Chipped hole, need advice.

[FishBeast]

Need advice please!

I was drilling a 2” hole today, chipped out at the very end.

Hole is 4” from top 4” from side of back glass... should I trash this tank? Or is it repairable? I see no cracks radiating from hole, just scalloping.

Marineland 120 XH, 12mm glass thickness.

Thank you!

 

[robham777]

I wouldn't worry about it other than the bulkhead making a good seal since it is on the inside. Probably just a bit of silicone between the gasket and the glass and some cure time will take care of it.

 

[FishBeast]

robham777 thanks, man. I might just do that... if it comes down to it, I’ve got a 4x4 piece of glass that I’m thinking about using to patch it. Basically I’ll drill a clean hole through the patch then align it to the bad hole and use tons of silicone to attach...

 

[itrebebag99]

robham777 thanks, man. I might just do that... if it comes down to it, I’ve got a 4x4 piece of glass that I’m thinking about using to patch it. Basically I’ll drill a clean hole through the patch then align it to the bad hole and use tons of silicone to attach...

That's what I'd do.

 

[FishBeast]

That's what I'd do.

Thanks! Would you recommend sanding it smooth? Or would that risk more chipping?

 

[Troy1015]

I did this one drilling my tank a few months ago the only issue that I had it wasn't as bad as yours but was my bulkhead getting a good seal but after a few weeks of a slow drip every 30-40 minutes one drop I think the salt I added my tank just sealed itself I haven't had any issues since so I would try to do the bulkhead in seal and not patch because I'm not familiar with patches and how they hold up long-term and if the tanks in the house the last thing you want is that to blow out

 

[FishBeast]

I did this one drilling my tank a few months ago the only issue that I had it wasn't as bad as yours but was my bulkhead getting a good seal but after a few weeks of a slow drip every 30-40 minutes one drop I think the salt I added my tank just sealed itself I haven't had any issues since so I would try to do the bulkhead in seal and not patch because I'm not familiar with patches and how they hold up long-term and if the tanks in the house the last thing you want is that to blow out

Well it’s in the garage but I still would be super bummed if it blew out. The problem is that the bulkhead gasket doesn’t fully cover the chip. I wonder if a bunch of silicone around the gasket would help... thanks for the tip dude!

 

[itrebebag99]

Thanks! Would you recommend sanding it smooth? Or would that risk more chipping?

I wouldn't bother sanding it if I were you. I would just take a square of glass, and drill a clean hole in it. Then I would completely smear the back of it in silicone and place it over the hole, on the inside of the aquarium, and then put a bulkhead in place.

 

[FishBeast]

I wouldn't bother sanding it if I were you. I would just take a square of glass, and drill a clean hole in it. Then I would completely smear the back of it in silicone and place it over the hole, on the inside of the aquarium, and then put a bulkhead in place.

I think that’s gonna be the way to go. Thanks brother.

 

[robham777]

I think that’s gonna be the way to go. Thanks brother.

That is probably the best option for peace of mind and will ensure the plumbing is not stressing the chipped area. I did the same thing when I drilled my tank, but the chip out was shallow and on the outside so no issue with the bulkhead sealing. Next time I drill one I may invest in a plunge drill guide to hopefully prevent chipping.