1st time driller (scared to death)

[gspgretchen]

I have a 75g reef with livestock. I really want to add a sump. HOB is an option but would rather drill. I have never done it. Watched some youtube vids looks easy. But terrified of breakage any suggestions or bad experiences. I know about the tempered glass issue and will check my aquarium.

 

[ckoral]

You wanna drill while it is up and running?

 

[cpeisher]

other people have done it and been successful...

 

[ckoral]

I wanna do it, but man.... what if... I won't say it. I'm watching, inspire me.

 

[gspgretchen]

My tank is an oceanic. I emailed the company to see about tempered glass. Its about 9-10 years old.

Yes I want to drill while its up here is a link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlaOl-dBniI

 

[Landon B.]

I've drilled all kinds of holes in tanks. Mixed results with hand drills, holes arent always perfect but I've never lost one. Best results with drill press. I don't think you should have to much problem drilling like that. I'd practice first though .

 

[luv951]

I would not drill it while its up for a number of reasons...

Before I drilled my first hole, I practiced and several of my practice holes broke the pane. Threw out that 10 Gal....the 29 went easier, cause the glass was thicker.

Nice vid...if you do it, let us know how it goes.

 

[ckoral]

take videos!

 

[gspgretchen]

I guess most tank have tempered bottoms and regular sides. Does anyone know how to tell?

 

[ckoral]

polorized glasses can tell because of the way it is cooled after it is heat treated I believe.

http://www.reefcentral.com/wp/?p=312

 

[gspgretchen]

Will they work in water? I guess I could drain some out if I have to.

 

[a1amap]

I drilled my 75-gallon while full. Lowered the water level 4 inches below the hole and use duct tape to give added support on the inside. Went very slow and careful. I used a spray bottle and constantly sprayed the bit with water. If you are not 100% sure if it is not tempered, I would not drill it full. Here are some recent tanks I have drilled. http://delreefclub.org/home/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=28&topic=124.0

 

[emissary43]

you can do it but its like going 100mph on the highway on the way to your final. Yeah you might get there in time to take your test and pass the class or you get a ticket and you fail... Its all or nothing baby!!! good luck

 

[greatXss]

Assuming your not tempered, I'd say go for it. PATIENCE is key when drilling. I did the bottom of my 29 without a hitch (it was empty, but that's not the point) I used a cordless, medium speed, light pressure.

Your glass should be thick enough to handle it just fine.

 

[saveafish]

Older oceanic tanks dont have tempered glass that is why it is soo darn heavy and thick.

 

[nauticac4]

Buy a 10 gallon and Practice 2 or 3 times. If you can drill a 10 without breaking it you can drill anything. Also when you practice fill the 10 a little way and drill it vertically so you will be replicating what you are doing on your 75. I hate to say this but be prepared. Make sure you save the water you drain into a couple of buckets and a brute can in case the worst happens so you dont loose everything.

 

[Foosinho]

I did some extensive drilling on a 10 gallon. Be the tortoise, not the hare. Slow, lots of water to cool the bit. Lots and lots of water. I marked my cut with marker, used tape on both sides of the glass, and used a diamond tipped Dremel bit to cut slots for an external overflow and holes for returns.

I did break one tank, because I wasn't patient and pressed too hard with the Dremel. As long as the glass isn't tempered, and you take your time, especially when you get close to breaking thru, you'll be fine.

Practicing on a 10 gallon isn't a bad idea. It's a lot cheaper than a mistake on your running tank, and far less forgiving - an ideal training environment. If you can drill a 10 without breaking it, you'll be confident, comfortable, and competent when it comes to cutting your existing tank.

 

[sjm817]

10G are the hardest tanks to drill since they are paper thin and crack very easily. The thicker the glass, the better.

I've never drilled a running tank, but have drilled enough that I would do it.

The main challenge I would see is if you want to drill the back panel and dont have room behind the tank for the drill. If that were the case, you would have to drill from the inside out which is possible. Lower the level of the tank. I would use a wood template to get the hole started so the bit doesn't skip and scratch the glass. I would sue a small pump to pump tank water over the drilling area for cooling. The small amount of glass from dilling is very fine and won't hurt falling into the tank (it is sand). Go very slowly and be careful when going through the other side.

 

[quixand]

Don't be "too careful" at the end.
That's really the only part of the drilling you want to "ramp up" the speed.

Slow drilling at the end will result in chipping and cracking.
So when you get to the end, speed that drill up!

 

[sjm817]

Good point. Speed it up at the end, but dont push at all. Let it cut through. Put duct tape on the back side to hold the piece in as you are cutting through.