheads
Important: These drill bits are for non-tempered glass only. Do not attempt to drill tempered glass.
What's Included?
Diamond Coated Glass Drill Bit (in your selected size)
| SKU | brs-diamond-coated-drill-bits |
|---|---|
| Aquarium Type | Saltwater, Freshwater |
Product Questions
Thank you for reaching out to us. You will need a 1 3/4" hole.
For a ½” Sch 80 bulkhead we suggest using a 35mm glass whole saw.
ABS is always a black plastic color. Schedule 80 will be gray. In most cases the bulk heads in the hobby are ABS. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
You could get around 6 cuts per drill bit before the bit tends to slow down. Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions!
For acrylic you just need a plain toothed hole saw bit like the set linked below, no need for a diamond coated drill bit.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/16-piece-hole-saw-drill-bit-set.html
No you cannot drill tempered glass. If your glass is tempered there isn't really any modifications that can be done to it as it will shatter. Fortunately most aquariums do not use tempered glass (though its more common on the bottom panel).
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