Any experience Drilling holes in glass? -Want to Drill existing hole to a bigger size

bgifford

bgifford

New member
Does anyone have experience drilling a glass hole to a bigger size? Does this existing hole make it more difficult/dangerous to drill it? Can I start the new hole off center from the old hole (I want to position the hole away from the overflow so the new bulkhead will fit) Please let me know Thanks.
 
You would need a drill press for sure and the hole would have to be in a spot that the drill could get to. The is a greater chance that you would crack it how ever you do it, because the close proximity of the old hole.
 
from a 1.5'' to 2'' hole. The edge of the existing hole will need to be the edge of the new hole so that the rim of the bulkhead will not hit the overflow box.
 
My special aqueon bulkhead that is made out of thin plastic was leaking so i'm trying to run that new diablo to return water from my sump at 1'' instead of 3/4''. I have the drill bit, bulkhead, connectors, tubing, and clamps for a 1'' line for my return (from stuff around the house). If I don't drill, I'll have to head to Aquarium ARts and try and find a bulkhead that will fit that 1.5'' hole that can have a 3/4'' threaded on both ends, a new 2' of tubing, and some clamps.

If a 1'' vs 3/4'' return line wont make a huge difference and the risk of drilling is too high, then i'll just go out and buy some new parts. I don't have the money to replace the tank if drilling goes bad. It's just so tempting having all the right parts for the job laid out on the table in front of me and the drilling is the only thing holding me back.
 
just buy the new bulk head from RC> I think its like $6. I work for a glass distributor and I would not even try what you are thinking.
 
Last edited:
bgifford said:
My special aqueon bulkhead that is made out of thin plastic was leaking so i'm trying to run that new diablo to return water from my sump at 1'' instead of 3/4''. I have the drill bit, bulkhead, connectors, tubing, and clamps for a 1'' line for my return (from stuff around the house). If I don't drill, I'll have to head to Aquarium ARts and try and find a bulkhead that will fit that 1.5'' hole that can have a 3/4'' threaded on both ends, a new 2' of tubing, and some clamps.

If a 1'' vs 3/4'' return line wont make a huge difference and the risk of drilling is too high, then i'll just go out and buy some new parts. I don't have the money to replace the tank if drilling goes bad. It's just so tempting having all the right parts for the job laid out on the table in front of me and the drilling is the only thing holding me back.
Click to expand...

Ben, I run 3/4" return on my tank and it seems to be plenty. Actually I split the return up top to the 2 sea swirls. I wouldn't risk damaging the tank for such a marginal return increase. Sump throughput doesn't need to be any more than 3-5X of the water volume. You'll want contact time for the skimmer and any other biological filtration including the fuge if you have one.
I will be running my new DC 1" pump through a union and ball valve that outputs 3/4". Jeff
 
Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'll head down and buy some new parts and get this thing going!
 
jporter said:
Ben, I run 3/4" return on my tank and it seems to be plenty. Actually I split the return up top to the 2 sea swirls. I wouldn't risk damaging the tank for such a marginal return increase. Sump throughput doesn't need to be any more than 3-5X of the water volume. You'll want contact time for the skimmer and any other biological filtration including the fuge if you have one.
I will be running my new DC 1" pump through a union and ball valve that outputs 3/4". Jeff
Click to expand...

Agreed. Just to reaffirm, I split a 1" into two 3/4" (sch 80) and a 1/2" return (sch 40) and I'm probably running around 3-5x turnover -- it's plenty.
 
jporter said:
Ben, I run 3/4" return on my tank and it seems to be plenty. Actually I split the return up top to the 2 sea swirls. I wouldn't risk damaging the tank for such a marginal return increase. Sump throughput doesn't need to be any more than 3-5X of the water volume. You'll want contact time for the skimmer and any other biological filtration including the fuge if you have one.
I will be running my new DC 1" pump through a union and ball valve that outputs 3/4". Jeff
Click to expand...

I got the Diablo 3500 (runs half the gph as the 5500) and I'm so impressed with the controller I wish I would have gotten the 5500 and tuned it back if needed ( I like to have the power if I need it). I will run the return 3/4'' and my standpipe with split into two lockline outputs. I appreciate the advice!
 
Drilling a larger hole can be done. My tanks had a 3/4 bulk head & I redrilled them to a 1" bulkhead. I did not drill close to the edge of the hole but centered & had no problem. I use a drill press & duct tape the inside glass. Their is a video on a thread from Tamos a few months ago on drilling a tank.
 
reefstew said:
Drilling a larger hole can be done. My tanks had a 3/4 bulk head & I redrilled them to a 1" bulkhead. I did not drill close to the edge of the hole but centered & had no problem. I use a drill press & duct tape the inside glass. Their is a video on a thread from Tamos a few months ago on drilling a tank.
Click to expand...

I ended up buying a new bulkhead and piping- Jorell at Reef Monsters gave me a great deal and he picked up the parts within a couple hours. I have the tank filled with hosewater and running full speed with my diablo dc3500 through my 3/4'' return piping. I'll run it all night to make sure there are no leaks and then its on to filling time!

One problem I have is how loud the water drops into the sump. There is alot of air and it is very loud. Any suggestions?
 
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