Question on drilling a tank

[dfm34]

I need to drill two holes in a 75 gallon tank what is the safest distance apart would you drill the two holes?

Thanks Dan

 

[bpcardona]

I assume bulkheads are going in these holes, and if so the distance is limited by the flange. But even if not for bulkheads you can get them pretty close. As you can see I have drilled 4" hole pretty close to one another. Just take your time.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8567330476" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8567330476_8246576a52_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="Untitled"></a>​

 

[dfm34]

Yes I will be using bulk heads so I can place the two bulkheads within 1/2" of each other then mark for the drilling. Does this sound right. Thnx

 

[bpcardona]

Yep, just leave enough room for the bulkhead nut. This is my frag tank when I was drilling. The bulkhead almost touch.

<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/90102096@N03/8554056328" title="Untitled by elitecoral, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8554056328_5e1a96172f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a>​

 

[kegogut]

As stated above as long as you leave enough room for the bulkhead flanges you'll be fine.

 

[sleepydoc]

no. you should leave a minimum of one hole diameter between edges (or 2 diamteters center to center,) preferably 1.5x the diameter edge to edge. The same applies from the edge of the tank glass to the edge of a hole.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=23235315&postcount=7

 

[rwb500]

woah, slow down folks. sleepydoc is right, the others are dead wrong. that first picture isn't even in a structural piece of glass!

 

[dfm34]

Sleepydoc thanks for the info never drilled before so very nervous

 

[bpcardona]

if the question is "What is the safest distance? ( which it was ) sleepydoc is dead right.

I read this is a "can I" question. Well the answer to that is yes. Better go with the safe approach.

 

[dfm34]

I appreciate all the responses trying to learn the best and safest way to do this. Thanks to all.

 

[Mrramsey]

Yes sleepy is correct 2 to 2.5 times the diameter center to center of your holes.