Drilling holes into tank stand

Mr Fishface · Jul 10, 2019

Hi guys I have another newbie question about my tank haha.

I have a 125 gallon tank and I am wanting to drill two, 1 1/4 inch holes into the side of the stand to plumb my frag tank into my whole system. Would two holes be a big deal in tank integrity? Also my tank is full with fish and corals right now is that a big deal if I do drill the stand?

Thanks in advance for any help

Rjukan · Jul 10, 2019

Not a problem, unless you're going through a corner or the top brace just under the tank. If it's a side panel you're good to go.

Pntbll687 · Jul 10, 2019

Some pics of the inside and outside of the stands are needed here.

We gotta see if the panel you want to drop through is load beating or not. If it is NOT load beating you should be good to go and be done in a couple of minutes.

If it is load beating, you'll want to take some precaution and maybe add some additional support on either side of where you want to drill.

Mr Fishface · Jul 10, 2019

Ok first pic should be outside the front of the stand. Second is inside and 3rd is going to outside the side i want to drill. It does look like all sides are load bearing? There are also two holes in the back of the stand but i cant utilize them as they are much too low for my sump. Also please excuse my wire mess!

Mr Fishface · Jul 10, 2019

Sorry pictures got all messed up. Top is outside i want to drill. Middle is outside oof the front. Bottom is the ibside of the stand.

scott11106 · Jul 10, 2019

drill away, you will be fine just stay away from corners and structural

Pntbll687 · Jul 10, 2019

Looks ok to drill. Like above, stay away from corners.

Don't go crazy, plan out where you need them and go just big enough for the pipe to fit

Mr Fishface · Jul 10, 2019

Pntbll687 said:
Looks ok to drill. Like above, stay away from corners.

Don't go crazy, plan out where you need them and go just big enough for the pipe to fit

So my pipe is 1 inch should I go with a 1 inch hole saw? I was thinking a 1 1/4 inch would be better but should I just go for the exact size I need instead?

Keesers · Jul 10, 2019

Hey there MFD Or Plywood ? Could you seal you hole saw cut with paint too keep moisture out ?

Mr Fishface · Jul 10, 2019

Keesers said:
Hey there MFD Or Plywood ? Could you seal you hole saw cut with paint too keep moisture out ?

Must be plywood because the stand is almost as heavy as the tank! I could totally paint it to keep moisture out. Thats a good idea!

Westoncase · Jul 10, 2019

Just stay away from the corners, corners are weak spots

Jay Z · Jul 10, 2019

I’d skip paint and run a finger full of silicon around the rough edges. Then add a grommet.

Water plus sponge wood do not end well.

Pntbll687 · Jul 10, 2019

Mr Fishface said:
So my pipe is 1 inch should I go with a 1 inch hole saw? I was thinking a 1 1/4 inch would be better but should I just go for the exact size I need instead?

I used a 1 & 5/8 for schedule 40 pipe, it was a tight fit so you might want to go with 1.75" bit. Or if you want super tight go 1&5/8 and just sand the edge of the hole.

If you're in doubt just grab a piece of pipe at the hardware store and match up a hole saw bit to the outside or just over.