Need Help With Drilling Questions...

[WhiteysTA]

In a little over a month i'll be moving my tank to our new home and was looking into the possibilities of drilling my tank. I have read alot on here that this is the best way to go for filtration. My questions are:
What is involved in drilling the tank? I know you use a hole saw, but is there something special I need to get or just any hole saw will do?
Also, is there a pretty decent risk of damage to the tank, because it's all I have for my saltwater setup.
At some point I want to go from my dual canister filters to a refuge/sump and I assume this is the best route to take.
Where would I drill my tank? I have an older All Glass 75 gal. tank and I remember a sticker on the bottom glass saying do not drill, but not the back.
What is "closed loop"? Does it have to do with drilling the back wall of the tank?
Can it be done quick enough so I can have my fish back in the tank in a few hours or should I only do this to a backup/new tank?
What products will I need to purchase for this?
Will this setup work with my canister filters?
Sorry for the long list of questions, but I know this is the best place for answers and everyone seems to know alot about this subject. Thanks for any and all questions you can answer!
Also, diagrams/pictures are much appriciated!

 

[sirreal63]

I would take it to a glass shop in your area. There are a lot of different places to put a hole and lots of different ways to set up an overflow. I am not sure where the best place is to drill it. But I am sure others here have done it and can guide you.

I would skip the closed loop...IMO they aren't worth the expense. Powerhead technology has far surpassed the benefit of a closed loop. CL's need a large pump that is usually noisy, consumes a lot of elect. and the multiple plumbing connections can be problematic. Effecient powerheads like Tunze's, MJMods, Koralia's and Seio's can move water better and with less elect. and noise. One drawback is they are visible in the aquarium.

 

[StupidsReef]

Drilling is not that hard nor a bad thing. Unlike Jack's HO. I would prefer IMHO to have a CL over another/power head in my tank. I drilled Rich1972's 29g tank fearlessly. Because we had a second tank setting right there if we broke it Drilling should be done slowly with light pressure and plenty of water running over the area your drilling. Jack you left out one another drawback to powerheads, the heat they produce even tho it may not be very much at all, they can be a source of extra heat. But then again these are all just my honest opinions, NOT solid facts.


GOOD MORNING JACK

 

[sirreal63]

Good Morning to you too Stu...I didn't leave it out...it is minor heat compared to closed loops which also heat the water. A couple of 34 watt powerheads produce much less heat than a 250 watt external pump heating the air and the water...yes those large power hungry pumps also heat the water.

 

[kmf507]

It's also important to get a diamond tipped hole saw. I drilled the tank that is now my fuge.

Don't press too hard and have water running over the glass.

 

[WhiteysTA]

Do I need to get an overflow box or should I just put bulkheads in with intake screens on them? Also, will I be able to run my canister filters thru them or should I use the bulkheads for my fuge?

 

[WhiteysTA]

Another question, what size should I make the bulkheads? Should I use the double threaded ones and get plugs in case I need to stop using them? Also, where can I find diamond bit hole saws at?

 

[salty3]

drill

drill

Drilling is very easy, you need a diamond bit and some plumbers putty to make a dam to keep water in so the bit stays cool and gets lubed. You can get a bit off of ebay. I got mine from this guy and it cost 10.00 with shipping. BTW a 45mm bit does a hole for a 1" bulk head.http://cgi.ebay.com/45mm-Diamond-coated-drill-bit-bits-hole-saw-tile-marble_W0QQitemZ180128241336QQihZ008QQcategoryZ20755QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Here is a vid of the last tank I drilled. You just take it about half speed and put no pressure on the tank hold the drill very still and let it do all the work and take your time DO NOT GET IN A RUSH.
Before you drill go to your local hardware store and get some cheap pieces of glass to practice on. I have never practiced and the only tank I broke was a tempered glass 55 gal other than that I never broke one. Good luck and if you need more info after the vid pm me. The vid is in two parts because I stoped to check the hole and then got a phone call. You can stop anytime you want only after a good groove for the hole is started that way you can restart in the same spot.

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