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

I'm about to drill my 75g as well. Just ordered the hole saw from lau but wanted to run this by everyone before starting. This thread has been a great help, the lfs wanted $40 per hole. This will save some money for other fishy things. Take a look at my plan and advise. Do you think that there are too many holes? Should I just run the CL return over the top?

Thanks everyone.


plumbing.jpg
 
Also the CL drain will be joined and run into a Mag12 then returned and split to the two 3/4 returns. Each 3/4 return will then be split using a loc-line. The plumbing will probably be 1" pvc all around.
As for the sump/refugium I'll be using a Mag7 for the return with 1 1/4" pvc.

What do you all think?

Vance
 
Does any one have a suggestion for placement regarding drilling the holes that drain and return to/from the sump? I was considering installing an internal overflow but would rather not since they take up so much space. The internal overflow would probably be 10" long by 5" deep.
 
anyone drill a large tank... specifically a 210 aga rr would be cool! :)

getting it this weekend and want to put 3 holes in the back and one on each side for CL..
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6815911#post6815911 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by vanceny
new page :mad:

Anyone get a chance to see my diagram on the previous page? Any comments.
Thanks
Click to expand...

First, why are you making that style of overflow? I would suggest a horizontal overflow, which has a better surface skimming ability which equals more efficient skimming.

Also, if you do keep your overflow plan, I would have two drain bulkheads and have the return either over the top or through another hole.

Everything else looks good!
 
After reading this post, it is giving me the courage to drill into the 46 Bowfront that I have! Now, I do know that the bottom is tempered, so I'm not drilling there, but i'm drilling into the back near the top to create some overflow/return holes. I have already ordered the bulkheads and the hole saws off E-bay... just waiting for them to get here! Wish me luck!!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6947735#post6947735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 30mini
After reading this post, it is giving me the courage to drill into the 46 Bowfront that I have! Now, I do know that the bottom is tempered, so I'm not drilling there, but i'm drilling into the back near the top to create some overflow/return holes. I have already ordered the bulkheads and the hole saws off E-bay... just waiting for them to get here! Wish me luck!!
Click to expand...

Good luck. Be sure to let us know how it goes! :)
 
Well I got the time, it came out great. Four holes in my next tank a 75g. They came out great. Took 1 hour with prep. I would suggest a novice take their time drilling less than 1000rpm. I started at 1200 rpm for the first 3 than the last one 1000rpm.
I have worked with a lot of cutting machinery i.e. raildrill,drill press,x-y cutting rigs,Bridgeport & Portabans. Take your time. Do it safely and slowly. Wear goggles and gloves.
I love RC
 
I would recommend an even slower drill speed. One of the few places I've been able to find much detail about drilling an aquarium is on Diamond Drill Bit & Tool's web site. Follow the link above, click on "How to Use Diamond Drills" and read through the whole page. They recommend 500 rpm for a 1" hole and 250 rpm for a 2" hole. I believe this web site has lots of good suggestions including drill speed, drill pressure, cooling, hole location, etc.
 
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