Step-by-Step: Drilling Holes in Your Glass Tank for Bulkheads - Page 4

Superorb · 11/20/2005, 12:54 PM

i think i understand what he's saying. you reduce the skimming capability when you use deeper slots and less of them. one solid "waterfall" type could be long and cover more area of the surface of the water, skimming more of the surface. with the slots, you get the surface and also under the surface. i assume that skimming only the surface is more efficient.

BraenDead · 11/20/2005, 12:59 PM

Ahh, that would make sense - though in my tank, I have so much flow on/near the surface I doubt there is an increased amount of organics on the surface versus just below the surface. Certainly worth keeping in mind.

I've got 8mm bits (for the slots) and a 45mm bit for the overflow drains coming - I'm hoping to do the drilling in the next week or two. I am thinking of adding some holes to the back of the tank as well for a possible closed loop. How many holes can I have without affecting tank integrity? These would be 45mm holes for a 1" bulkhead, and keep in mind the back of the tank will also have the slots at the top of the tank (which I dont think should affect integrity much).

Thanks,

Bob
Bob

doody · 11/20/2005, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BraenDead
I'm certainly not trying to be argumentative, but I do not see why slots/teeth in an overflow diminish skimming ability? If I id not have teeth, and have a 12" wide opening for the water to flow, this would be the same as having a 1/2" opening every inch for 24 inches. Exact same area for water to flow, only the teeth will keep my fish (my wrasse and hawkfish are jumpers) out and keep snails, etc out. Fishing my wrasse out of my overflow really is not a fun task!

I would certainly be interested to hear more about this.

Bob

Yeah! What he said.

Superorb · 11/20/2005, 05:49 PM

i've got 3 holes in the back of my tank for a closed loop. two for 3/4" bulkheads and one for a 1" bh. plus the usual 2 in the bottom for the overflow. i think they need to be like a radius of like a few inches to be on the safe side. i don't recall the exact amount, just dont stick them close together is all.

steve68 · 11/20/2005, 09:23 PM

let's see no slots snails in the pluming = water in the floor = a bad day.
slots in tank no sanils in the pluming = no worries.

everyone i know that has done an open slot all ways finds water in the floor.
i have so much flow in my tank that there is no worries of scum on top of my water, but everyones tank is diferent.

Superorb · 11/20/2005, 09:25 PM

there are ways to prevent snails in the overflow. eggcrate comes to mind. my tank has the built in AGA overflow, so it has the slots on the bottom and the top. im going to have a lot of flow as well, so i'm not too worried about surface scum either. the concept makes sense though.

steve68 · 11/20/2005, 10:13 PM

yes it does but to say it's the most useless "fads" or "trends"
my friend had a copperband fish go though the slot & get caugh on the durso.

Superorb · 11/20/2005, 10:16 PM

oh, i didn't say anyhting about fads or trends. im still a newb so i dunno anyhting about any fads or trends just yet

steve68 · 11/20/2005, 10:19 PM

i know u dint im just referring to the post on the previous page

Superorb · 11/20/2005, 10:21 PM

ahh, my mistake.

jimroth · 11/30/2005, 04:13 PM

One more vote for the glass drills from Ebay seller lau++. I got them pretty quick (for Hong Kong) and used them to quickly put two 45mm holes into my new DIY 20G sump. It was very easy, after a little practice. I recommend that the inexperienced (like me) drill a couple of test holes in an old 10G or some scrap glass. I was managed to crack out a couple of holes before I realized I was leaning on the drill. From then on (supporting the drill) it was easy.
I used plumber's putty to hold some water around the site, and clamped a piece of scrap wood to the tank to catch the cut-out. Beautiful!

Superorb · 11/30/2005, 04:29 PM

one thing i noticed, is that the bits are NOT true!! all mine were wobbly on 3 different drills. 2 cordless and one corded. he sent me replacements and one was wobbly and the other was OK, but not true by any means. i guess for 3 bux apiece what can you expect?

jimroth · 11/30/2005, 04:58 PM

Gee, mine were fine.

billzie · 11/30/2005, 05:11 PM

I recently bought from Ebay seller lau++, however, I did my purchase directly with him. I wanted a combination of sizes and quantities that made it easier than dealing with ebay. By going directly through him, I saved about $12, which doesn't sound like a lot but was a big % of the total sale. He shipped them immediately and I received them quickly with no problems. I have yet to use them as the tank I want to drill is outside and the temp has dropped. If we get another few days of 50 deg weather, I'll do the drilling.
I highly recommend this seller, and likewise recommend direct sale. Contact Teddy via em: lautszyan0 AT netvigator DOT com
HTH, Bill.

Superorb · 11/30/2005, 08:42 PM

hmm, i cant remember what the guys name was, but i got mine from his websitel he was also an ebay seller. i know the things came from china, i think hong kong actually. guess i got a bunch of bad ones then. i have three different sizes i think.

JustOneMoreTank · 12/01/2005, 06:10 PM

The diamond coated hole saws I got all spun true and I had very little problems cutting holes in my tanks and sump. I am glad people are still finding this thread useful.

causeofhim · 12/01/2005, 08:09 PM

I just ordered from lau++. Looking forward to giving this a shot.

causeofhim · 12/01/2005, 08:09 PM

I just ordered from lau++. Looking forward to giving this a shot.

Superorb · 12/02/2005, 06:42 AM

let us know if the blades are straight or not.

brian3 · 12/02/2005, 03:40 PM

You do want to make sure the holes are true and round with no imperfections. Any little chip or out of round adds lots of stress. When water is added the pressure is pulling the hole apart as the glass flexes out and round is better to distribute. Otherwise you might end up with your tank on the living room floor one morning. And of course the least number of holes per side is better. There seemed to be a few threads on tanks cracking over time and speading from the drilled holes. Just my thoughts.

Superorb · 12/02/2005, 05:00 PM

hmm, not what i wanted to hear... i've got 3 holes in mine. they all look fine, one has a small "clamshell" as they call them in the biz. hope it's not a problem..

BraenDead · 12/02/2005, 06:47 PM

If chips are had, what about using the epoxy that glass companies use to fill dings on windshields? Not sure if this would help or not, but I doubt it would hurt? As long as the spot has compressional pressure from the bulkhead, I would think this would help keep it as strong.

Just a thought...

Bob

Superorb · 12/02/2005, 07:53 PM

huh.. didn't think of that. supposedly that epoxy makes it "good as new" like they say. now, we all know that the only thing as good as new IS new. might be worth a shot though.

Stasher · 12/03/2005, 12:13 AM

Just ordered my 3/4" holesaw. Building a 10g nano and want some nice drains and closed loop on it. These will work perfect. Thanks for the information JustOneMoreTank.

JustOneMoreTank · 12/03/2005, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Stasher
Just ordered my 3/4" holesaw. Building a 10g nano and want some nice drains and closed loop on it. These will work perfect. Thanks for the information JustOneMoreTank.

Hey no problem Stasher.

I have 4 holes that I cut into the back glass of my 120g tank. I am really not worried in the least about the tank having problems. Ohh yes by the way... the tank came with 4 holes drilled in the bottom of the tank and All-Glass isn't worried about it either.

11/20/2005, 09:23 PM	#80
steve68 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Piscataway,NJ Posts: 4,058	let's see no slots snails in the pluming = water in the floor = a bad day. slots in tank no sanils in the pluming = no worries. everyone i know that has done an open slot all ways finds water in the floor. i have so much flow in my tank that there is no worries of scum on top of my water, but everyones tank is diferent. __________________ "Never Give Up Never Surrender" Current Tank Info: 50 Breeder with 250w MH 10k XM bulb & 2 24inch VHO atinic 03,210 gallon Reef tank. 3 250 W MH,MRC CR-2 Reactor & MR-2 Skimmer,150 gallon sump,125 gallon refugium,75 Gallon Frag Tank & adding more water volume every t

11/20/2005, 10:13 PM	#82
steve68 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Piscataway,NJ Posts: 4,058	yes it does but to say it's the most useless "fads" or "trends" my friend had a copperband fish go though the slot & get caugh on the durso. __________________ "Never Give Up Never Surrender" Current Tank Info: 50 Breeder with 250w MH 10k XM bulb & 2 24inch VHO atinic 03,210 gallon Reef tank. 3 250 W MH,MRC CR-2 Reactor & MR-2 Skimmer,150 gallon sump,125 gallon refugium,75 Gallon Frag Tank & adding more water volume every t

11/20/2005, 10:19 PM	#84
steve68 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Piscataway,NJ Posts: 4,058	i know u dint im just referring to the post on the previous page __________________ "Never Give Up Never Surrender" Current Tank Info: 50 Breeder with 250w MH 10k XM bulb & 2 24inch VHO atinic 03,210 gallon Reef tank. 3 250 W MH,MRC CR-2 Reactor & MR-2 Skimmer,150 gallon sump,125 gallon refugium,75 Gallon Frag Tank & adding more water volume every t

11/30/2005, 04:13 PM	#86
jimroth Moving Money Join Date: May 2001 Location: Rockaway, NJ Posts: 1,764	One more vote for the glass drills from Ebay seller lau++. I got them pretty quick (for Hong Kong) and used them to quickly put two 45mm holes into my new DIY 20G sump. It was very easy, after a little practice. I recommend that the inexperienced (like me) drill a couple of test holes in an old 10G or some scrap glass. I was managed to crack out a couple of holes before I realized I was leaning on the drill. From then on (supporting the drill) it was easy. I used plumber's putty to hold some water around the site, and clamped a piece of scrap wood to the tank to catch the cut-out. Beautiful! __________________ Jim Roth --------------- Current Tank Info: 250G custom SPS System w/3X Radions

11/30/2005, 04:58 PM	#88
jimroth Moving Money Join Date: May 2001 Location: Rockaway, NJ Posts: 1,764	Gee, mine were fine. __________________ Jim Roth --------------- Current Tank Info: 250G custom SPS System w/3X Radions

11/20/2005, 12:54 PM	#76
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	i think i understand what he's saying. you reduce the skimming capability when you use deeper slots and less of them. one solid "waterfall" type could be long and cover more area of the surface of the water, skimming more of the surface. with the slots, you get the surface and also under the surface. i assume that skimming only the surface is more efficient.

11/20/2005, 12:59 PM	#77
BraenDead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,007	Ahh, that would make sense - though in my tank, I have so much flow on/near the surface I doubt there is an increased amount of organics on the surface versus just below the surface. Certainly worth keeping in mind. I've got 8mm bits (for the slots) and a 45mm bit for the overflow drains coming - I'm hoping to do the drilling in the next week or two. I am thinking of adding some holes to the back of the tank as well for a possible closed loop. How many holes can I have without affecting tank integrity? These would be 45mm holes for a 1" bulkhead, and keep in mind the back of the tank will also have the slots at the top of the tank (which I dont think should affect integrity much). Thanks, Bob Bob

11/20/2005, 05:49 PM	#79
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	i've got 3 holes in the back of my tank for a closed loop. two for 3/4" bulkheads and one for a 1" bh. plus the usual 2 in the bottom for the overflow. i think they need to be like a radius of like a few inches to be on the safe side. i don't recall the exact amount, just dont stick them close together is all.

11/20/2005, 09:25 PM	#81
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	there are ways to prevent snails in the overflow. eggcrate comes to mind. my tank has the built in AGA overflow, so it has the slots on the bottom and the top. im going to have a lot of flow as well, so i'm not too worried about surface scum either. the concept makes sense though.

11/20/2005, 10:16 PM	#83
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	oh, i didn't say anyhting about fads or trends. im still a newb so i dunno anyhting about any fads or trends just yet

11/20/2005, 10:21 PM	#85
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	ahh, my mistake.

11/30/2005, 04:29 PM	#87
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	one thing i noticed, is that the bits are NOT true!! all mine were wobbly on 3 different drills. 2 cordless and one corded. he sent me replacements and one was wobbly and the other was OK, but not true by any means. i guess for 3 bux apiece what can you expect?

11/30/2005, 05:11 PM	#89
billzie Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Athens, OH Posts: 472	I recently bought from Ebay seller lau++, however, I did my purchase directly with him. I wanted a combination of sizes and quantities that made it easier than dealing with ebay. By going directly through him, I saved about $12, which doesn't sound like a lot but was a big % of the total sale. He shipped them immediately and I received them quickly with no problems. I have yet to use them as the tank I want to drill is outside and the temp has dropped. If we get another few days of 50 deg weather, I'll do the drilling. I highly recommend this seller, and likewise recommend direct sale. Contact Teddy via em: lautszyan0 AT netvigator DOT com HTH, Bill.

11/30/2005, 08:42 PM	#90
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	hmm, i cant remember what the guys name was, but i got mine from his websitel he was also an ebay seller. i know the things came from china, i think hong kong actually. guess i got a bunch of bad ones then. i have three different sizes i think.

12/01/2005, 06:10 PM	#91
JustOneMoreTank Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 967	The diamond coated hole saws I got all spun true and I had very little problems cutting holes in my tanks and sump. I am glad people are still finding this thread useful.

12/01/2005, 08:09 PM	#92
causeofhim Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,379	I just ordered from lau++. Looking forward to giving this a shot.

12/02/2005, 06:42 AM	#94
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	let us know if the blades are straight or not.

12/02/2005, 03:40 PM	#95
brian3 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: PA Posts: 216	You do want to make sure the holes are true and round with no imperfections. Any little chip or out of round adds lots of stress. When water is added the pressure is pulling the hole apart as the glass flexes out and round is better to distribute. Otherwise you might end up with your tank on the living room floor one morning. And of course the least number of holes per side is better. There seemed to be a few threads on tanks cracking over time and speading from the drilled holes. Just my thoughts.

12/02/2005, 05:00 PM	#96
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	hmm, not what i wanted to hear... i've got 3 holes in mine. they all look fine, one has a small "clamshell" as they call them in the biz. hope it's not a problem..

12/02/2005, 06:47 PM	#97
BraenDead Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 1,007	If chips are had, what about using the epoxy that glass companies use to fill dings on windshields? Not sure if this would help or not, but I doubt it would hurt? As long as the spot has compressional pressure from the bulkhead, I would think this would help keep it as strong. Just a thought... Bob

12/02/2005, 07:53 PM	#98
Superorb Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 430	huh.. didn't think of that. supposedly that epoxy makes it "good as new" like they say. now, we all know that the only thing as good as new IS new. might be worth a shot though.

12/03/2005, 12:13 AM	#99
Stasher Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Estevan, SK, Can Posts: 208	Just ordered my 3/4" holesaw. Building a 10g nano and want some nice drains and closed loop on it. These will work perfect. Thanks for the information JustOneMoreTank. __________________ 20g Nano, 20g Sump, SunBlaze 24" 4x24 T5 Current Tank Info: 120G Reef (retired) 20G Nano (current)