pvc overflows
- Thread starter skyshrimp
- Start date
I have heard the best way to drill a tank is with a dremel tool with glass cutting bits that you can get at harbor freight.
I have never drilled a tank myself but if using a drill and hole saw you still stand a significant risk of cracking the tank just by stressing with the hole saw. And a hole saw that can be used on glass will be very expensive.
I was told by someone I trust who had done it many times, that you can use the gasket from the bulkhead fitting you buy as a template and just use a dremel tool with generic bits from harbor freight.
I have never drilled a tank myself but if using a drill and hole saw you still stand a significant risk of cracking the tank just by stressing with the hole saw. And a hole saw that can be used on glass will be very expensive.
I was told by someone I trust who had done it many times, that you can use the gasket from the bulkhead fitting you buy as a template and just use a dremel tool with generic bits from harbor freight.
RUFISHY2
New member
Yup, I've done it a hundred times, literally, don't ask. I use a tile bit available at lowe's, but I'll bet the HF one is cheaper. One Lowe's bit will do about five or six holes before it's cashed.
Trace the inside of the gasket with a sharpie, then trace that line gently on slow speed with your dremel. This will make a permanent mark for when the sharpie gets washed away. Hold the dremel at a pretty shallow angle, then slowly work your way upright until you punch through the glass. Then just work your way around the circle with an up and down motion. I constantly sprits with watert with one hand while cutting with the other to insure the temp of the glass stays down. It also seems to cut better that way.
good luck! not that you'll need it it's actually pretty simple.
Trace the inside of the gasket with a sharpie, then trace that line gently on slow speed with your dremel. This will make a permanent mark for when the sharpie gets washed away. Hold the dremel at a pretty shallow angle, then slowly work your way upright until you punch through the glass. Then just work your way around the circle with an up and down motion. I constantly sprits with watert with one hand while cutting with the other to insure the temp of the glass stays down. It also seems to cut better that way.
good luck! not that you'll need it it's actually pretty simple.
manderx
New member
i use 2-3 bits from this kit to cut bulkhead holes. i start with the biggest round one then a smaller round one to cut mostly through the glass all the way around, then a long pointy one to punch through and side-cut around. i like these better than the dremel brand diamond bits because they are larger and coarser, so they cut much faster. plus 20 bucks for 50 bits vs 20 bucks for 1 bit.
i've also seen people use a non-diamond bit like this but i wouldn't use one. just seems like there would be more chatter which could micro-fracture the glass.
i haven't seen them for sale in a long time, but i finish up with a diamond drum sander i also got from harbor freight to clean up the hole and tweak for fit.
i've also seen people use a non-diamond bit like this but i wouldn't use one. just seems like there would be more chatter which could micro-fracture the glass.
i haven't seen them for sale in a long time, but i finish up with a diamond drum sander i also got from harbor freight to clean up the hole and tweak for fit.
manderx
New member
skyshrimp
New member
Welp I fina got fhe hole drilled with my dremel and man it took forever but I got it done. I plumbed everyrhing and its working fine and the asm g3 skimmer I have in the sump is a beast wow! My only problem is the gurgle sound coming from the drain that goes to the sump anyone know how to cure this. But overall i am very happy with the results. On goes my addiction i guess, thanks to all you guys that gave me ideas and input I greatly appreciate it. I would post pics but I dont know how sorry guys.
RUFISHY2
New member
there are a couple of solutions actually. The easiest (I don't recommend it though) is to just turn back your pump a bit. Search here on RC for stockman standpipe. They're pretty easy to build. Your search should lead you to various designs and solutions.
Glad the drilling worked out for you. Make sure to keep that strainer free and clear so you don't wind up with a floor full of water.
Glad the drilling worked out for you. Make sure to keep that strainer free and clear so you don't wind up with a floor full of water.
skyshrimp
New member
Yea I did the pump thing and never could get it right. It was always too much or too little. But I got it fixed now I just added a pvc pipe and a 90 degree elbow where the strainer should go and capped the elbow off with the strainer quiet and efficient. I definitely reccomend a sump build for those who dont have one.
