Tank Drilling II

clerjfo · 03-21-2004, 11:02 AM

Thanks to everyone for the advice on the sump overflow. The funny thing is the sump and U-Tube ran fine for almost a year and then 2 air bubbles in a month.

Now the new question is about drilling the tank. I read the other post and the actual drilling of an empty tank makes sense and seems pretty easy, as long as you know that the tank is not tempered.

What about if you have a full tank, is there a way to drill the tank while it is set up?

I would assume that you would have to drain the tank down to below were you were going to drill.

Soltaker · 03-21-2004, 11:28 AM

try reading thru this thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...hreadid=234382

dweingar · 03-21-2004, 12:19 PM

I just drilled my half full tank. I used a couple tricks that I have not seen posted. I used a diamond drill bit.

To set it up I duct taped a wooden block below the hole as a guide for the drill bit. Next I duct taped a bag below to catch water and glass bits. You need to keep the surface wet, so I set a gallon jug of water on the tank and siphoned it with airline hose directly onto the hole. I of course used more duct tape to hold this in place. Drill very slow and apply little pressure. It takes about 15-20 minutes per hole.

Good luck.

aka_bigred · 03-21-2004, 01:08 PM

Wow. I think I'm going with this route to drill the sump. This way I don't have to shell out the $30 to get the drill bit from Jehmco or $30 to Something Fishy to have them drill.

I've got time but little cash, so at $10 for the bit, Dremel it is. Plus I get to break in the Dremmel my girlfriend got me for Christmas.

David Grigor · 03-22-2004, 12:34 AM

If there is a will there's a way.

However, I myself would never consider it. Just don't see how you can keep the bit cool enough with tank upright without making a real mess. Assuming the tank is up against a wall, that means would have to be able to get the drill and bit inside the tank. Depending on the width, it would be awful tight.

If were talking say 90g or smaller tank here. IMO: You better off moving off the contents to a rubbermade tub or something. Drill it and set it back up. Probably no more than about 6-8hour job. Could definately do it all in a day. Plus, I sure there are some aquascaping things etc. you want to improve on at the same time....

JnS · 03-22-2004, 01:22 PM

I might try that on a 10gallon, but any thing bigger I think I would do it the right way and buy the bit.

dweingar · 03-23-2004, 08:24 AM

I had water siphon through down directly on the bit. There was a constant water flow and the bag underneath caught all the water and debris. The drill fit in fine and was supported by the wood block.

David Grigor · 03-23-2004, 10:28 AM

The glass is cuttings are like dust. I just don't see how you can catch it. Between my drill and guide. You just can't get it inside. I tried on to on a 72g bowfront because I couldn't lay it down on the front because of the bow. Eventually had to drill upright from the outside and it was messy.