Where to get tank drilled...

[rooroo]

I got a 20 for my birthday that I'm going to use as a new sump/refugium. I need to drill one hole in it for a bulkhead for my external pump. Anyone know of a place to get it drilled? I tried to convince my hubby to drill it for me but he's not too keen on the idea. I also know a guy that is a master glass worker but he's out of town for the holidays and I'd like to get the hole drilled as its the only thing holding me back from swapping tanks out.

 

So any suggestions?

 

Also does Top Fin temper any of their panels? Guessing since its a cheap brand they don't.

[Charlie97L]

I got a 20 for my birthday that I'm going to use as a new sump/refugium. I need to drill one hole in it for a bulkhead for my external pump. Anyone know of a place to get it drilled? I tried to convince my hubby to drill it for me but he's not too keen on the idea. I also know a guy that is a master glass worker but he's out of town for the holidays and I'd like to get the hole drilled as its the only thing holding me back from swapping tanks out.

 

So any suggestions?

 

Also does Top Fin temper any of their panels? Guessing since its a cheap brand they don't.

 

i'd really advise against doing this, especially in your application. 20h you're taking a risk drilling no matter how you look at it. it's thin glass, and could fail over time, especially when dealing with the vibration coming from the external pump connection. you can use flex hose to diminish this, but it'll still play a factor. if you're going to hard pipe pvc it, i'd say definitely not.

 

most stores won't drill tanks for customers, as the liability issues that follow if they shatter, say a 900.00 180 gallon are too much to deal with.

 

there are many WAMAS members that have the right bits and should be willing to help you out! i wouldn't waste time contacting stores though.

 

glass shops may or may not do it, it just depends on the shop.

 

in any case, if it shatters while being drilled, it's not necessarily the person drilling's fault. 20's are just thin, and you never can tell.

 

i'd consider carefully if this is your only option.

Edited December 18, 2006 by Charlie97L

[ReeferMan]

ill do it for you for a frag . i have a bit to do a 1 inch bulkhead. I have done two of my 20L and a 40g breeder with success.

[scott711]

what size hole are you wanting?

[dhoch]

Frederick glass will do it (but they won't guarantee they won't break it)... although if they break it they drill your next one for free (said from experience)

 

 

Dave

[Rascal]

It is easily done with a hole saw and drill. BRK has the hole saws at reasonable prices, or you could just order it. A good thing to have in this hobby, as I doubt this will be the last bulkhead you install. If not you could borrow one of mine if you care to make the trek over to Va.

 

Steve makes a good point about the thin glass used on 20G tanks and the problems assoc with it. If you are worried about this you could add a brace to that side of the tank just by taking a strip of glass, say 4-6" wide and as long as the pane you are drilling, and silicone it to that side of the tank. This will add considerable strength, especially if you use 1/4" glass. I can't imagine it would cost much more than $10. I would also recommend using a piece of flex pvc or vinal hose in between the pump and the tank -- just a couple of inches will do it.

 

Good luck and happy drilling.

[rooroo]

1" bulkhead size. 20Hs are really that thin? I'm just using it for a sump... should I look at a different size?

 

phisigs79, what kind of frag are you looking for? I've got a torch that needs to be fragged, but not much else.

 

dhoch, thanks! I'll contact them. I didn't expect a glass shop to guarantee they won't break it cause stuff happens all the time.

 

Maybe I should consider getting a new submersible pump and selling off my Panworld pump? Its a bit too big for my tank anyway at 750 gph, it will probably be too big for my overflow.

[Charlie97L]

1" bulkhead size. 20Hs are really that thin? I'm just using it for a sump... should I look at a different size?

 

phisigs79, what kind of frag are you looking for? I've got a torch that needs to be fragged, but not much else.

 

dhoch, thanks! I'll contact them. I didn't expect a glass shop to guarantee they won't break it cause stuff happens all the time.

 

Maybe I should consider getting a new submersible pump and selling off my Panworld pump? Its a bit too big for my tank anyway at 750 gph, it will probably be too big for my overflow.

 

roo, i really would go submersible. you'd probably be fine, but if you aren't, that = 15-20 gallons of water on the floor, a burned up panworld, and possibly deaths in the main tank.

 

eheims are great, not hot, and quiet.

[rooroo]

Thanks Charlie. I know a place that I can get a great price on the Supreme/Mag Drive pumps. Any opinions on those? I've been thinking about getting a submersible for a bit as I really thought my pump is just too big for my tank. It would be a good time to do it now.

[dhoch]

Lindsey... how big is the main tank?

 

was the 20 the biggest tank you could get that would fit? (as a sump/refugium)

 

As to the mags... They create heat, but I really like them.

 

Dave

[rooroo]

Main tank is a 65. If I have an external pump the 20H is the largest that will fit.

[dhoch]

Can you get something longer in if you go to a submersible pump?

 

Are you going to create baffles?

 

Skimmer in sump or hang on the tank?

 

Dave

[rooroo]

I can get bigger if I use submersible, though I'm not sure how I would get it in the stand. I knew for sure that a 20H I could wedge in there. Skimmer is in sump, its the Aqua C Urchin so it has a footprint of 6" x 6" (the whole reason I bought it!). You mean bubble trap by baffels, right? If thats what you mean then yes, I'm going to make them 12" tall and 1" apart. With the way I laid out the sump design I'd have a 7" x 12" section for the skimmer, 10" x 12" refugium, and 7" x 12" return. 7" x 12" should be large enough for a submersible pump.

[dhoch]

Do you have a sump now?

 

Do you know how many gallons are drained from the tank when the pumps are off?

 

The 2nd question is the most important one.

 

Dave

[rooroo]

I have one now. It's roughly 18 gallon sump, holds 10 gallons of water, and I want to say drains maybe 3 gallons of water off the tank. The sump is usually 1/2 full and turning the pump off fills it to 2/3 full. Thats with the external overflows still, as when I swap out the sump I'll be swapping out the main tank with the internal overflow since its all new plumbing, I might as well do it at the same time. I would still guess the drain off would be 3-5 gallons at most.

 

Here's a pic of the sump setup now.

 

Edited December 18, 2006 by rooroo

[rooroo]

Ok, I decided to get a Mag 7. With the head loss it'll be around 500 gph, which my overflow will handle just fine. No drilling required now. And easier installation.

Edited December 18, 2006 by rooroo

[Prunfarm]

Sorry I missed ya, but I drilled my 75 for a 1 3/4" bulkhead. I have the bit (for future reference) and live by the post office in New Market.

[rooroo]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I think I'm gonna move to the submersible pump though. But good to know theres another reefer in the New Market area.