Holes, holes, holes

deehz

New member
Ok. So I understand what my wife says as well as my buddy in Tucson. They DO NOT and I mean DO NOT want me to drill the tank that I am setting up. I have read and have seen videos that states it is VERY easy to DO. I am pretty handy and can build anything.

So how hard can this be? Has anyone tried too drill holes in their tanks? I am in the process of building my 75gal bow front and want to install an overflow/s. Everyone at reefsanctuary rants and raves about this website being the best at overflow kits. The caveat, you have to drill holes on your tank for the overflows. The only tempered glass is on the bottom of the tank and plan to drill the overflows in the back 2 corners of the tank that will lead to my fuge. Any help, guidance, or convincing me not to would be helpful. Thanks!!!

http://glass-holes.com/
 
If you don't want to do it yourself, you can always check with your local reef club for someone that has experience drilling or you can try a glass shop. I plan on drilling an overflow and two returns on a 50 and it seems very easy. Just use the template, make sure to add water, use a coordless drill and set the clutch to its lowest level and let the drill do its work, make sure not to push down or rush the process. The diamonds on the whole saw will basically grind down the glass.
 
I checked a nearby glass shop here in town and they want $100 bills to drill them out w/no guarantee. What the deuce?! The overflow kit is $150 and they send you the glass hole saw w/it. I have seen the videos and looks TOO easy if you know what I mean. I have had my fair share of experience with glass and they are not good.
 
I have drilled everything from ten gallon to 210 gallon tanks. Let me tell you the ten gallon is the hardest but can be done. If you would like to bring it to my house i can drill out the tank for you or can do it at your house. It is quite easy just as long as it is not temperate glass. Also drilled tanks are hands down the best tanks! Overflows suck i hate them!!! I have a drill and possible a good diamond bit drill. Thanks

Steffen Sparks
 
I have drilled everything from ten gallon to 210 gallon tanks. Let me tell you the ten gallon is the hardest but can be done. If you would like to bring it to my house i can drill out the tank for you or can do it at your house. It is quite easy just as long as it is not temperate glass. Also drilled tanks are hands down the best tanks! Overflows suck i hate them!!! I have a drill and possible a good diamond bit drill. Thanks

Steffen Sparks

Steffen, YOU ROCK MAN! I knew there was a reason I liked you even though we haven't met yet!!!! LOL! I was going to purchase a 110 gal tank online with drilled holes on the bottom. But the price was to rich for my blood. The tempered glass is on the bottom and I am drilling the holes in the back glass. So it will be ok. Other than flooding issues with overflows, why do you not like them? If there is something better then, what is thy bidding my master?!
 
There is nothing wrong with overflows it just the boxes style are garbage!!! That includes the CPR overflows that require an aqua lift which with get clogged sooner then you think. Any overflow with the U tube overflows are pretty much bullet proof since they dont loose there siphon. I would highly recommend getting the tank drilled since you can not go wrong with it. Thanks

Steffen Sparks
 
i am selling a 75 and 58 gal tank in a garage sell tomorrow. if it(they) don't sell you can practice on them. i am pretty sure that they are not tempered. that way you can get your first hole jitters out of the way.
 
Steffen,
this is the one I was looking at gl*******s:

http://glass-holes.com/Dart-Overflow-Box-Complete-Kit-dartkit.htm

Its about 1500gph and I think that one should be plenty. Right? I was planning on doing 2 of these but I figured it would be to much flow and the return pump could not keep up. Anyways, if I get this, I will call you and let you know when it comes in. I plan on ordering this on Monday.

Thanks!

Have two of those? That would be insane!!! I was thinking you can get away with the two 750 GPH and break it up into each corner or! You can just get one 1500GPH and either center it in the tank or put it in on of the corners. As far as flow you do not want too much flow in the refuge and unless you have a big fuge it will not handle it. Just give me a call or a text when you get a chance if i do not pick up just leave a voice mail. Thanks

Steffen Sparks
 
Thanks. Hey, you might get some pre-drilled tanks. Its not that I have jitters over glass, well yeah I do. I have never had any luck with glass. Oh well. I will let you know what I decide to do and will send you my info via pm.

Thanks!
 
glass is very easy to drill especially the thicker it is ...jet invest in a good diamond bit on ebay..buy a press style adapter that can fit on your hand drill(as to make a 90degree pass) and use plenty of water..pufifn is right something like a 10 gal is hard to to drill but 30gall and up is fine..just go slow ...having a drilled tank is always piece of mind since it will almost never overflow..
 
Sorry for the delayed response, everybody (been a bit busy with work.) I've drilled holes in a number of tanks, mostly 40-gallon, but I drilled 3 holes in my 125 without a problem. A little chipping, but nothing the bulkhead couldn't handle. I have a decent diamond hole saw (1 1/4", if I remember right), and I should be able to find time to help you drill it, if you are in ALBQ. No guarantees, and no promises, but you are welcome to use the drill and hole saw, if you like. :) Jason.
 
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