drilling tank questions

[jacksonpt]

When I got my tanks I knew nothing about sumps, drilling, etc. So I have 2 tanks that are not drilled. The more I read about overlfows and sumps, the more I'd like to set one up. Is it possible to drill a tank that is already setup? Assuming it is possible, my main concern would be where would the shavings go when the drilling was occuring.
If it is possible, I think I have a basic plan that would work... it wouldn't be as pretty has predrilled setups, but the aesthetics I could work with.
BTW... I'm not sure if the tanks are glass or acrylic. Is there an easy way to tell?

 

[splash1914]

there is a big defference between the glass and acrylic.... they look completely different. glass is heavier and have a frame around the bottom and top ... most acylic tanks will have a top glued on... acrlic tanks are easy to drill.. glass tanks are trickier, if they are tempered glass you cant drill it... if you dont know if it is tempered or not I would have a glass store look at it and have them drill the holes.. once the holes are drilled you will have to make a prefilter... this is the area that houses the holes.. go to a an aquarium store and look at one if your not sure what I am talking about... then you will need to buy bulk heads to secure the return and drains.... I can take pictures of my prefilter area and drains/ return if you are confused....good luck..

 

[splash1914]

I missed the part about drilling while having water... noway!! what you can do is buy a prefilter box that hangs in the tank that takes the water to the sump... this is the easiest solution!!!

 

[broncofish]

If it is acrylic you can dam it all the way down to the botton with a long square box, use a power head or pump empty water out of the dam. Then buy a hole saw, buy a good bi-metal bit, one with a regular bit in the middle as to get your guidance set, also keeps it from slipping around. You will also need to buy a chuck extension(they have them at lowes. I think the longest you can get is 24"), after the whole is drilled use an air compressor so spray all shaving out of the bottom, clog up hole and fill with freshwater and then scoop shavings. This is assuming you want a hole at the bottom, and if you have glass, sorry there is probably no way!

 

[joez]

best results:
drain the tank, take to professional.
If you haven't done it before, get it done right. The first time.
GL