Drilling Tanks

[nonstophoops]

Anyone have experience drilling through big tanks? Is it harder to drill through thicker glass, or just take longer?

The reason I ask is that I know someone that has drilling experience that could help me drill my 210 gallon. He has not drilled through glass that thick however, only through a 125 gallon. I have wanted to get rid of my 210 for a while now solely because it was not drilled and the overflow box is so freaking loud(well and because I want a bigger tank lol).

 

[dgk9723]

Man my overflow box is loud as ***** and I'm looking into drilling or just buying a new drilled tank but still doing research. Hope someone posts something on here to help.

 

[Heathd]

Biggest problem with drilling through thick glass is that its easier to kick the bit in or out, making for an oval shaped hole or a crooked one. Its also easier to bind up, which is where most people screw up and crack the glass.

So long as he has a press attachment for the drill that will keep the cutting bit normal to the glass (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/drill-press-attachment-for-hand-drills.html), plenty of running water to keep it cool, and a drill with a clutch setting... it should be easy as pie.

It also helps if you know for a fact that your not dealing with tempered glass.

Ive drilled two tanks without the press attachment and think I will pick one up for the next one I do. There is a lot of fuss and worry about drilling a tank, but so long as you take your time and use slow/even pressure, you should be fine. I practiced a lot on an old 10 gallon tank before I ever went to cutting on the one I cared about.

 

[nonstophoops]

Biggest problem with drilling through thick glass is that its easier to kick the bit in or out, making for an oval shaped hole or a crooked one. Its also easier to bind up, which is where most people screw up and crack the glass.

So long as he has a press attachment for the drill that will keep the cutting bit normal to the glass (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/drill-press-attachment-for-hand-drills.html), plenty of running water to keep it cool, and a drill with a clutch setting... it should be easy as pie.

It also helps if you know for a fact that your not dealing with tempered glass.

Ive drilled two tanks without the press attachment and think I will pick one up for the next one I do. There is a lot of fuss and worry about drilling a tank, but so long as you take your time and use slow/even pressure, you should be fine. I practiced a lot on an old 10 gallon tank before I ever went to cutting on the one I cared about.

Thanks for the info, I think I may get this done. The main thing is not the worry of drilling it, but draining the tank and putting it back together.

 

[Heathd]

The main thing is not the worry of drilling it, but draining the tank and putting it back together.

Yea, thats no fun.

 

[dmopar74]

i dont think its any harder to drill thicker glass in my experience. the main thing is to not use any pressure towards the end of your hole to prevent chipping/blowout.

its really easy as pie, just take your time.

although i do not condone draining the tank just enough to drill, i have done it with no problems. just remember if you do it and the tank breaks, you will have a watery mess.

 

[deanclark84]

when I drill my tanks I've never had a problem but I do it a little different... obviously turn the tank on the side but to help even pressure I clamp a piece of scrap wood to the inside where I'm drilling and I've always used corn syrup instead of water (splashes less) little more clean up involved but works for me.

 

[dgk9723]

Is it possible to drill the bottom of the tank?

 

[nonstophoops]

when I drill my tanks I've never had a problem but I do it a little different... obviously turn the tank on the side but to help even pressure I clamp a piece of scrap wood to the inside where I'm drilling and I've always used corn syrup instead of water (splashes less) little more clean up involved but works for me.

The guy I am going to have help me does this with the wood.

He also starts by cutting the hole thru a piece of wood. This is then used as a guide and makes sure that the hole in the glass starts even and straight.

I will definitely be draining the tank, not drilling it while its full. Can't say I want over a 100 gallons of water on the floor. Nor do the people below me.

 

[Heathd]

Is it possible to drill the bottom of the tank?

So long as its plate.