hydroponic tray question..

Martin H. Lawton · May 18, 2016

I am about to drill one and I do not want to crack the plastic. so my question is what type of drill bit to use.

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

bump?..

swayd · May 19, 2016

I used a step drill bit for my hydroponic tray I use for a frag tank, the same type you would use to drill acrylic. Just make sure you have a rubber gasket as I had problems with mine leaking a bit since I didn't use any type of gasket for a while. Other than that it was a cheap and nice frag tank while I had it.

swayd · May 19, 2016

Slow and steady is also key to a clean hole. Don't push through let the drill do the work.

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

Thank you for a answer .. i was about to use a regular hole drill XD..

redfishbluefish · May 19, 2016

I'm assuming this tray is made of plastic.....back it with piece of scrap wood and use a regular old hole saw. And as suggested, let the bit do the drilling.

BoneXriffic · May 19, 2016

Agreed. Have someone hold, or clamp a solid piece of wood to back side. A fine tooth bot will cut it in seconds

zemuss · May 19, 2016

Wondering what a Hydroponic tray is.

BoneXriffic · May 19, 2016

Google it. Its a tray used for just that. Growing plants. Holds water and is cheap. Great for non display growout/frag tanks

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

This is what the tray is.

http://www.botanicare.com/20-Gallon-Botanicare-Premium-Reservoir-P212C7.aspx

zemuss · May 19, 2016

You are using this as a frag tank? That is pretty cool.

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

thought so myself

zemuss · May 19, 2016

Following this but it also re-sparked my love for hydroponic growing of plants. Hoping to start some of this in the summer.

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

I don't know if I am starting a blog .. maybe in the future! right now im just seeing how I want to drill it. Some people are saying to use a stepper and others are saying just a regular hole saw..

redfishbluefish · May 19, 2016

I'm not overly familiar with steppers, short of using them on sheetmetal (cars). If your plastic is too thick, I could see the next "stepper" starting to drill before the right bit size is done drilling. I have to think the common hole saw is the way to go. That's what I use to use when putting in in-ground pools with thick plastic walls.

Waterjockey · May 19, 2016

I would just go nice and easy with a regular hole saw (bi metal if you have one, else just wood saw will do) and a firm backing (piece of wood as others have stated).
"Speeds and feeds" are the key.

Cheers!

Martin H. Lawton · May 19, 2016

Ill try this tomorrow thanks guys!

peterj66 · May 20, 2016

Martin H. Lawton said:
I don't know if I am starting a blog .. maybe in the future! right now im just seeing how I want to drill it. Some people are saying to use a stepper and others are saying just a regular hole saw..

I drilled a 4 mm acrylic sheet today using a hole drill like the one mentioned above. No problem at all, just clean the edges with sandpaper afterwards.