drilling an established tank???

[fishy_mcfish]

Who has drilled a tank to begin with, and who has done it with water and fish etc in it? I have been looking all around and different DIY pvc overflows and I just don't like the look of them in the tank. I have almost gotten up the nerve to drill my tank myself...BUT...I think I would fell more comfortable if someone with experience could do it for me....sooo any takers?? lol

 

[toomuch420]

Acrylic?


*rAzOr*

 

[fishy_mcfish]

its glass. I meant to add that to the title, guess I forgot...

 

[Six2seven]

Are you trying to drill a glass tank that is currently filled? I wouldn't try that, one band pop and water everywhere

 

[toomuch420]

Take video
Lol


*rAzOr*

 

[withoutaclue661]

I think I've seen it done once or twice on rc. One used a dremel and the other I can't remember. I've drilled glass tanks before and I'm pretty confident in my ability to do it without much problem. That being said, I wouldn't even consider doing it.

Are you 100% positive the glass isn't tempered?
How would you keep the drill bit cool and lubricated?
Then there is the "what if" something goes wrong? It's one thing to goof up and owe you a new piece of glass but a tank full of livestock, nope not me.

Not sure what size tank you have but it would be worth it to either brake it down, drill it and put everything back in. Another option is to upgrade to a bigger tank and drill it or do whatever a d transfer to the new tank.

If you do decide to try it... take a video cause I gotta see this

 

[rockbender]

I drilled a few tanks empty and 1 tank with water line about 1" below the hole being made. I even drilled my nano's so I could have a sump on them.lol
All I can say is be careful I practiced on a old tank. The key is slow and steady with plenty of water to keep the bit cool.
I taped the inside where the hole was going to be drilled so right when you get through the glass helps keep small pieces of glass from going in the tank with your water.
I would empty out tank to be safe.

 

[xssx]

[video=youtube;ADI3CMMjuI0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADI3CMMjuI0[/video]

 

[rockbender]

That's scary all the glass residue going into the water where his livestock is.

 

[withoutaclue661]

So did you try it?

 

[Six2seven]

That's scary all the glass residue going into the water where his livestock is.

Exactly what I was thinking! I've drilled a couple tanks and I would be worried about what i can only call, "liquid glass" . If you look at the video it all spilled down into the water.