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

[impur]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8323574#post8323574 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JustOneMoreTank
That is not a big crack in the third picture running from the top of the tank to the bottom of the tank is it?

No, thats were the pool of water ends. Looks like a crack though huh!

 

[93blackgt5.0]

The closed loop is exactly that, it makes water movement and flow without the use of powerheads. To me that means less "stuff" to clutter the tank and less heat generated by additional pumps in the water. I think if you use dual one inch inlets the actual "vacuum" is less, but you should use some kind of screen just in case. I am wanting to do a closed loop but with a small pump, I dont want a ton of water movement to begin with.

As far as placement, I think most use the back of the tank. Down lower for inlet and about mid lever for outlet. Unless you have a really large tank, then I have seen them on the sides as well.

Eric

 

[donald altman]

Hey gang. my bit never arrived but I talked to Mr. Lau over email and he is going to send me anouther drill bit.

Mr. Lau is a very professional salesmen and has been great
to do buisness with. He responds very quickly to emails and is quick to make things right. Please if you guys need drill bits do yourself a favor and buy them from this guy.. The price is great and the service is even better. I can't wait to get my 60mm bit
and get some holes in my tank.

 

[JustOneMoreTank]

I used someone over in China who I cannot remember the name. Later I needed more bits and I could not find him selling on Ebay??? Then I used Mr Lau for my second order. I found both to be excellent Ebayers.
Good luck with the 60mm !

 

[dtaranath]

his bits work excellent also.

 

[evilpsych]

Ahem..

Noone in this thread or hobby consider Harbor Freight? They're the king of imported Chinese tools.. they have the exact diamond hole-saws it seems as the ebay sellers, and most large towns have a harbor freight. Heck, the Tungsten Carbide set doesn't look too shabby either.

Harbor Freight Diamond hole saw search

 

[lllosingit]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8382878#post8382878 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by evilpsych
Ahem..

Noone in this thread or hobby consider Harbor Freight? They're the king of imported Chinese tools.. they have the exact diamond hole-saws it seems as the ebay sellers, and most large towns have a harbor freight. Heck, the Tungsten Carbide set doesn't look too shabby either.

Harbor Freight Diamond hole saw search

I don't think they have bits big enough, for a one inch bulkhead you need a larger bit, I read somewhere that a 1" bulhead needs a 1 3/4" hole to fit.

 

[dtaranath]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8383914#post8383914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lllosingit
I don't think they have bits big enough, for a one inch bulkhead you need a larger bit, I read somewhere that a 1" bulhead needs a 1 3/4" hole to fit.

you're exactly right.

I tried Harbor Freight. They didn't have the hole saws large enough for either a 1" or 1.5" bulkhead. As lllosingit said, the 1" needs a 1 3/4" hole. If I remember correctly, the largest hole saw harbor freight had was 1".

 

[93blackgt5.0]

I ordered a set of drill bits from him also. I havent received them yet, it has been 8 days. I am going to email him.

I got three bits for one inch holes, two bits for 3/4 inch holes, and a ten piece set for 3mm holes. All the bits with shipping was 35.00. Not a bad price at all.

Eric

 

[Reef Developer]

Sorry if this has been asked (can't fathom reading all 21 pages right now), but I drilled 3 holes today and all went fine.... except some minor chipping. Is this bad.... could it lead to a stress crack (or do the round holes provide for enough "structural" integrity)?

Thanks-
Kevin

 

[donald altman]

Can somone link me to a place to purchase bulkheads that fit the 45mm one inch and the 60mm 1.5 inch bulkheads.
Everyone says buy the bulkhead then the bit but i've got the bits now to find the bulkheads. Seems like alot of people have purchased the same bulkheads has anyone made a post that shows bulkheads that they used with the bits?

 

[swedish steel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8396264#post8396264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by donald altman
Can somone link me to a place to purchase bulkheads that fit the 45mm one inch and the 60mm 1.5 inch bulkheads.
Everyone says buy the bulkhead then the bit but i've got the bits now to find the bulkheads. Seems like alot of people have purchased the same bulkheads has anyone made a post that shows bulkheads that they used with the bits?

I use plumbingsupply.com

 

[donald altman]

do you know what size you used for lau's 45mm or 60mm bit
from them?

 

[donald altman]

do you know what size you used for lau's 45mm or 60mm bit
from them?

 

[donald altman]

do you know what size you used for lau's 45mm or 60mm bit
from them?

 

[medic29]

the 45mm is for 1inch bulkhead

 

[donald altman]

I was told that the 60 is for inch and a half.. but someone said the od diameter calculations are tight for certain fitting i want the exact right one and I am hoping asomone eles that has used laus bits also can tell me what exact bulkhead they used so i can just use them knowing they are going to work. I want to use a 1.5 inch and 1 inch.. thanks gang

 

[Holmez221b]

What's the deal... I read a post saying that all 55's are tempered so thay can't be drilled??? Mine was drilled. and I read several threads stating that people have drilled their 55's with no problem???

 

[Reef Developer]

They were probably saying the bottom was tempered, but they drilled the back. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but when a tank is tempered its only the bottom (not the sides).

Kevin

 

[Holmez221b]

I'm not exactly sure either... but my 55 is drilled on the bottom for my overfllows.. The reason I was wondering was because I have an old 55 I want to use for a sump and I plan on drilling it myself.