jayh July 12, 2018 Share July 12, 2018 So I recently picked up a Red Sea 525 and looking to convert the ATO reservoir into a refugium. What I would to do is put a bulk head into the side for the return to the sump area. Just wondering if anyone has done this before and would be willing to lend a hand and knowledge... Looking to do something like this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flooddc July 12, 2018 Share July 12, 2018 It's very easy to drill tank. But if you never done one, I would highly recommend that you get a used 10 gallons tank to practice before you attempt to drill the ATO reservoir. ALso, make sure it's not tempered glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freshfins July 13, 2018 Share July 13, 2018 I recommend using a drill guide like this: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/glass-drill-bit-guide-thk.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM July 13, 2018 Share July 13, 2018 Do you know how thick the glass is in it? It's usually pretty easy to cut it, but thin glass or close to the edge is a bit more risk of cracking. You need to be at least the diameter of the hole away from any edge of the glass, I've heard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jayh July 13, 2018 Author Share July 13, 2018 (edited) Yeah, glass thickness is about 1/8 of an inch. It's not tempered as others have drilled on them with success. I was eyeballing a drill press to help out with keeping it straight. Good call on the distance from the edge. Thanks for the inputs! edit: spelling is hard... Edited July 13, 2018 by jayh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM July 13, 2018 Share July 13, 2018 Don't need a drill press, especially on 1/8" It's so thin that it doesn't really matter if it goes straight. You'll be through it before you know it with a battery powered drill with a clutch and a diamond bit. I have three bits sized for 1", 1.5" and 2" ABS bulkheads, a battery drill, and a towel. If you bring it to FragFest on July 22 we can take a crack at it. I can't guarantee it won't break, though. I can only try not to break it. I can also bring a dirty old 10g tank if you want to practice on one and then try to do it yourself. 8) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YHSublime July 13, 2018 Share July 13, 2018 Drilling is easy. Keep it wet, use a new diamond bit, and a guide is helpful, but hey, live fast! Thicker glass is actually easier, IMO, slow and steady on thinner stuff. My Mr. Aqua is 5/16 thickness, and just did that in the bathtub. Only tanks I've ever cracked while drilling were 10 gallons that I was practicing on, luckily enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve175 July 15, 2018 Share July 15, 2018 As Alan said, get the appropriate-sized diamond drill bit and either do it (is not that hard/run water from a hose while drilling/avoid having the cutout fall and crack the opposite wall) or bring to to the fragfest: might be a nice tutorial as Alan mentioned in a separate thread. I have drilled 15-20 glass BH over the years without issue, although the first one results in a genuine pucker-factor :-). I actually have a few slabs of glass that I can bring to the fragfest for you to practice on [glass top to my frag tank which I do not use]/PM me if you want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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