Tank Drilling?

[Dugan]

Hey all I am looking at getting a new tank... It is either going to be a 75 us gallon or a 54 corner. Both of which have tempered bottoms but I am fairly sure the sides are standard glass. I currently have a 15 gallan nano reef, and a 29 all stock and I am really want to start to DIY. This new tank will be a Fowler tank. I am starting to fidle with some desings for the sump. This is where I have come across my first hurdle. Unfortunately I live in Hell aka grand forks N.D. I have yet to find anyone that has heard of cutting holes in your fish tank yet alone has the expertise or tools to take on such a task. As I see it I wouldn't have a problem with ettin the water to the filter and back to the tank but I see a problem arisin with controling the water level in the tank, without a drilled overflow. Any thoughts on the overflow or some place where I can try to get the glass drilled. thanx.

 

[ste2k3]

hi,

I'd try your local marine fish shop as if thy cant do it, they may be able to point you in the right direction. the water will need to be taken from the surface of the tank so if the hole goes through the base, you will need a stand pipe and if it goes through the side, then it will need to be drilled near the surface. this is so, if the powergoes, the water out f the main tank will only drain a couple of inches and the sump should be built to hold that. the same goes for the return. if it is impossable to get it drilled, then you can get whats known as an overflow box which hangs on the side and does the same job but can be a little bit fidly and can some times stop. This is an overflow box.

ste

 

[Sang72]

Just an opinion, I wouldn't have the glass drilled, high speed drill bits (even the tungsten carbide ones) can wreak havoc on glass if one's hand slips even the tiniest bit and are generally not effective or practical for holes larger than 1/4 - 1/2 inch. *trivia bit* Glass, like nylon is in fact a verrryyyyy slow moving liquid (take a 100 yr old window pane and use a micrometer to measure it, the top will be thinner than the bottom) and extremely sensitive to unequal pressure changes.

I would see if you can find a glass shop that specializes in cutting plate glass to size. They should have a diamond tipped glass cutter that will cut a perfect circle for you (like the jewelry thieves use on TV). Be sure to put a silicone washer on each side of the glass before installing the pipe. Good luck.

 

[Adrinal]

 

[ste2k3]

I spend a couple of days a week building and drilling tanks. drilling costs 310 per hole and the cutter costs about £80+ and the drill even more. the drill is water cooled also, so that the actual drill bit is submergen in a constant supply of cold water. we drill holes 2" with no problems. the only time you may have problems is if you don't use a tripod and take your time, using old glass, or using very thin glass.

ste

 

[Dugan]

Well thanks for the advice. I have talked with all the LFS and two of them ave me the look like "why do you want to drill a hole in your tank". The other one spent his time trying to sell me a pre drilled tank from All glass aquariums. Where is the DIY in that? So my search will continue thanks aain for the help.

 

[Pescado Guy]

Yeah, that's what all the LFSs said to me. Don't buy an overflow box unless you get a self-priming one. I drilled a hole for an overflow in my 75 gallon aquarium and it works great. I drilled it in the back because of the tempered glass. If I were you, I would get a 90 gallon AG aquarium. They have regular glass bottoms which are far better, and they are a little bit taller than the 75s. As for drilling the hole, it is really a simple process provided you have the right tools. If you would like more info. about the drilling process just ask.

Kevin

 

[Adrinal]

AGA has 2 75g tanks... goes for any of their tempered/nontempered sizes.