has anyone ever drilled a tank

[sillygoose]

I am on the hunt for a bigger tank, but I'm in no hurry (at least a 180). If I saw a good deal on an un-drilled tank, how hard would it be drill and make an overflow, etc? Any experience out there? Any idea how much it costs for materials?

 

[Osaka-san]

I drilled two sumps - 8 holes total for 1" bulkheads. NO PROBLEMS - No sweat. As lomg as the glass is not tempered. If it is tempered - forget it - Use an overflo. I bought a diamond hole saw for less that $20 and used my old craftsman 1/2" hand drill. Just build a little dam out of plumbers putty, fill w/ H2O ang be patient... very easy after you do one and get a little confidence. Id be glad to help if youd like.

 

[fishaholic911]

For the price of a new 180 ( 800.00 ) it is worth buying. When you buy a used tank you are buying problems. Most of the tank are sold empty and you will not know if they leak, how bad the scratches are, how old the tank is, if it was on a level stand and so on. Unless you buy from someone you know well or know a good amount of history I would concider buying new. If you decide to buy a used tank treat it like buying a used car and take a check list as you do not want the wheels to fall off Things to think off : Does it have a center brace, is it chipped, does it have deep scratches that are viewable, how old is it and how many times has it been moved. I am sure there might be more items to look for, just remember it will be 180 gallons of water in your house for many years.

 

[sillygoose]

hmmmm - good perspectives. I guess you run into more stuff like that the bigger you get.

 

[sillygoose]

btw - thanks for your offer Osaka. I'm still not sure what I will do.

 

[phenom5]

Drilled my last tank, so easy to do once you do it. It's a little scary the first time you do, but it seriously is really easy to do. As long as you take your time, and keep some water in the area (I used plumbers putty to build a little dam too) it's really easy. Also, put some duct tape on the other side so the piece you drill out doesn't fall out, and it helps prevent chipping. As I said (3 times already), it's really easy to drill a tank.

Here's the video that I watched a bunch of times before I tried it. You can also pick up some scrap piece from a glass shop to practice on before you go to town on the tank itself.

http://reefercentral.com/drilling.html

 

[Osaka-san]

safe drill

safe drill

yes - tape the other side of the area you are going to drill, put a thick soft towell opposite the gravity vector - and BE PATIENT. it is easy. Certainly buying new is a way to make sure you dont get someone elses problems - but like used cars - (as the analogy goes...) you can either buy someone elses problems or their blessings. An informed purchase is always the best route.

 

[torero500]

ditto. drilled mine last week, very easy. Nerve wracking, but satisfying.