Drilled tank blowout

[iGotJokess]

Drilling my tank and had a blowout on one of the holes. The gaskets seem to cover but I am just wondering if anyone has any insight on this? I’m using an EMS overflow box. The blowout is on the INSIDE glass. Thank you all, any input is appreciated.

 

[Sdot]

Drilling my tank and had a blowout on one of the holes. The gaskets seem to cover but I am just wondering if anyone has any insight on this? I’m using an EMS overflow box. The blowout is on the INSIDE glass. Thank you all, any input is appreciated.

Sorry dude...... I wouldnt use it. Too much of a risk.

 

[ecamden]

Sand it so that its smooth, dremel would help. If there are sharp edges you add stress points that can crack.

 

[MichaelReefer]

Can always try and find a larger bulkhead. One that's got a thicker gasket that will cover more past the chip.

 

[WVNed]

If this is a small tank that is easily replaced I would and use that one to practice drilling holes.
Dont push so hard especially when you get close to breaking through and keep the drill perpendicular to the glass. You are grinding the glass away, not cutting like a normal drill bit.

If it must be saved you get another piece of glass at least an inch bigger than the breakouts/gasket, drill it and glue it on the inside with silicone and install the bulkhead to clamp it while it dries.
Go find a diamond nail file at the drugstore or a Dremel and dress the sharp points.

 

[Dirk Griffin]

Use a decent (not cheap) silicone on both sides of the glass and the bulkhead. Make sure there is plenty of it to fill in the chipped area and let it set for a day or two. Keep the rubber against the glass, silicone over it.
If using slip bulkheads, the starter pieces can be pvc glued after it sets without issues. Threaded bulkheads would probably need to be screwed just before the silicone process as to not put any undo pressure on the bulkhead/silicone seal.
Some have always used silicone this way for added strength.
It is a pia when tear down time comes.....silicone in the threads tends to not let the nut go very far

 

[iGotJokess]

If this is a small tank that is easily replaced I would and use that one to practice drilling holes.
Dont push so hard especially when you get close to breaking through and keep the drill perpendicular to the glass. You are grinding the glass away, not cutting like a normal drill bit.

If it must be saved you get another piece of glass at least an inch bigger than the breakouts/gasket, drill it and glue it on the inside with silicone and install the bulkhead to clamp it while it dries.
Go find a diamond nail file at the drugstore or a Dremel and dress the sharp points.

It’s a 90 gallon. I have an EMS overflow box so it doesn’t look like I have the ability to switch to a larger bulkhead. The threaded male pieces are siliconed inside the box

 

[mcshams]

If you can up the size of your bulkhead by cutting a larger hole on that one, you could do that. You might need a rigging to stabilize the drill as you are trying to do that.

Edited: your reply on not being able to go to bigger bulkhead came in as I was typing.

 

[WVNed]

Then you sister it with a second piece of glass, It will be behind the box. If your overflow uses more than one bulkhead you have to do them both so it will go on straight.
Do not overtighten the bulkheads. A crack is forever.

 

[SALTYMOPAR]

The pressure at the top of the glass is minimal on a tank i would run a bead of silicone#1 on the inside of each of the bulkheads of the tank press your overflow box on slap your rubber washers on the outside then put your outside box on tight everything up. crack open a cold one call it a day.

 

[fishguy242]

seems to be all clam chips,if just clams ok, any open runs ,cracks .open clams,2 options drill a patch silicone in,or new tank
best wishes

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Perhaps I'm interpreting the photos different, but I see a lot of small radiant cracks that will eventually get longer as time goes by. Unfortunately, I would not use that as a fish tank.

I would suspect that this is a classic case of not letting the diamond cut hole saw do the work of cutting. Think of the tortoise in this case, slow and steady wins the race.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Perhaps I'm interpreting the photos different, but I see a lot of small radiant cracks that will eventually get longer as time goes by. Unfortunately, I would not use that as a fish tank.

I would suspect that this is a classic case of not letting the diamond cut hole saw do the work of cutting. Think of the tortoise in this case, slow and steady wins the race.

Hi.

Have to agree. I see some cracks. If you can see some there are some that may not be visible. Cracks can spread, regardless of amount of pressure.

I would do a full fix or just replace. I would look at it this way. If you walk by the tank every day and have to check it to make sure it is ok, maybe the peace of mind up front would be better to do it now.

 

[VashonBigs]

I would use a thick epoxy and form it to what the hole shape should be. Sanded down to perfect form. Then use a high quality silicone when attaching the bulkhead.

 

[Joeg]

I think you might want to replace it but if I were in that spot I'd probably try fixing it and then filling it in my garage or on the deck to see how it holds up. I'd probably be dumb enough to try putting some pressure on the bulkhead just to see if it starts to spider. If it seems to hold up you'll have to decide whether you want to use it and wonder if it might fail some day or get a new tank and use this for something else...sump...salt mixing station....terrarium. Good luck!