Tips on drilling a tank!

[Fatmike92]

So after so searching I found out that the back glass on my DB 57 rimless is NOT tempered so I want to drill it lol

Does anyone have tips? suggestions? helpful hints?

list of things i need?!?!?

- hole saw
- diamond drill bits
- hole guide (I saw this on a lot of videos)
- putty
- water



anything else??

 

[fragmatic]

mike,
For a hole guide I took a ceramic tile and drilled it first. This gives you a chance to practice and then you gain a robust hole location jig. To start in the ceramic lean the drill over then stand it up after it gets a bite. Keep water running on the drill.

 

[Usctom]

If you have a drill press it make it a lot easier.
But with a portable set it to a low speed so if it catches the clutch stops. Start at an angle and slowly flatten out if you don't have a guide. Go slow and don't force it.

 

[kschweer]

I actually just drilled my first tank today. It was pretty nerve-wracking at first, but was pretty easy once I got over the nervousness. I used a drill-guide like this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JCIMEA
Watch the video on BRS it was pretty good. Just make sure to go slow and keep water on the bit. Also put tape on the inside of the glass to keep the piece you cut out from falling and possibly cracking the glass on the other side. I drilled 2 holes in a 75 gallon tank in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Good luck man.

 

[Fatmike92]

I actually just drilled my first tank today. It was pretty nerve-wracking at first, but was pretty easy once I got over the nervousness. I used a drill-guide like this one. Wolfcraft 4525404 Drill Guide Attachment for 1/4-Inch or 3/8-Inch Drills:Amazon:Home Improvement
Watch the video on BRS it was pretty good. Just make sure to go slow and keep water on the bit. Also put tape on the inside of the glass to keep the piece you cut out from falling and possibly cracking the glass on the other side. I drilled 2 holes in a 75 gallon tank in about 30 minutes from start to finish. Good luck man.

Awesome thank you! Ha yea I am defintely nervous but I see a lot of people doing it and so far what I gather is keep the drill bit wet and do not apply pressure just let the drill do the work.

 

[Montrosereef]

Gentle pressure is necessary, just not press hard or it will crack.

 

[fragmatic]

But as it gets close to going through stop applying pressure and take your time being ready to catch the weight of the drill and drill motor.

Don't drill the holes too close to an edge of the glass or leverage and stress on the bulkhead connector could cause the glass to break later. I had that happen to me on a little 20 gallon, but it was easier to break because the glass is so thin. I broke it installing the plumbing.

 

[Fatmike92]

any suggestions on a good safety net on how far away from the edge it should be

 

[kschweer]

Will you be using a glass holes overflow?

 

[kschweer]

This site has some good tips.
http://www.inlandhobby.com/v/vspfiles/files/drilling/drilling_aquariums.htm

 

[Fatmike92]

Will you be using a glass holes overflow?

I do not plan on doing that I actually plan one just adding a small 90 degree elbow and tilting it slightly so that It will drain at a certain height on the right to corner of the tank and then the return in the left top corner. thats how I plan on doing it

 

[LukeG]

Think about putting in an overflow. Mine was easier to make than I thought. I taped two pieces of acrylic and used a 2 part plastic epoxy to join them at a 90 degree angle. Clamps held it in place while drying.

Once dry, I painted it black with Krylon fusion spray paint.

The next say I temporarily taped and back taped it to the tank and ran a bead of silicone.

Sent Via the R2R Forum APP

 

[firefightered]

I just got done drilling my 75 for a bean animal overflow. it was my first drilling too. There is nothing to it. Like everyone else has said... Go slow, light pressure, lots of water, when you see the water start to drain through your hole DO NOT RUSH THIS PART lighten up on the pressure and wallaaa your done. The only thing differant I did was put a towel or something on the bottum glass just in case you cut through the tape. It will keep the cut out from smacking the glass.
YOU CAN DO ITTTTTTTT!!!!!!

 

[marvelousone]

put duct tape on the back side. Take your time do not rush it. Use a water hose to keep it wet. Drill press keeps it from walking but you can do it with a hand drill. First one you will be nervous but then you see how easy it is. I drilled 4 in one day. Buy a good diamond bit

 

[danka-cedium]

Go to Walmart and buy a cheap practice tank. Or practice on a old crapper.

 

[Fatmike92]

Hey good suggestion! I might just do that!

 

[chadderboxx]

Go to Walmart and buy a cheap practice tank. Or practice on a old crapper.

The Walmart 10g are tempered glass it's shatters half way through.
Mike it's not really that hard set your drill at the lowest setting and go very slow no pressure useing a guide is a must. And just let the weight of the drill do the work. Never stop water flushing the hole out. And start from the inside of the tank. When your almost done take a pice of wood hold against the back of the hole so you don't chip the outside of the glass around the hole.

 

[Fatmike92]

Successfully drilled the tank! ha I was so nervous!

marking the spot

DRILL DRILL DRILL!!!!

Woooooo all done

 

[scamp]

lots of cool water and take yer time. i like the ceramic tile jig fragmatic is talking about, i used a piece of plywood. it worked but i think the tile would work much better. good luck.

 

[Fatmike92]

Thanks! I did it already though and I was successful!!