Drilling a tank

BCOrchidGuy · #1 01-05-2007, 05:19 AM

I've got two options with my new tank. I can use a glass drill I got a few years ago that worked well for 10-15 gallon tanks but the new tank is 5/8 inch glass. It's not a diamond bit but a steel hole saw type thing but you use a compound/abrasive mixed with water.

Or, second option would be the diamond bits with a dremel tool. I could either drill out the hole for a bulkhead or I could do the overflow type thing in the back of the glass and build an overflow box on the back of the tank.

Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated.

Doug

hqgc · #2 01-06-2007, 08:56 PM

I think it would be better for you to drill out your tank rather than an overflow box. There is always the risk of overflow box failure.
Word of advice = pick up your bulkheads first so you know what size to drill your holes.

Der_Iron_Chef · #3 01-07-2007, 12:08 AM

Are you talking about a HOB overflow box or an external overflow?

Kabong · #4 01-07-2007, 05:53 AM

I would not reccomend using your current bi on that thick of glass.
Your going to need a lot of water flowing over the area to keep it cool.
So your abrasive compound would keep washing away.
If you dont mind waiting a bit, My best suggestion is to order a proper diamond hole saw bit.
You can get them pretty cheap off ebay
http://stores.ebay.com/THK-Diamond-Tools

skylord · #5 01-07-2007, 06:24 AM

You might want to talk to J&L....they told me it's $30 to drill a tank.

Tangman · #6 01-07-2007, 03:25 PM

I have had tanks drilled at Crystal Glass in Langley it costs $15.00 per hole

Farrmanchu · #7 01-07-2007, 06:23 PM

IMO an external overflow box is the way to go. It doesn't take up tank space. You can use the Dremel bits to notch out the top edge of the tank, whatever length and depth you need (depending on amout of flow). Eggcrate or Mesh covers the "notch", it functions the same as an internal overflow, with no risk of syphon loss that can happen with a HOB overflow. I'll try to find a good link.

Chaotic Cricket · #8 01-07-2007, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farrmanchu

IMO an external overflow box is the way to go. It doesn't take up tank space. You can use the Dremel bits to notch out the top edge of the tank, whatever length and depth you need (depending on amout of flow). Eggcrate or Mesh covers the "notch", it functions the same as an internal overflow, with no risk of syphon loss that can happen with a HOB overflow. I'll try to find a good link.

Yes I would agree, I noticed at gold aqauriums, I believe was the name (first time there the other day. I am new to this neck of the woods. I talked to someone (I think albert?) he showed me an overflow design that looked quite nice, external with eggcrate on it. Perhaps he would be able to post some pictures to give you an idea. It was quite a nice design. If you search on Reef Central (haven't checked here sorry) at one time at least there was a lot of posts on "calfo overflow" think that is what you are searching for. If i find some pictures i will put them in this thread. I don't "do" reef central much anymore. Mind you the calfo overflow's that i have seen are inside th tank, but i like the theories behind it very much.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showp...t=1&thecat=500
http://www.maast.org/modules/gallery/dow/aag

If you are particularly gutsy you don't have to drain your tank completely to add one of these either (I would personnaly). I have a few old friends that did something similar without draining their tanks, though they had a ot of stuff laying around to be used if something went wrong. But all told you would only need to keep the tank drained for max of 24hrs, make the overflow box vbefore installing, then you just need drill and silicone it in and wait for it to cure.

Farrmanchu · #9 01-08-2007, 12:32 AM

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/pr...hreadid=502320
Here's one, I guess you still need to drill a hole or two in the bottom of the actual box. But from what I can tell, this guy did it all with Dremel.

BCOrchidGuy · #10 01-16-2007, 05:06 AM

Thanks for all the replies, I can't take the tank anywhere as it doesn't fit in my car. My concern with drilling it with my dremel or my bit is the thickness of the glass. I'm leaning towards the external overflow and taking it out side to cut it with lots of water running over it. I'll let everyone know what I did when it works out or when I get the glass replaced and try it again another way.... (*can't remember why I just didn't order it drilled*).

Doug

PS Oh yes, the price was very right so, it was either take it or pay a lot more for the same tank drilled with a hole.