Drilling full tank?

[tom obrecht]

I'm curious if anyone has ever drilled a established tank full of water? I have drilled many tanks myself over the years, however always dry and in a vertical drilling position. This would be in a filled tank with corals, fish and obviously water. The tank is custom with dimensions 96"L x 30"W x only 20"H. The glass thickness is close to 3/4". Im trying to accomplish a cleaner look by drilling the return in the SIDE panel. It would be a 1" bulkhead. Wondering if anyone has first hand experience drilling a tank in this fashion or is this a dangerous idea?

 

[mcgyvr]

Never done it myself but its most certainly possible..

I'd highly suggest draining the tank down below where you want to drill
Beyond that its not a big deal at all..
Drain it down then tape a plastic bag or container or whatever on the inside to catch the slug and dust/chips from the break through of the bit.

Have someone slowly pour water on the bit as you go.. Towel on the floor to catch the water.. Oh.. Chug a beer before you start and 2 after you finish.. :thumbsup:

 

[101010]

Joey( the King of DIY) on his youtube channel recently did this.

Sent from my ASUS_X00TD using Tapatalk

 

[ericarenee]

I have done this. Back then people told i was STUPID.

As said above drain it down as far as you can (I did down to about half way ) It was a 22 inch tall tank. Drilled 2=1.5 inch holes 3 inches down from top rim.
I used a Spray bottle (well my wife did) to keep the drill bit wet while i ran the drill with a plastic pan under the area .

Biggest challenge if your not used to using A Drill Is keeping it at a 90deg angle due to weight of the drill. You could tape a speed square onto the tank as a guide or what i do pay close attention that the HOLE SAW Bit is against the glass evenly..
OF Course fast speed , clutch low and no pressure.

Good Luck

 

[ABzReef]

I had to do one,

When you are drilling it, you have to make sure no piece of glasss or grinding of drill bit falls im the water.

When i did mine, i tapped a trash bag that caught everything