Drilling for synergy overflow 16"... need tips!

[kris2001]

I'm drilling a 156g oceanic tank for synergy overflow 16"...

First off instructions say need 65mm(2.56 inch) bit....

I have a few bits that range, how do i tell their size, just by the diameter? See pic... thx

Someone said pick a bit that is slightly wider than the bulkhead thread that's enough.... is that true?

Also the tank has an 18 inch glass brace. Gonna put overflow below that brace....i don't see any issues... since assembly and removal would be from behind DT.... please advise.

Thx...

 

[Anirban]

Here is a link you may find useful...

 

[Script_Kitty]

I just drilled out my Bio cube for that overflow.

they say they can take a 62 or 65 mm drill (I used a 65).

I would try drilling it out using a test piece of glass (I got a small 2mm sheet from the hardware store, its thin, but if you can do that without breaking it...) That way you can test out the size as well as the quality of the bit.

their video helped a lot. the one "hard part" was their holes where set for the 62. I had to use the 65 to widen the whole a bit.

My advice would be.
1 Go Slow.
2 Practice first.
3 Go Slow.
4 use ear protection.
5 Go Slow.

Did I mention going slow?
took me about an hour to drill all 3 holes needed (2 for the overflow, and one for the return).

Its a nice overflow by the way. I had upgraded from my bio cube to a 105 that has it. after my cube has been sitting there mocking me for the past 6 months, I decided to try putting one on it (It had been modified to use a nano-overflow that wen over the top. but since it was empty, I decided to try drilling it before wireing it back up.

was able to go from this (cables are normally mounted on the wall above it, but in the process of moving it for the new aquarium)

to this

 

[PaulPerger]

There is no issue mounting it below the brace. Just make sure you mount it a good 3/4 to 1 inch below it so you can remove the lid from the weir section. I mounted mine about half an inch below the brace, and I can get the weir lid off, but an extra 1/4 inch would have helped immensely!

 

[kris2001]

I got the overflow used so i printed their pdf 16 inch template, stuck on cardboard(pizza box) cut it. Gonna drill out cardboard holes from it first before it can be used as template.

 

[kris2001]

I got the overflow used so i printed their pdf 16 inch template, stuck on cardboard(pizza box) cut it. Gonna drill out cardboard holes from it first before it can be used as template.

Here's the template, now to cut the holes carefully in the paper/ cardboard.
Planning to punch holes along the 2 circles that's easier than cutting.

I'm afraid if i even gently drill it it'll shear away the paper...

Not cutting yet... any ideas? [emoji848]

 

[Water Dog]

My advice is to use a wood block, drill a 65mm hole in it and use it as a guide. Put plumber’s putty around the block and fill with water, making a reservoir to keep the bit both lubricated and cool as it cuts through the glass.

 

[PaulPerger]

I have a hole guide that I bought from BRS.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/glass-drill-bit-guide-thk.html

Works very well. Well worth the $24!

 

[kris2001]

My advice is to use a wood block, drill a 65mm hole in it and use it as a guide. Put plumber’s putty around the block and fill with water, making a reservoir to keep the bit both lubricated and cool as it cuts through the glass.

What i did... worked well thx all