Step-by-Step: Drilling Holes in Your Glass Tank for Bulkheads - Page 7

frank10 · 12/31/2005, 08:13 AM

Is it easier to use a SLIP or threaded bulkhead fittings?

also, is it advisable to have a hole near the bottom of the tank? Maybe that could be used for draining the tank.

DerekW · 12/31/2005, 11:40 AM

I always use threaded so that i can change the setup around later if I need, easier than cutting off pipe and using an adaptor later to reattach

doody · 12/31/2005, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DerekW
I always use threaded so that i can change the setup around later if I need, easier than cutting off pipe and using an adaptor later to reattach

Good point

Superorb · 12/31/2005, 05:09 PM

i wouldnt recommend richon tools unless they changed the design of their bits. ALL mine were wobbly. 1 out of like 12 were useable, even AFTER he sent me 2 replacements. Guess he didn't check them before he sent them. One was horrible and the other was the useable one.

JustOneMoreTank · 01/01/2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Superorb
i wouldnt recommend richon tools unless they changed the design of their bits. ALL mine were wobbly. 1 out of like 12 were useable, even AFTER he sent me 2 replacements. Guess he didn't check them before he sent them. One was horrible and the other was the useable one.

I have received very good bits from both Richon Tools and Lau from Hong Kong off of Ebay. Both seem to have excellent prices and quick shipping.
Sorry that you did not have as good of an experience Superorb.

speakeraddict · 01/01/2006, 08:03 PM

I just used my new ones I got in on Friday. They work flawlessly. I drilled 3 holes for 1" bulkhead fittings in 3/8" glass in less than 15 minutes. I will never go back to the dremel method. I would imagine that I can get at least 6 or 8 holes out of each bit. A bargain for sure.

speakeraddict

10" Red Devil · 01/01/2006, 09:31 PM

Is there anyway to get these bits from a local place like homedepot or the like?

Thanks!

10" Red Devil · 01/01/2006, 09:38 PM

Is there anyway I can buy the bulkhead from someplace other then this place with their shipping it comes out to about what the lfs charges and I only need a 1" lightweight bulkhead. About $15 with shipping. The shipping is more then the bulkhead, ***!

http://www.savko.com/ViewCart.asp

Thanks.

dwall174 · 01/01/2006, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jrcastro
Anyway to tell if a glass pane is tempered??

Quote:

Originally posted by Superorb
Call the manufacturer. There's no way to tell just by looking at it.

Well there are a couple of ways to tell, Check out this Article the last paragraph explains how to use polarized sun glasses like fisherman use to see past the surface of the water. If its tempered you should see small circle marks in the glass. Just look at a rear car window with a pair of polarized sun glasses & youÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ll see what theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re talking about!

dwall174 · 01/01/2006, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 10" Red Devil
Is there anyway I can buy the bulkhead from someplace other then this place

If you have a marina near you they may have them! The same bulkheads we use for our tanks are used for the live wells on fishing boats. Also check with pool & spa suppliers they may also have some.

10" Red Devil · 01/02/2006, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dwall174
If you have a marina near you they may have them! The same bulkheads we use for our tanks are used for the live wells on fishing boats. Also check with pool & spa suppliers they may also have some.

Cool!

How about the hole saw bits?

dwall174 · 01/02/2006, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 10" Red Devil
How about the hole saw bits?

I originally paid around $40 for my 1-3/4Ã¢â‚¬Â diamond hole saw! IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m working on a new tank & IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m going to get several more saws from Treasure HK I can't see paying the high price if these cheaper bits will also work! If I need to drill 25+ holes then maybe the better ones might pay for themselves, But for what I need the cheaper ones should work!

10" Red Devil · 01/02/2006, 12:27 PM

Yeah but can you get these hole saws at any retail outlet around? Such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc?

Thanks.

dwall174 · 01/02/2006, 02:07 PM

Not at Home Depot or Lowes!
Maybe from a ceramic supplier or a tile store? But then you will probably be paying like $40~$50 for a 1-3/4Ã¢â‚¬Â bit like I originally did!

Superorb · 01/02/2006, 02:58 PM

i just cant figure out why i had such bad luck with the string of bits that i got. oh well, the world may never know.

frank10 · 01/02/2006, 03:40 PM

Maybe you caught a bad lot or something.

Superorb · 01/02/2006, 09:03 PM

that's what i'm thinking.

frank10 · 01/03/2006, 09:10 AM

I'm considering the double threaded bulkheads from marine depot. Should I go with the heavy duty version?

meagan_myers · 01/03/2006, 01:16 PM

If both Savko and Marine depot list a Sch. 80 2" bulkhead needing a 3 1/4 inch hole (82.55mm) then which of Lou's drill bits would be the right one? He has an 80mm and an 85mm. Would 85mm be too big?

stgla · 01/03/2006, 01:27 PM

I used double threaded bulkhead (going through the side, not bottom) and now I realize I can't find male threaded fittings I need (tee and 90-degree elbow -- 1.5").

DerekW · 01/03/2006, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stgla
I used double threaded bulkhead (going through the side, not bottom) and now I realize I can't find male threaded fittings I need (tee and 90-degree elbow -- 1.5").

For threaded tee:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../7249/cid/1826
But you need to use a nipple to attach

For the elbow:
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../7405/cid/1867
or this with a nipple
http://www.aquaticeco.com/index.cfm/.../7412/cid/1854

Fl_seagull · 01/03/2006, 08:17 PM

I just started drilling my 75 gal to put in a Calfo (?) type overflow. I don't use a hole saw I use stainglass bits.

Well... I cracked my first tank.

I got impatient and the bit was dull. It wasn't from over heating it was from hitting the glass

.

frank10 · 01/10/2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fl_seagull
I just started drilling my 75 gal to put in a Calfo (?) type overflow. I don't use a hole saw I use stainglass bits.

Well... I cracked my first tank.

I got impatient and the bit was dull. It wasn't from over heating it was from hitting the glass .

sorry to hear about that. you'll get it right next time.

I drilled my holes last weekend and it was easier than I thought. I did the water dam thing and took my time. The only "difficult" part was getting the bit started into the glass. If possible, try practicing on some spare glass.

meagan_myers · 01/10/2006, 02:24 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on how close the drill bit shoud be in size to the bulkhead's recommended hole needed? Such as a 1" sch 80 needing a 2" hole (50.8mm). Would a 52mm drill bit be to much of a difference?

stgla · 01/10/2006, 02:30 PM

It should probably be slightly larger. If you have the bulkhead you can measure the width of the flange and gasket. That's your wiggle room. The flange is the "lip" or flat disc-shaped piece that sits flush with inside of your tank wall and the gasket is the flat rubber ring that sits against the tank wall from the outside. (Someone please correct me if I have that wrong).

If you make the hole too small (as I did), you can enlarge it with a grinding stone, but it can be tedious and require different bits and more risk to your glass.

If you make it a bit too large, the flange will probably still cover it. If you make it way too large, then you're toast and you need a larger bulkhead.

12/31/2005, 11:40 AM	#152
DerekW Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Southern Ontario Posts: 873	I always use threaded so that i can change the setup around later if I need, easier than cutting off pipe and using an adaptor later to reattach __________________ Derek It's a small world........But I wouldn't want to paint it. Current Tank Info: 220, 4x250w mh, 4x110w actinics CS12-2 RC , 75 gallon sump, Calcium reactor, DIY 36" Kalkwasser reactor

01/01/2006, 08:03 PM	#156
speakeraddict Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: techno mecca of the south Posts: 2,017	I just used my new ones I got in on Friday. They work flawlessly. I drilled 3 holes for 1" bulkhead fittings in 3/8" glass in less than 15 minutes. I will never go back to the dremel method. I would imagine that I can get at least 6 or 8 holes out of each bit. A bargain for sure. speakeraddict __________________ The ocean isn't bare bottomed...although some of the beaches are. Current Tank Info: 15 gallon custom shallow cube

01/02/2006, 02:07 PM	#164
dwall174 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Southeast Mich Posts: 1,474	Not at Home Depot or Lowes! Maybe from a ceramic supplier or a tile store? But then you will probably be paying like $40~$50 for a 1-3/4Ã¢â‚¬Â bit like I originally did! __________________ Doug Current Tank Info: Planning new system

01/03/2006, 08:17 PM	#172
Fl_seagull Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 206	I just started drilling my 75 gal to put in a Calfo (?) type overflow. I don't use a hole saw I use stainglass bits. Well... I cracked my first tank. I got impatient and the bit was dull. It wasn't from over heating it was from hitting the glass . __________________ I try to learn from other's mistakes but my own are more entertaining. Current Tank Info: 125 gal Reef, 120 FO, 6 gal soft coral/LPS Nano

12/31/2005, 08:13 AM	#151
frank10 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 219	Is it easier to use a SLIP or threaded bulkhead fittings? also, is it advisable to have a hole near the bottom of the tank? Maybe that could be used for draining the tank.

12/31/2005, 05:09 PM	#154
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	i wouldnt recommend richon tools unless they changed the design of their bits. ALL mine were wobbly. 1 out of like 12 were useable, even AFTER he sent me 2 replacements. Guess he didn't check them before he sent them. One was horrible and the other was the useable one.

01/01/2006, 09:31 PM	#157
10" Red Devil Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,611	Is there anyway to get these bits from a local place like homedepot or the like? Thanks!

01/01/2006, 09:38 PM	#158
10" Red Devil Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,611	Is there anyway I can buy the bulkhead from someplace other then this place with their shipping it comes out to about what the lfs charges and I only need a 1" lightweight bulkhead. About $15 with shipping. The shipping is more then the bulkhead, ***! http://www.savko.com/ViewCart.asp Thanks.

01/02/2006, 12:27 PM	#163
10" Red Devil Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,611	Yeah but can you get these hole saws at any retail outlet around? Such as Home Depot, Lowes, etc? Thanks.

01/02/2006, 02:58 PM	#165
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	i just cant figure out why i had such bad luck with the string of bits that i got. oh well, the world may never know.

01/02/2006, 03:40 PM	#166
frank10 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 219	Maybe you caught a bad lot or something.

01/02/2006, 09:03 PM	#167
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	that's what i'm thinking.

01/03/2006, 09:10 AM	#168
frank10 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 219	I'm considering the double threaded bulkheads from marine depot. Should I go with the heavy duty version?

01/03/2006, 01:16 PM	#169
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	If both Savko and Marine depot list a Sch. 80 2" bulkhead needing a 3 1/4 inch hole (82.55mm) then which of Lou's drill bits would be the right one? He has an 80mm and an 85mm. Would 85mm be too big?

01/03/2006, 01:27 PM	#170
stgla Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 353	I used double threaded bulkhead (going through the side, not bottom) and now I realize I can't find male threaded fittings I need (tee and 90-degree elbow -- 1.5").

01/10/2006, 02:24 PM	#174
meagan_myers Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: AR Posts: 142	Does anyone have an opinion on how close the drill bit shoud be in size to the bulkhead's recommended hole needed? Such as a 1" sch 80 needing a 2" hole (50.8mm). Would a 52mm drill bit be to much of a difference?

01/10/2006, 02:30 PM	#175
stgla Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 353	It should probably be slightly larger. If you have the bulkhead you can measure the width of the flange and gasket. That's your wiggle room. The flange is the "lip" or flat disc-shaped piece that sits flush with inside of your tank wall and the gasket is the flat rubber ring that sits against the tank wall from the outside. (Someone please correct me if I have that wrong). If you make the hole too small (as I did), you can enlarge it with a grinding stone, but it can be tedious and require different bits and more risk to your glass. If you make it a bit too large, the flange will probably still cover it. If you make it way too large, then you're toast and you need a larger bulkhead.