Fluval Biomax drilling results

[xiongsy]

I'm adding some fluval biomax to replace some rocks over time. I was planning to drill the holes to make it 3/8" but noticed gray dust that looks like aluminum. I've seen discussion that biomedia may leach aluminum into the tank and wanted everyone's thoughts on the gray dust. Photos are provided to show the dust and materials used to drill. I could not find any information on what it is made of and should I be concerned about using this product?

 

[blaxsun]

I'm just curious why you're drilling them?

 

[ryanjohn1]

Could be from your drill bit

 

[homer1475]

I'm also wondering why your drilling them?

 

[xiongsy]

Could be from your drill bit

I think you may be right as it does create a bit of heat.

 

[xiongsy]

I'm just curious why you're drilling them?

I'm creating a floating aquascape. More, but not all, LR are removed and are supported by these biomedias. On the underside and backside, these biomedias are glued. The sps' then are glued onto .25" fiberglass rods where they are placed into the holes of the biomedias. The corals can be moved whenever and are not permanently attached.

 

[ryanjohn1]

I'm creating a floating aquascape. More, but not all, LR are removed and are supported by these biomedias. On the underside and backside, these biomedias are glued. The sps' then are glued onto .25" fiberglass rods where they are placed into the holes of the biomedias. The corals can be moved whenever and are not permanently attached.

That’s a pretty good idea. I’ve seen it done with 1/2 in pvc before. This is better idea tho. Probably won’t burn them up with a masonry bit

 

[blaxsun]

You'll have to post some images when it's done.

 

[Shon]

I think a masonry bit would be a better choice. I can't see how a ti coated bit would lose out to ceramic though.

Drill America 3/8 in. x 6 in. x 3/8 in. Shank Carbide-Tipped Masonry Drill Bit DAM6X3/8X3/8 - The Home Depot

For Masonry Use. Drill America DAM Series Carbide-Tipped Masonry Drill Bit. Engineered with wide flutes to provide fast dust removal in softer materials. Designed for drilling in brick, concrete and sandstone.

www.homedepot.com

 

[xiongsy]

You'll have to post some images when it's dodone.

Yep, here are the results.

 

[blaxsun]

So is the idea semi-permanent?

 

[ryanjohn1]

Yep, here are the results.

Looks cool. So you did a floating scape with it

 

[xiongsy]

Looks cool. So you did a floating scape with it

Yeah. The rocks sitting on the bottom will be transitioned out slowly. In addition, the AF biosand had just arrived.

 

[ryanjohn1]

Yeah. The rocks sitting on the bottom will be transitioned out slowly. In addition, the AF biosand had just arrived.

It’s a really cool idea