Where to get tank Drilled

[VoiceInTheDeser]

Looking to finally get a drilled tank for sump after doing HOB skimmers for a while. Best place in the valley to get this done? I live in Central valley, near South Mountain. Also, how much does it generally cost to have it done?

I'll be buying a new tank to get it done, my understanding is you just have to stay away from tempered glass, correct? Is there anything else I should be aware of when buying the tank?

 

[Vanpire]

I drilled a couple of holes myself and it is very easy. Just get a good drill bit and take your time.

Discount aquarium said that they will drill holes for me but lugging my aquarium to them and then lugging it back was just a big pain so I did it myself.

 

[VoiceInTheDeser]

I drilled a couple of holes myself and it is very easy. Just get a good drill bit and take your time.

Discount aquarium said that they will drill holes for me but lugging my aquarium to them and then lugging it back was just a big pain so I did it myself.

I've heard varying things about this. Does it have to be a certain kind of bit?

 

[Vanpire]

Diamond bit. That's what I used.

EDIT: The bit I used are very similar to these.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0BR32YT6AA2YPVP5A6CM

or

http://www.glass-holes.com/Glass-Hole-Cutters_c7.htm

 

[reefstew]

If you never done it before then probably not a good idea if your drilling an expensive tank.

 

[Tschupe]

I may be wrong but frag might have a set of bits to loan out.

But personally I would just buy a reef ready tank that already has an overflow

 

[AZBigJohn]

I may be wrong but frag might have a set of bits to loan out.

But personally I would just buy a reef ready tank that already has an overflow

While I like to customize things as much as the next person, there is a lot to be said for finding a tank that meets your needs that is already drilled. Goodness knows there are a ton to choose from (new and used).

Drilling my own tank is the one modification I am still afraid of, although there is no lack of people who have done it, and are willing to tell you how easy it is.

Google "How to tell if glass is tempered" if you choose to drill a used tank just to make sure. Most tanks temper the bottoms, but as tempering makes it stronger with thinner glass, I wouldn't put it past any tank manufacturer to use tempered glass.

 

[Vanpire]

When I drilled my tank, I was really nervous at first. Go on youtube to see how you can check whether your glass is tempered. I checked it 10x with my laptop and iPad before I did it.

I also checked using the glass on my car just to verify what youtube showed. Supposedly, all auto glass are tempered.

Like everything else, the first time you do it is scary. It is not normal to put a whole in a perfectly good tank.

 

[OllieNZ]

When I drilled my tank, I was really nervous at first. Go on youtube to see how you can check whether your glass is tempered. I checked it 10x with my laptop and iPad before I did it.

I also checked using the glass on my car just to verify what youtube showed. Supposedly, all auto glass are tempered.

Like everything else, the first time you do it is scary. It is not normal to put a whole in a perfectly good tank.

The side and back windows on a car are tempered (unless you have certain high end vehicles, they have laminated glass all round for extra security) windscreen will be laminated rather than tempered.

I recently had my first go drilling a tank and I was surprised how easy it was.

 

[SnoopyDaPimp]

Salt Water Junkies drills tanks. Mine was already drilled but my friend had his done there.

 

[Vanpire]

The side and back windows on a car are tempered (unless you have certain high end vehicles, they have laminated glass all round for extra security) windscreen will be laminated rather than tempered.

I recently had my first go drilling a tank and I was surprised how easy it was.

Thanx for the clarification.

I agree that it is way easier than you think once you determine whether it is tempered or not. I used a diamond saw bit with by 18V drill and it took me less than 5 mins a hole. I think that thicker glass might be easier to drill than thinner ones.

Key is go slow and don't put a lot of pressure. Let the weight of the drill do the work.

 

[OllieNZ]

Key is go slow and don't put a lot of pressure. Let the weight of the drill do the work.

Same here and if you have a drill/driver set the clutch to it's lowest setting so if the bit does catch the clutch slips to help prevent any damage.

 

[evolved]

I may be wrong but frag might have a set of bits to loan out.

Yes, the club (FRAG) does have a set of bits for loan to our registered members.