Drilling glass tanks
- Thread starter Big E
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Big E
Premium Member
Is it harder to drill thicker glass or easier? I imagine it would be less likely to crack but obviously tougher to cut through. How risky is this, I don't want to trash a large tank?
If your'e drilling two holes how far apart do they have to be in order to maintain the integrity/strength of the tank wall?
If I do this, I was hoping someone could help me & walk me through it. I've seen some videos & read how-to directions.
I want to make a custom overflow in a standard non-reef ready tank. I can save some money & do it the way I want it. If it's too much of a risk I may not buy the tank. So this is weighing on my decision. The tank will be brand new.
If your'e drilling two holes how far apart do they have to be in order to maintain the integrity/strength of the tank wall?
If I do this, I was hoping someone could help me & walk me through it. I've seen some videos & read how-to directions.
I want to make a custom overflow in a standard non-reef ready tank. I can save some money & do it the way I want it. If it's too much of a risk I may not buy the tank. So this is weighing on my decision. The tank will be brand new.
Glass is glass, thinner glass just seems harder to drill because it appears more delicate. The trickiest part is just before the drill breaks through, if you're not using a drill press, a hand drill had a tendency to "twist" in your hand. That's when you'll crack the tank.
How are you wanting to place the ovetflow? Top, bottom (of the side), behind an overflow box? Need a little more information.
Steve
How are you wanting to place the ovetflow? Top, bottom (of the side), behind an overflow box? Need a little more information.
Steve
Big E
Premium Member
Like these in this link. I'm going to make the box myself. The holes will be near the top on one end of the tank. The box is held in place by the bulkhead holes.
http://glass-holes.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=44
Tank size-- between 180g & 225g.
http://glass-holes.com/product.sc?categoryId=2&productId=44
Tank size-- between 180g & 225g.
Oooo, I like the concept! I would be pretty leery about placing it along the long edge of the tank, even if it's at the corner. Flexion could be an issue along the long edge and I would be concerned. (maybe I'm being too cautious, but it's not my tank) I would have no qualms about putting it in the end, though.
Big E
Premium Member
Similar to this pic, but I'm only going to make the box maybe 12" & put it on the end with only two pipes. One drain & one backup drain.
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I believe there's ways to secure the pipes on the outside so they aren't exerting any pressure on the tank side. I'm still researching on how best to do that.
Here's the link to that concept......
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310585
I believe there's ways to secure the pipes on the outside so they aren't exerting any pressure on the tank side. I'm still researching on how best to do that.
Here's the link to that concept......
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1310585
I have drilled about 5 hole in my tanks. One was a 20 gallon high and the other was a 75 gallon. I think the thicker glass was easier. Less worry about breaking. If your using a diamond tip core bit, make a dam around the hole to be drilled and keep a little water in it to cool and hepl keep down dust/ chips. I used pumber putty. Go slow (low speed) and apply gental pressure. You may have to start drilling on an edge of the bit to start the hole. Put a few pieces of tape on the other side of the glass to catch the glass ring as you break through.
Your holes should be no closer than the Dia. of the bit to an edge or one another. I played it safe and put a good amout of space between hole.
HTH
Phil
Your holes should be no closer than the Dia. of the bit to an edge or one another. I played it safe and put a good amout of space between hole.
HTH
Phil
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