Step-by-Step: Drilling Holes in Your Glass Tank for Bulkheads

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9644628#post9644628 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Haffs09
Muelpaul...I don't have a picture, but I drilled the holes right below the top tank trim, with just enough clearance so the bulkhead nut won't hit the trim. I think I was also about 1.5" from the corner of the tank. The 10gal is serving as a fuge on a 90gal tank. Part of the overflow from the display tank is directed to the fuge. The fuge is on a little stand so that it can overflow into a 20H sump. I hope that helps.
Click to expand...

Thank you Haffs09, I am going to try and position my BH about 2" from the top on the front side to flow down into the sump. Sounds like you have the model of what I am trying to do, I hope mine turns out as well as yours.

Thank you for your help:D
 
I am not sure if i have missed this (it is a very long thread) but is it OK to drill (6mm) ~1/4 inch glass. I want to put an emergency overflow into my sump to allow for excess water to be sent to waste if there is a problem.
 
This is a big thread and I don't know if I need to read it all because I've got some experience in drilling glass.

I've always used the big diameter bits (1" or bigger) and I need one of those small dremel bits (~3/16") to drill holes to fasten an internal refugium over the top of tank using zip ties.

What is the number on one of those dremel bits?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9703667#post9703667 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by the cattleman
This is a big thread and I don't know if I need to read it all because I've got some experience in drilling glass.

I've always used the big diameter bits (1" or bigger) and I need one of those small dremel bits (~3/16") to drill holes to fasten an internal refugium over the top of tank using zip ties.

What is the number on one of those dremel bits?
Click to expand...
I hope it's not a problem to post this link here. ;)

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=963883#963883

Hope that helps.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9689670#post9689670 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kirsto71
I am not sure if i have missed this (it is a very long thread) but is it OK to drill (6mm) ~1/4 inch glass. I want to put an emergency overflow into my sump to allow for excess water to be sent to waste if there is a problem.
Click to expand...
Shouldn't be a problem. The thinner the glass, the easier you have to go on it, though. :D
 
Hello all,
I received the hole saws today that I had purchased from Ebay user Lau, it took 13 days from confirmed ship date.
I put each in my cordless drill to check for wobble and all are wobble free.

This weekend I am going to video my first attempt at tank drilling, a 45mm hole in a 5.5gal. Very thin glass, so I am going to place some type of support under the drill site and then let the drill do all the work.

If all goes well I am going to drill the back of my 46 bow for (2) 1" drains and (2) 3/4" returns.

I must admit though, I am a little nervous about drilling the 46.
 
just wanted to let you guys know i have easly drilled my tank it took me about 20-30 mins, i also have read both threds, which took me a good 1 and a half hours and another 2 hours to re read everything so i knew what i was doing and i did not learn from your mis takes, i went to wal-**** (dont want to say the name because they are not a sponsor and all heh heh) to get a 10 gal to drill some people said if its tempard just the bottom is and some said if its temparded, everything is temparded, well i got one to learn and get my kill up to drill into the tank, everything was going good till i was about 1/3 in and i think it was the virbation that got it but it busted, so let this be a lesson to every one if it says its temperd and to cant afford to loose the $10 it cost just dont do it, but i think i got it down, i drill the hell out of that tank and busted every side but i think i got the tank of it and now my tank has holes in it if some one wants i can take pics of it but i dont have fotobucket or what ever picture hosting web site but its a great hole done with a drimmel, great post justonemoretank!!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9703667#post9703667 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by the cattleman
This is a big thread and I don't know if I need to read it all because I've got some experience in drilling glass.
Click to expand...

Does this thread cover drilling into a vertical panel on a tank that's got something in it?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9713225#post9713225 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by the cattleman
Does this thread cover drilling into a vertical panel on a tank that's got something in it?
Click to expand...
You mean draining part of the tank and drilling above the water level and refilling it back up?

I've not only heard of this being done, I've seen videos of it! Worked great! :D But I personally wouldn't do it. Call me chicken. ;)
 
Bleedingthought... You saw my handy work on Cooper9117's tank? They already posted that video didnt they? Thats right... the only video that they have not posted was the meeting when I did the two empty tanks outside.
:)
 
Hello again,
Well here is my first attempt at tank drilling.
Setting up the bracing.
100_0682.jpg


Making the plumbers putty dam for water cooling.
100_0684.jpg
 
When trying to remove the bracing (if you happen to watch the video you will hear me say "it cracked") 2 cracks appeared.
100_0691.jpg


I then tried to drill the bottom glass without bracing and sucess.
100_0686.jpg


I am going to get another 5.5 and give it another try, the glass is so thin that even if I get it drilled ok I will have to brace it with plexiglass for the bulkhead and pvc.

Getting the hole started is the hardest part, other than that it was pretty easy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
40 Gallon AIO Tank Repair?
Replies
8
Views
212
kingyking888
K
K
What happens if you cut into glass while removing a baffle from the tank?
Replies
6
Views
347
wvned
wvned
S
Lighting Question - Glass penetration
Replies
7
Views
199
xabo
xabo
A
DRILL aquarium only 1 DownPipe?
Replies
1
Views
305
Timfish
Timfish
A
DRILL aquarium only 1 DownPipe?
Replies
0
Views
264
Andrés Garza
A
Back
Top