Plumbing, A few new Questions

[spoot]

Sweet!
Only got 2 ceylons atm. In the future, will be getting a porc and a C. schoepfii (spiney burrfish). We actually got the from her lab proffessor at SFU. They were going to be used for some experiments I think. I really regret not saving more of them. The rest of them died cuz no one was taking care of them. There were about 10 total.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Thats cool that you saved the Celyons!

Anyways, back to plumbing...

How hard is it to drill glass tanks? I think I might want to just take advantage of the spare tanks I have and use them as sump/refugium. I have seen people "drill" them using a dremmel (sp.), has anyone here done this? I would be drilling relatively thin glass (1/4" I think) which actually makes me more nervous. Seems like drilling thicker glass would be easier.

[spoot]

LOL, sorry about the highjack!

There are lots of posts on RC about people drilling their own tanks. I think more people drill with bits rather than use dremmel. I think if you don't apply much pressure and let the drill bit do it's thing, you should be fine. Never done it though, but will when my GF lets me drill our tanks...

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Yeah, Im thinking I will have to go get a drill bit. Im really scared to drill a tank though. Only good thing is, these tanks are old and scratched, so if I screw up, its not so bad.

I will check RC for threads on drilling tanks.

[spoot]

If it's not too much to lose, it's totally worth the attempt to do it yourself!

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by spoot

If it's not too much to lose, it's totally worth the attempt to do it yourself!

Yes, I am going to attempt it! I will head out today to find the drill bits I think. Will let you know how it goes...either I will have a sump or a cracked tank!

[fencer]

You might consdier a diamond hole saw. I even think you can rent them from RONA. I haven't tried it yet but will in a week or so. Some of the shop people tell me to form a dam around the area you want to cut and fill it with motor oil or some other lubricant to take the heat away. Then be patient about drilling it.

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Originally Posted by fencer

You might consdier a diamond hole saw. I even think you can rent them from RONA. I haven't tried it yet but will in a week or so. Some of the shop people tell me to form a dam around the area you want to cut and fill it with motor oil or some other lubricant to take the heat away. Then be patient about drilling it.

I have been reading up on it and yes, you need to make a dam around the area being drilled. I have only seen people run water through it while drilling though. I agree too that patients will be key!

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Where do you recommend I get the drill bits? I know they are pretty pricey...

[mark]

People were buying drill bits on eBay and I've seen the diamond dremel bits at Princess Auto.

Use water for cooling and just make the dam up with putty, your kids Playdough etc