drilling a tank that is set up and running

[keepinfish]

i got a new tank from tenecor a couple of months ago. it is about 240 gallons. i am running 2 fx5's and it is not enough.. i was thinking of drilling the tank in the side up toward the top to run a 55 gallon sump. Can i do this when the tank is up and running? also do you need a special hole saw to do this or a regular hole saw?? Do they make any kind of strainer or something to put on the bulkhead like a strainer??

thanks in advance.

 

[PeteLockwood]

I'd say drilling it while running should be ok, have someone hold a damp washcloth or summut on the inside to catch the particles. I've used a regular wood hole saw to drill acrylic.

Intake screens about halfway down: http://www.jehmco.com/html/bulkhead_fittings.html

 

[Conner]

Just drain the tank low enough that you can hold a cloth underneath where your drilling. Go slow, and if you can, use a hole saw rated for acrylic. If not, a wood hole saw will work, just go slow.

That's assuming its an acrylic tank. If its glass, then you definitely need a diamond hole saw, and it would probably be better to drain the tank before drilling...

 

[Glasman]

Drilling is never fun, if it is glass please be very careful!

 

[Pharaoh]

Drilling it while filled should be fine. I drilled my 110 acrylic while it had water in it. No biggie.

 

[keepinfish]

THANKS!! it is acrylic

 

[Pharaoh]

I would drill it through the back/bottom though. But that's just my preference.

 

[nolapete]

Acrylic sure, glass never. Bottom would be better than a side I agree.

 

[keepinfish]

I would drill it through the back/bottom though. But that's just my preference.

Acrylic sure, glass never. Bottom would be better than a side I agree.

why??

i have it in my bedroom it is a 6' x 32" x 2' tank, and i do not want it to stick out from the wall anymore that possible. The side i would drill is only a foot away from the back wall in my bedroom, so you would not really ever see the plumbing.

 

[biggin]

Resell would be the best reason I can think of for back vs. side.

I have drilled with water, no problems….

IF drilling the back, and you have a thin sheet of acrylic for color, it is better to drill it first… I have popped the thin crap out and that is a PITA to fix.