How do you drill an aquarium that already has a painted back?

[ReefWithCare]

Hi all,

I got my modular marine overflow today and looked at the drill template. Everything seems fine except I realized the used tank I got already has a paints back (it’s black).

The aquarium has a traditional black brace and now I’m wondering how I would drill it since all the videos I seen show drawing the circles on the inside of the tank and then drilling from there. Any advice on how I should do this? I won’t be able to see the circles from the back [emoji29].

I’m referencing this video as a guide since the install is similar.

 

[Muttley000]

Just remove paint in the general area with a razor blade first. As long as you can see a little of the mark you will be able to locate it.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Can't you place your template on the inside measure the distance, then place the template outside and use a scribe to mark the paint deep enough so see light on your scribe lines? Seems to me it should gain the same results. Like making a cut, measure twice and once.

 

[Muttley000]

Just remove paint in the general area with a razor blade first. As long as you can see a little of the mark you will be able to locate it.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Can't you place your template on the inside measure the distance, then place the template outside and use a scribe to mark the paint deep enough so see light on your scribe lines? Seems to me it should gain the same results. Like making a cut, measure twice and once.

Measure twice and cut once

 

[ReefWithCare]

Can't you place your template on the inside measure the distance, then place the template outside and use a scribe to mark the paint deep enough so see light on your scribe lines? Seems to me it should gain the same results. Like making a cut, measure twice and once.

The main issue is the plastic brace is difference measurements inside and outside. Outside is longer then in inside. It makes it a PITA to measure outside because of this.


Sorry I’m a noob at this. What is a scribe [emoji848]

Is this it [emoji848]

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Yes, or a nail or anything with a point that can scratch through the paint

 

[Muttley000]

A scribe is a tool a machinist uses to mark fine lines in metal