Another question about drilling tank

[Jstahli]

So I have finally decided to attempt to drill my 55g sump, but have a few questions:

 

The sump is currently "on line", can I drain it and drill it in place without turning it on its side? So instead of drilling straight down, I would be drilling in to the side?

 

For a 1" bulkhead, I need to drill a 1 3/4" hole correct"

 

May be a stupid question, but the rubber gasket goes on the inside or ouside of tank? (Just covering all bases).

 

Any way to know for sure that my 55g is not tempered glass on the side? I don't know much about this tank and it would really suck to find out half way through.

 

Does Home Depot, lowes, or any other local store carry glass cutting bits?

 

Thanks for any help you guys can provide.

[matt]

Google glassholes.com if you haven't already...they sell bits and their videos will help too. I drilled my display and that's the first time I've drilled. I would think it much easier to move the sump and drill on its side....than to crack the sump and be forced to move it out later anyway

[Der ABT]

BRS sells bits as well, i just drilled for the first time sprisingly easy

suggest you make a wood guide so the bit doesnt skip....you should be able to do it sideways no problem just will need to keep putting some water on it for cooling.

 

suggest you fasten a piece of wood or something to the inside as it will help clean the thru cut once your done with the hole...i just used tape and when i got the the end of the hole it pushed thru the glass a little and flaked off some around the exterior of the cut...somethign to hold the glass in place should prevent this.

[monkiboy]

where are you located. i have bits of a few sizes and a BRS guide you can borrow. check out the BRS drilling tank video as it has everything you need to know.

 

running water, guide, towel inside to catch piece if it falls. tape on the inside wall of where you are drilling to prevent chips and the piece falling and no pressure but from the drill itself on the glass.

 

and the drill bit required depends on the bulkhead being used. go with what is recommended. on BRS they state all the drill bits needed for whatever size bulkhead they sell. check it out for purchase and/or reference to make sure you got it right.

Edited January 16, 2013 by monkiboy

[Jstahli]

Thanks for all the help. I am looking into glassholes and BRS now. I am also thinking about getting a 75g, reconfiguring some things that I don't like about my 55g sump. This way I can take my time with building a new sump, and put it "on line" when I have all the kinks worked out. So if anyone has a 74g laying around, LMK.

[Origami]

I drilled 4 large holes in my display while it sat upright on the stand (it was new and dry at the time, but I probably could have done it even if the water was simply lowered). The key thing about drilling is that you want to keep the area somewhat wet to keep the heat down and to carry away the glass dust that comes from the grinding action of the bit. Some people use a spray bottle and give the area an occasional squirt; I used a regular, disposable water bottle with some holes poked in the screw cap to accomplish the same purpose. I used a template to start the holes since I the holes were paired and needed proper registration. It's easy to do. Just take your time.

 

I typically tape the opposite side of the glass to help hold the glass blank in place. But, I also toss some towels in to catch the blank should it fall in.

 

The gasket belongs on the flange side of the bulkhead - not on the nut side.

[monkiboy]

The gasket belongs on the flange side of the bulkhead - not on the nut side.

 

unless you're using a glass-holes.com overflow...in that case, one goes on each side of the glass including the nut side.

Edited January 16, 2013 by monkiboy

[Origami]

unless you're using a glass-holes.com overflow...in that case, one goes on each side of the glass including the nut side.

Yes, but isn't the second gasket between the glass holes overflow and the glass panel? And the nut is on the inside of the overflow? I believe that's how it is with my two Glass Holes overflows. The nut is never in contact with the gasket.

 

Yep. That's how it is:

http://reefercentral.com/install.html

 

The nut is never in contact with a gasket. So, for a typical bulkhead installation, the gasket goes on the flange side (whether or not the nut is on the inside of the tank or the outside of the tank).

[monkiboy]

 

Yes, but isn't the second gasket between the glass holes overflow and the glass panel? And the nut is on the inside of the overflow? I believe that's how it is with my two Glass Holes overflows. The nut is never in contact with the gasket.

correct. you wouldn't want that. just wanted him to know there are two in these overflows and one of them is technically on the "nut side" of the display tank glass.

[Origami]

Checking for tempered glass:

 

[matt]

And if your drilling an empty 75 you might want to drill from inside the tank. I did that so that any chip out would be on the exterior of the tank wall. I was doing glassholes overflow with two gaskets...don't know if it might be better to do otherwise depending on where you will put your nut in this setup

[Jstahli]

Thanks for all the info. This is not for an overflow, just for my sump to feed my external return pump and external skimmer pump. I'm ordering some bulkheads and appropriate bit from BRS. Now just researching to see if I want to upgrade the 55g sump to a 75g.

[Origami]

It's easy and, once you've done one, it's actually kind of fun. Enjoy.

[Coral Hind]

Where about do you live? Maybe someone close to you can come over and help you drill it.

[Jstahli]

I am up in Damascus Md, near Germantown/Gaithersburg. Not too many of you guys up my way.

[OldReefer]

I hate to mention this, but aren't all 55s tempered? I blew one up once.

[Origami]

I hate to mention this, but aren't all 55s tempered? I blew one up once.

Some are and some aren't. The bottoms almost always are. Some manufacturers (Aqueon, for example) made 55 with tempered bottoms, but regular glass panes. Every manufacturer may not do the same though. It's best to either perform the test (maybe a comparison with the bottom would be confirmation) or call the manufacturer (best option) before starting.

[Rosco's Reefs]

I'm nearby, drop me a pm and let me know when you want to do it. I also have a few bits, as well. Thx

 

Ross

[treesprite]

I've always thought most 55g tanks are completely tempered. Best to make absolutely sure before attempting to drill.