Newbie - Drilling a Tank

[al&burke]

Well I picked up a used 65 gallon tank and before I did anything I wanted to be sure it was drilled out. So I bought the 1-3/8" glass cutting bit at the LHS. Made a box out of plexi with a water seal on the bottom and made a template or guide to help keep the glass hole saw from bouncing all over the place. What I did was clamp it to the inside of the tank and drilled from the inside of the tank. The pictures I took was a 20 gallon I drilled after I did a 65 and a 40 breeder. The 20 gallon had a black painted back wall already, the last shots are of the 65 final holes. They look at bit rougher on the outside but the inside where the seal or rubber gasket will go is smooth. Just thought I would share - everyone on here helps me out so much, I thought this might help you guys out. Let me know what you think.
#1 - Bit - $18.99 at hardware store
#2 - Guide for hole saw - this fits inside water dam box
#3 - water dam that clamps to inside of tank - put a piece of plywood underneath
#4 - Starting the hole - box half full of water
#5 - Half way thru
#6 - Water dam showing gasket on bottom
#7 - Hole viewed from inside tank - on the 65 gallon
The holes took about 1 minute to drill - it felt easier than drilling plywood with a hole saw.

 

[gill again68]

Nice job. I am going to drill some tanks in the future. I already bought a set of bits that go from 1/4 to 2". Got me some projects in my head.

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Mike, I was amazed how easy it was - I did three tanks in half an hour - now I have to build some overflows and stands for these guys.

 

[acrylic51]

Very Nice!!!!!!!!

Congrats....easy as pie wasn't it.....

 

[geoj]

Way cool

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Shawn< I am going to show you my idea about drilling my reef tank with the fish and everything in it, I really want to change it to a sump without a siphon overflow. I will even go drill Flowers tank, LOL <(:><

 

[meowzer]

Great job....I would be terrified...LOL

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by meowzer http:///forum/thread/381388/newbie-drilling-a-tank#post_3321758
Great job....I would be terrified...LOL
Meowzer - I think you could do it - Thanks

 

[2quills]

Very nice, Al...I like the little the box! Waiting to see what kind of nifty idea you come up with to drill an occupied tank.

 

[al&burke]

Thanks Corey, i am going to put a drawing together tomorrow.

 

[scott t]

Nice Job I would never attempt that I would be to scared that I would break the tank or something then I would have to get very angry with myself.. You can come drill my tank I live in NY.. LOL ha ha

 

[al&burke]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott T http:///forum/thread/381388/newbie-drilling-a-tank#post_3322260
Nice Job I would never attempt that I would be to scared that I would break the tank or something then I would have to get very angry with myself.. You can come drill my tank I live in NY.. LOL ha ha
I go through Upstate NY all the time.

 

[scott t]

Really well hmm I might need a tank drilled.. LOL JK.. But you did do a great job on drilling that tank...

 

[acrylic51]

Excellent.....Al & Burke drilling a tank already setup isn't any diffferent....I did it on a clients tank so the pressure was intense....but I'd do it again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///forum/thread/381388/newbie-drilling-a-tank#post_3321757
Thanks Shawn< I am going to show you my idea about drilling my reef tank with the fish and everything in it, I really want to change it to a sump without a siphon overflow. I will even go drill Flowers tank, LOL <(:><

 

[al&burke]

Next couple of weeks I am going to try it. I will have to build the sump/fuge/overflow first. Soon as I get this 65 planted tank going. I will make a thread.

 

[acrylic51]

I'm in.....you know I'll be following!!!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Al&Burke http:///forum/thread/381388/newbie-drilling-a-tank#post_3322479
Next couple of weeks I am going to try it. I will have to build the sump/fuge/overflow first. Soon as I get this 65 planted tank going. I will make a thread.