Drilling Glass Tank

[dbmtrman]

I have a 75 gal. aga glass tank, that I was going to use as a refugium, but have decided to make it into a sps tank. I want to put it in my bedroom, so it has to be very quiet. It isn't drilled and has no overflows, so I wanted to set up a Calfo overflow and either drill for a closed loop or to have the return lines back in.

Question is how do I drill the glass, or should I just take it to a glass shop and have the professionals do it.

 

[billdogg]

glass-holes.com has a great how-to video and all the supplies you will need. I do not trust overflows - drill it - you will be amazed at how easy it is

 

[funman1]

It's VERY eash and CHEAP.
Here is my video..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMctXz7GraU

 

[dbmtrman]

what was the liquid poured over the while, after the plumbing putty was put on? is it just water?

 

[Phyxius]

Its very easy to drill the holes and I just finished drilling another 50g as part of my sump set up. Although I didn't guy my stuff at all from glass-holes they have some great videos and not bad prices at all.

Just dont drill the bottom of the 75 as AGA tanks in 75g have tempered bottoms.

The liquid to cool is usually just water...

 

[greatXss]

easy to do...go for it! I got my stuff from glass-holes too. TAKE YOUR TIME, and dont rush the bit...let it do the work at its own pace. My first hole had some minor chips from pushing a tad bit too hard at the end, but my second hole was awesome!

 

[cdness]

The first tank I helpped drill we used an antifreeze mix. It provides cooling and lubrication to the bit. The second we ended up running out and found that water works fine too. Get some plumber's putty and make a small dam around the holes to keep the water in. That way you don't have to keep pouring... Just add a bit when the water starts to run low in the dam (best to have a second person so you don't have to stop the bit.

Also we used a drill guide from Menards. Take the springs out to lessen the force needed to push it down. It will help hold the drill perfect.

 

[insacron]

Ok, question to all that have done this, do you then find/make an internal overflow?

 

[JustReef]

How long do these glass hole saws last? Can I drill 7 holes with them in 1/4 inch glass?

 

[hllywd]

If they're as good as the ones I bought from www.richontools.com they'll do plenty more than 7 holes IME! I uses a very small dribble of H2O no need to drown things, I don't use a cup per hole.... its just the way I learned. I use a piece of air tubing with a plastic air valve to siphon from a 1/2 gallon container. I've found as long as the hole saw stays wet its plenty. Never use antifreeze, cooking oil, or anything else only water.

Tim