Drill Baby Drill?

[Grumpy Vet]

Hi everyone.

I am working on starting my new tank again after a long time off. I've found a spot to put a tank "in wall" in the basement.

Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees and I have to make some price decisions shortly before I move forward.

I would love to go as high and deep as I can. However, once you move to an overflow tank, the prices jump dramatically.

I am not confident in my ability to drill a tank. Since the majority of the tank will be in the unfinished part of the basement, I could have the tank drilled w/ overflows, returns and not be too worried about plumbing out of the bank of the tank. Does anyone know if a service / company exists that drills tanks? Is it worth the money to find someone to drill a tank?

I guess at this point, I'm able to get a nice in wall tank w/ built in overflows - or I can get the tank I want and pay someone a reasonable fee to come and drill this tank for us.

Advice, as always, is appreciated.

Sincerely,

GV

[BPro32]

When you custom order tanks you usually have the option of having them drill it for an extra $10 per hole. You don't have to get the overflow built-in but can still order a tank with holes in it.

[Grumpy Vet]

Thank you for the reply.

I'm not going crazy big - I'm in the 125 - 175 range. I'm doing my best (w/ the help of Mrs. GV) of balancing height / depth / length.

Length is fixed at 6'.

I was contemplating ordering a tank from that Pet Place in Pennsylvania and going up to pick it up (5 hours round trip).

Does anyone know of a custom place locally in Maryland (21042) that has reasonable prices and would drill as I need? If not, does anyone know someone that is supremely capable of drilling a tank?

Thanks,
GV

[jherrin215]

If you aren't comfortable drilling a brand new tank that is understandable but let me tell you it doesn't get any easier. It is very simple and very straightforward. The only thing you have to watch out for is ensuring that the tank you buy isn't tempered on the pan of glass you want to drill, be it the bottom or the back. If it isn't tempered it's as simple as making you a little pool of water, getting a diamond coated hole saw and go extremely slow and easy. You are basically just grinding a hole through the glass. It requires no mechanical skills only the skill to be patient. It took me about 15 minutes each to drill 4 holes in my 180. 15 minutes a piece was a long time to hold a drill but the result was worth it. Nice clean holes and not having to haul the tank around to get it drilled. I just used a little 10 gallon that I had lying around to practice on before starting the big tank. If you can drill the 10 gallon with the super thin glass they have without breaking it then you are more than capable of drilling a larger tank. I looked into having my local glass shop drilling mine for me but they weren't interested simply because of the risk/reward. They said if they had cut me a piece they would drill it for 10 a hole, but they were looking at only making 40 bucks with the small but still there risk of causing damage to my $600 tank. Just something to think about, not trying to beat you up about being cautious, it is very well understood!!

[Grumpy Vet]

jherrin -

Thanks for the comments. I'm just so darn scared to attempt something like that. The tank I'm looking at is $300 with no overflows. If it comes w/ two overflows - I'm looking at $450. Were it you - would you drill a $300 tank knowing you are an impatient non-handy guy - or pay the extra $150 and have the built in overflows?

[Grumpy Vet]

I don't have any of the furniture in place....but this is what we are envisioning in the basement....

[Potsy]

I'm not at all handy with tools and I drilled my 50 gallon with ease. If I can do it, anybody can. Just hold the drill with steady, light pressure, keep water flowing over the bit, and let gravity do the rest.

[jherrin215]

Myself I would buy an 8 dollar bit and practice before I spent 150 extra on a tank. Also u have much more flexibility if you drill it yourself vs preinstalled overflows.

[Agu]

Originally Posted by Grumpy Vet

jherrin -

Thanks for the comments. I'm just so darn scared to attempt something like that. The tank I'm looking at is $300 with no overflows. If it comes w/ two overflows - I'm looking at $450. Were it you - would you drill a $300 tank knowing you are an impatient non-handy guy - or pay the extra $150 and have the built in overflows?

No I wouldn't drill it myself.

At $10/ hole (Cheapest price I've ever been quoted) that's $40 for two drains and two returns on a 6" tank. You can barely buy the drill bits for that. Custom overflows are easily $50 each, plus then you'd have to install them. If they mess up they have to replace the tank. If you mess up you're out $300.

IMO it's an easy decision, pay them for a reef ready tank .......

[Grumpy Vet]

jherrin-

You planning a trip to Maryland any time soon?

Seriously though...I do have a tank or two laying around I could practice on. Do you have a specific drill bit you'd recommend?

At this point we are contemplating going w/ a 125. I'd imagine it would need two bulkhead overflows and do you think I can use my SCWD T'd off return....or would you drill returns in the tank as well?

I'm all giddy w/ the possiblities...

[Grumpy Vet]

Originally Posted by Agu

No I wouldn't drill it myself.

At $10/ hole (Cheapest price I've ever been quoted) that's $40 for two drains and two returns on a 6" tank. You can barely buy the drill bits for that. Custom overflows are easily $50 each, plus then you'd have to install them. If they mess up they have to replace the tank. If you mess up you're out $300.

IMO it's an easy decision, pay them for a reef ready tank .......

......uh oh...going to be very tough to dissuade me from a Mod that knows his stuff and knows my track record of incompetency.....

[neoalchemist74]

This link.http://www.discountdiamondbits.com/dicodr.html
the easiest way to drill a tank is to drilla hole in a piece of plywood the size of the hole you want to drill. then place the plywood on the pane of glass lining the plywood hole up with where you want to drill. secure the ply wood with duct tape, turn the hose on it and drill away! Just go very slow and be prepared when you are about to break through.
P.S. put some towels or something inside the tank to catch the piece of glass or it can fall and break the opposite pane of glass.

[jherrin215]

No I'm not heading towards maryland sorry! I'm not trying to talk you into it. if you don't feel comfortable then just get one reef ready. I just mainly like the options of doing it myself. If it was my tank and I was deciding between buying a regular tank not drilled or one reef ready for 150 more then I would do it myself. if I was ordering it and could get custom holes drilled where I wanted them for 10 bucks a hole then I would go that route but I think we are talking the first scenario correct? if it were my tank I would buy it and drill 4 holes. 3 for a bean animal style overflow system and 1 for a return. I am not informed on a scwd style return so I couldn't give you advice on that aspect. the poster before me had some good ideas but instead of a hose I like building a little dam out of plumbers putty and filling it with water. I also put duct tape on the back side of the hole I am drilling so the chunk of glass doesn't fall out. you just peel it off when you break through. I'm not sure of the place I got my bits off of the top of my head but in the morning whenever I get to my home computer I will post you a link. I think they were like 7 bucks each. I've drilled several holes with 1 and it was still doing good. Several like 4 through half inch glass and probably 8 more through thinner glass on 30 gallon tanks.

[Chris27]

Find a good local fish store and have them do it, they usually have the expensive bits that do a far better job then the cheapo ones. A good shop will guarantee their work, but typically it's not needed because it's easy and they are experienced.

Also, just about any glass shop can drill holes in glass for you for a good price.

[Lynnmw1208]

I am a girl and drilled my tank, need I say more? lol It's pretty simple. If you're worried go to www.glass-holes.com and read up on some stuff there. They sell complete kits for both overflows and returns and have videos to show you how to do it. You just need some plumbers putty to create a water pool to keep the bit cooled, and a drill. Their kits come with everything you need. I would go for the 1200gph kit. I definitely am SOOOOOOOO glad I went with drilled. It looks much nicer this way than opting for the built in overflows imo. Here's some pics if you like. (just drill your returns higher than I did...)







hope this helps! Again, I'm glad I went this route. There are also videos on youtube as well of how to drill your tank.

[jherrin215]

You got a PM Grumpy!

[pmrossetti]

Hi Lynn, fantastic job and beautiful tank! I thought I'd do the same but then I thought, what if there was a leak in back? my tank would be against a wall so how would i be able to fix it? Am I worrying for nothing? or what? your thoughts,help?

thanks and again, beautiful tank!!!!

[Lynnmw1208]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

Hi Lynn, fantastic job and beautiful tank! I thought I'd do the same but then I thought, what if there was a leak in back? my tank would be against a wall so how would i be able to fix it? Am I worrying for nothing? or what? your thoughts,help?

thanks and again, beautiful tank!!!!

If you teflon the threads well you should be ok. I also used plumbers grease on the gaskets to help also. I also have metal clamps on all the piping behind the tank because I used barbed fittings. For extra precaution, I have siliconed the part where the thread meets the bulkhead as well. I was NOT going to have a leak lol. and so far, I'm good. I also left about 4 inches of clearance between my tank and the wall just in case I have to lean over the tank and patch something. Thanks for the compliments too! I take pride in doing a good job and being a girl in the hobby as most guys don't think we know anything (*cough* my LFS *cough*)

[pmrossetti]

Thanks for the tips! beautiful,I keep looking at it!!!

btw, what did you use for drains, returns?

pool hose? vinyl tubing? pvc pipe? other?

thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[Lynnmw1208]

Originally Posted by pmrossetti

Thanks for the tips! beautiful,I keep looking at it!!!

btw, what did you use for drains, returns?

pool hose? vinyl tubing? pvc pipe? other?

thanks!!!!!!!!!!

For the drains I used that corrugated tubing like pool hose, I got it at home depot and I used 3/4" vinyl tubing for the returns. and thanks again! I can't wait until I can add corals =oD

[pmrossetti]

Lynn, exactly as I would have done. found your build thread, so saw all there. thanks and will be following along!!!

that skimmer looks great.

[Reefahholic]

I would not recommend drilling your tank UNLESS you have a drill guide of some sort. Bulkreefsupply.com sales two (get the more expensive one.)

The problem I had with drilling my own (which I just did a couple weeks ago) was that if you don't have something to keep the drill bit from jumping off the glass, your going to scratch your tank. Yeah, I tried the last hole without the guide. I did it, but the hole wasn't as clean and the bit was trying to jump. Drilling takes a while, but as long as you Don't apply pressure, and let the weight of the drill do the work, you'll be fine. Don't press down!

Also, if I were to do it again, I would probably make a templet out of 3/4" plywood and not use the drill guide since the plywood will hold the bit firmly in place. Just make sure you tape it down or secure it very well so it doesn't slide when you begin drilling. Other than that, I would say go for it!

AGAIN...the TWO worst things that you could do are....apply too much pressure and not having a support for your drill bit.

Gl*******s.com and Bulkreefsupply.com both have good videos to watch, along with instructions.

Good luck!

[Grumpy Vet]

Ouch...I think Lynn just questioned my manhood. I better not let Mrs. GV see this thread or she'll think I need to man up too.

Kidding of course....still trying to decide which way to go. Have to run this morning, but I sincerely appreciate all the feedback via PM and in this thread. I'll check back and comment more.

Once I figure the tank and overflow out, I've got to try and decide how I can make my lighting work (at least temporarily) from what I have laying around from my previous tanks a few years ago. Later on down the road I can upgrade.

Thanks again,

GV

[WhoDey64]

G-Holes Dart kit with included glass drill bit, a shot (or three) of aged scotch and let her rip.

[Lynnmw1208]

Originally Posted by Reefahholic

I would not recommend drilling your tank UNLESS you have a drill guide of some sort. Bulkreefsupply.com sales two (get the more expensive one.)

The problem I had with drilling my own (which I just did a couple weeks ago) was that if you don't have something to keep the drill bit from jumping off the glass, your going to scratch your tank. Yeah, I tried the last hole without the guide. I did it, but the hole wasn't as clean and the bit was trying to jump. Drilling takes a while, but as long as you Don't apply pressure, and let the weight of the drill do the work, you'll be fine. Don't press down!

Also, if I were to do it again, I would probably make a templet out of 3/4" plywood and not use the drill guide since the plywood will hold the bit firmly in place. Just make sure you tape it down or secure it very well so it doesn't slide when you begin drilling. Other than that, I would say go for it!

AGAIN...the TWO worst things that you could do are....apply too much pressure and not having a support for your drill bit.

Gl*******s.com and Bulkreefsupply.com both have good videos to watch, along with instructions.

Good luck!

I had this problem with my returns since they didn't provide a template for that from glass-holes. what I did is held the bit at an angle to start a ridge and then slowly made the bit upright. worked pretty well. But if you have some wood laying around, I'd say make the template, it'll be easier that way. Good luck with whatever you decide on!