Question About Drilling

[whatnot45]

I am considering drilling my 60 Gallon standard All-Glass Tank for a return line from the sump, and I have some questions since I haven't ever drilled a tank.

1. What is the likelihood that I will screw up and crack the tank?

2. Does the hole need to be at the top of the tank for a return line? Will my return pump pump more water if the return is near the top of the tank versus the bottom or the middle?

3. I am going for between 500 and 600 GPH flow through the return and I Just ordered a Sicce Syncra 3.0 pump. What size hole would be recommended? The pump output is 3/4" but I feel like that is kind of small for a return any thoughts?

 

[FraggledRock]

I would recommend you check out

www.beananimal.com

the likelihood is somewhat HIGH if you are not a patient person.

My return line is 3/4"

my drain is a 1" Bulkhead that goes to 1 1/2" drain.

checkout glass-holes.com for all your drilling needs

 

[ca1ore]

First you should ensure that the back panel of your tank is not tempered, in which case you will destroy the tank attempting to drill it. Drilling (grinding, actually) is not difficult in all but the thinnest glass, but it requires a 'sharp' glass grinding bit, patience (at least 10 mins per hole) and plenty of water to cool the glass.

When installing a return, you always want to keep the output as close to the surface as possible, so there really is no sense to putting the hole anywhere but at the top (though not too close to the edge of the glass). Even then, you will still need a couple of pieces of PVC piping to get the return to the top. Frankly, I'm not sure you aren't better off just going over the rim with a couple of elbows (use black PVC and it will be less noticeable).

A 3/4" return is more than sufficient for 500-600 gph. If you do decide to drill, a schedule 40 3/4" bulkhead will require a 1 7/8" hole.

 

[whatnot45]

Thanks guys!

 

[nigelclown]

I just drilled my tank for the first time this past weekend. If you are careful and GO SLOW it's no big deal. Take your time, start slow! Also make sure to keep everything cool with water like was mentioned above. Trust your gut, if you think something isn't right, slow down an let things cool down.