David R Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 As the title says, 6'x2'x2' 10mm glass tank, age unknown, how easy would it be to drill and is it worth the risk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookie Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 should off asked Richard when you was up 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 had the same size tank, was advised by a lot of professionals not to bother ended up making overflow pipe that works well made out of 32mm pvc pipe and elbows, outside box tupperware container Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 by useing a glass drill that we use in the trade, you need to get the tank under the drill and pack the other side so that presure can be applied for the drill piece to work. The chances of finding a drll machine that can fit a 2ft tank under it is small (mine would only take maybe 150mm) and the chances of breaking the glass are great. In my mind, you would be far better off trying to see if living arts system would work for you. BTW, for drilling, the age of the glass makes little or no difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David R Posted January 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Barrie, the only time I've seen glass drilled was using what looked like a router with a hole-saw type thing. Is that not normally how its done? I'm not really keen on the idea of a PVC overflow like that, seems like a hard way of doing things, and much more potential for disaster if the syphon is broken. I think I'd rather go for a new tank than try set that system up on an existing one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A.PROPHECY Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 ive been thinkn about doing the same on my 6 foot but was gona drop water level and get side drilld for overflow ,so no overflow box just a hole . but planning my upgrade this year so gona scrap that idea for now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Barrie, the only time I've seen glass drilled was using what looked like a router with a hole-saw type thing. Is that not normally how its done? I'm not really keen on the idea of a PVC overflow like that, seems like a hard way of doing things, and much more potential for disaster if the syphon is broken. I think I'd rather go for a new tank than try set that system up on an existing one. it is easier and safer than it looks after getting parts took me 20 mins to cut and fit syphon cannot be broken by pump stopping etc drilled tank once with a piece of copper pipe and grinding paste took a long time and was bad on the nerves but it worked, found the overflow easier Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 the way glass merchants drill tanks is with whats called a habit drill The bit is a dimond ring that has water flowing through the centre of the bit to keep both the drill bit and the glass cooled. There is a hand drill available but there simply isnt enough work for it to justify the $500 cost and its so much slower that there is not enough call for it Im back at work from the 21st and your more that welcome to have a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 living art what the lenght of pipe from each elbow on that system and size of the contaer use cheers ant ill try it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slevin12 Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 my tank had 2 5cm diameter hole in each top back corner don't know the resaon that there their, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 living art what the lenght of pipe from each elbow on that system and size of the contaer use cheers ant ill try it. the length is not critical, the main thing is to create a "U" shape to hold the syphon needs to be at least 50mm under waterlevel got the endcap and all parts from a plumbers shop made the side box for ours out of glass but anythhing deep enough to give you 100mm below waterlevel would be good the outflow hieght from side box keeps the syphon secure tried it on 2 buckets outside to make sure it worked waihi isn't far from tauranga you should take a trip and see it in the flesh, so to speak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 il give it ago and see what happens // thank you ant Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 ive just see that set up at living arts.and it reaily works and easy.nice one mark also anyone coming to the bay of pelety should stop in and see all his set ups.nice works guys. also mark should listen to the apprentice a hes got some good idears and give him back hes coal :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 Walt Disneys Fantasia - The Sorcerers Apprentice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 :lol: :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted January 5, 2008 Report Share Posted January 5, 2008 good to meet you guys todayanthony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 6, 2008 Report Share Posted January 6, 2008 cheers ant, also what that fine gravel or sand in that cichlid tank.....{.gannets baby} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMAZONIAN Posted January 9, 2008 Report Share Posted January 9, 2008 Hi All. Well, way back (35 years ago) we used to drill glass with a crude device that we made to do the job. You could even use it in an ordinary everyday electric drill with variable speed to do the drilling. We got a small piece of copper tube the diameter of the hole we wanted; we then got an engineering shop to "turn up" a mandrel to fit the inside diameter of the copper tube, and with a shaft to fit the drill ( about 8mm). This was then soldered (you could bronze it in) to the tube which then became the "DRILL" when the tube cut to about 25mm long. The glass or tank was setup and a "PLASTICINE' dam was built around where the hole was to be drilled. This was filled with a mixture of "AUTOMOTIVE VALVE GRINDING PASTE AND WATER". You then placed the "drill into the centre of the "dam" and began drilling. This method still works today, but the glassiers find it easier and quicker to use the "Modern Technology. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 correct Amazon Carborundum is what was used Can you imagin what the cost would need to be if glaZiers needed to do it like that now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMAZONIAN Posted January 10, 2008 Report Share Posted January 10, 2008 You are right on the money Barrie, However, if a hobbyist wanted to drill a tank with the minimum fuss, expense and the problems of moving or dismantling a "Large" tank then I consider that my option would be right up with the best. :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simian Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 I bought a 12mm diamond holesaw (linbide brand) from Bunnings for $17 and it worked sweet as and you can get bigger ones for about $25 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richms Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 Im thinking of doing my big tank sometime soon. Whats the exact process, and how close to the edge can you safely go? Also did you drill the back or bottom of the tank? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 the minimun distance to the edge is recomended as no closer than 50% the dia of the hole. To drill a hole, you need to have water around the hole. As amazon mentioned, build a ring around the area to be drilled and put water in it. A large rubber ring from one of the plastic places or silly putty could be used? Drill the glass useing Carboundum (ps) powder as a paste and keep the drill straight up as you can break the glass if you move it around to much. As you get almost through the glass slow the downward presure on the drill or you can "break"through the other side causing shells and weakening the tank. Expect to spend a lot of time on this method. To be honest, I personally would prefer to break the tank down and reglue it after having it drilled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gannet Posted January 18, 2008 Report Share Posted January 18, 2008 cheers ant, also what that fine gravel or sand in that cichlid tank.....{.gannets baby} secert mix hehe :lol: :lol: na its a mix of crushed coral sand, corlad balls, and agronite back on topic now, its looks like there is alot of diff opinions out there i would say that breaking the tank down would be safer as barrie has said, but there will always be the renagaeds (sp) that wana try something new Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthony law Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 but there will always be the renagaeds ,.......gannet wrote that you gannet// :lol: :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.