Cutting Hole in Acrylic Tank While Running...

[haxjester]

I'm considering adding an FX5 to my current 180g acrylic setup. I don't have anymore access holes to use though as two are used by my PVC overflows, 2 are used by my spraybar, and the center hole is blocked by the spray bar.

I was thinking that if I drain the tank halfway, mark the holes, then tape a bag around where the hole will be made, on the inside the of tank, then cut the holes with the bags in place, that should prevent plastic chips from entering the water. Obviously cover any other openings also.

Does this sound like it would work? Or does anyone else have any better suggestions?

 

[Bderick67]

That is what I plan on doing.

 

[JK47]

Your plan sounds good to me...

I lowered the water level to half, and used a plastic pitcher held under the hole to catch the shavings and water dripping. I would not tape a bag because it may come loose. GL

 

[haxjester]

Thanks!

Using a pitcher looks like it worked out really well, and it's a much better idea than my taping a bag to the top. Now I know how I can knock this out easily, thanks for the tip!

 

[JK47]

Thanks!

Using a pitcher looks like it worked out really well, and it's a much better idea than my taping a bag to the top. Now I know how I can knock this out easily, thanks for the tip!

Your welcome.

Piece of advice for you though. You need to drill the hole from both sides. Drill the guide hole from the top, switch to the bottom, go an 1/8th or so in from the bottom then finish from on the top. This is what the hole will look like if you only drill from the top. (notice the rough edges on the bottom of the cutout piece)

 

[haxjester]

Actually, I was going to drill a small hole using a standard bit (not a hole-saw), and then use my router to widen it out as necessary. Using the router this way worked out well for widening the original holes to fit the PVC overflows.

 

[JK47]

Actually, I was going to drill a small hole using a standard bit (not a hole-saw), and then use my router to widen it out as necessary. Using the router this way worked out well for widening the original holes to fit the PVC overflows.

Oh, that's even better then. I don't have a router but might get one for the next holes, thanks. The pitcher is a great way for you then because you can get a nice seal from the top of the pitcher to the bottom of the tank.