snorkelboy Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 I am considering drilling a hole thru my tank. Up high as an overflow to remove surface scum. Has anyone done this? How? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 i have done this with a glass hole saw and a cordless drill on slow used a spray borttle to keep it wet started at an angle and slowly straightened it up better with an empty tank to releve pressure on the glass you can't drill toughened glass need the right size hole for the bulkhead fitting you are going to use hole saw can be bought on trademe or M10 or the like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 livingart, you don't mean just a normal hole saw for wood do you? If so, what thickness was the glass? What do you mean by started on an angle then straightened up? This intrigues me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrie Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 he means a diamond bit Speed is the important thing along with water to cool Plenty of speed and plenty of water is best Slow can loosen the diamonds along with heat Ok if your drilling one or 2 holes but the drill bit wont last long The slowest speed we drill at (for large holes ) is 1275 RPM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakaway Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 viewtopic.php?f=3&t=44547& Here's a 3 page thread from when I asked about drilling my AR380 to convert it into a nano-reef. It turned out to be cost ineffective so I decided to not bother with it in the end. Has advice from resident glass expert "barrie" within. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 It can be done with a normal wood hole saw run in reverse with grinding paste but its far easier to do it with a specitily glass or tile drill. These are usually available from M10. Most glass places will cut the hole for you for under $20. LivingArt's description makes sense if you have seen someone doing it. Basically have the drill on a slight lean so one side makes contact first and then bring the drill bit straight up and down to finish the hole. The most important part is keep it wet with running water or make a play dough ring around where you want the hole drilled and full it with water. Practise first on a spare piece of glass and never drill a tank that is already assembled if you can possibly avoid it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snorkelboy Posted May 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Thanks guys, very interesting. My tank is 10mm and assembled. :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 I haven't been through them all but there might be some good info using the search function search.php?keywords=drilling+tank&terms=all&author=&sc=1&sf=all&sk=t&sd=d&sr=posts&st=0&ch=300&t=0&submit=Search I searched for "drilling tank" but other searches may bring up more.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suphew Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 For those that are in the Wellington area, the KMAC meeting this coming Wednesday is on drilling holes in tanks and some basic plumbing. We made tanks last month this month we'll try breaking them by drilling holes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 For those that are in the Wellington area, the KMAC meeting this coming Wednesday is on drilling holes in tanks and some basic plumbing. We made tanks last month this month we'll try breaking them by drilling holes! that is a good club nite topic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 that is a good club nite topic Indeed it is! I wish we had more people in our club so it would be worth having some interesting talks. Hint: come on Chch people, join us!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 It isn't the numbers that is important Jennifer, it is the enthusiasm of those who do attend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Don't you worry, the four of us are very enthusiastic! Lol, just kidding. Honestly, we have a great group but I would love to see some of the other notable locals join. We haven't had much time to think recently though with all of the conference planning but after a good rest I am sure we will be keen for doing all sorts of fun things! We are even planning on speaking at a local vet clinic that is having a fish info night for their clients. I am sure we will be able to write an article about it for the mag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snorkelboy Posted May 20, 2010 Author Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Please report back with success or otherwise of the hole drilling night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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