Drilling new tank

[jfisch61]

I need some advice, I am about to drill a 2 3/8" hole in a new Oceanic 140 with dual overflows.

Kind of worried about doing this.

Will the tank be more prone to cracking when I move it? The center of the hole will be 8 1/2" from the bottom.

I am doing this for the first time and don't want to mess it up.
I have read all that I can about doing this and am sure that I will do it right, but I could use some encouragement.

Thanks

[DeathWish302]

Three things you'll need:

1) Plenty of coolant/lube - H2O

2) Plenty of time

3) Patience

(and a diamond hole saw won't hurt)

Besides that, take the plunge and drill it. It sounds like your more than far enough away from the edge/corner to maintain structural integrity.

Good Luck
:D

[jfisch61]

Thanks for the reply.

I have all those things, except maybe patience. :)

I was worried about the integrity, but you put my mind at ease.

I see your from Sinky. I used to live in West Lawn. near the old fire hall. Had to move to Lititz to keep the wife happy.

[funman1]

I have 4 holes in the back of my Oceanic 30G for closed loop and overflows..
Here's my video on drilling.
VERY easy to do..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMctXz7GraU

[jfisch61]

I saw it. That's what inspired me.

I'm going to try it tomorrow if I can get help moving it.

[chrisjet]

i personally dont use anti freeze, water works fine.

[dhogan]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10874997#post10874997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisjet
i personally dont use anti freeze, water works fine.
Ditto.

[asm481]

If you can, drill from the inside. Any smile or break out is then on the nut side and the washer has a nice clean flat surface. Course if you use a drill press, drilling from inside wouldn't work.

[jfisch61]

I like that idea to drill from the inside. I'm doing some practice holes on an old 10 gal. I have and and am getting some chipping on the inside when the bit breaks through. I'm going to get a 30 or 40 gal for a sump and will drill some holes for that before I attempt the main tank.

[Solitaryensis]

Hey guys,
Sorry for the hijack, but what is the suggested distance from the edge? I would like to do a false back on my 40 breeder but would like it to be as small as possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[chrisjet]

suggested distance is at least 1x the diameter away from the hole which you are drilling, I.E 1" go at least 1" away from the hole. As far as drilling inside the tank - that sounds a little awkward , on occcassion you might have a little chip out as you are finishing your hole. Dont worry your bulkhead will cover most unwanted "chip out"

[funman1]

That's exactly correct.
I have mine chip a tiny bit each time..
No big deal at all.

[IPT]

Ahhh, just drilled my first hole in a 50 breeder. Sweat was pouring off and it took a little longer than my practice holes in the glass for the overflow. I was nervous so maybe ran the drill at a few lower RPMs. Much better now that it's behind me. No worries, it all went well. Very minimal chipping, if at all. I used the plumbers putty to hold water. I also clamped a 1x4 to the inside of the tank. It gave support from the back which I thought could only help. Plus I found that just as the bit was breaking thru the wood started to get wet. When I saw the water seeping I knew I was in the final mm's and was able to be extra attentive to my form to prevent any sudden jerking or changes in angle. HAve fun :)

[storrisch]

I just drilled for 1" bulkheads in my 75. Just take your time and be patient.

[jfisch61]

Thanks for all the comments guys, I do feel more confident about this now.

How fast do you run the drill? I took it really slow on my practice holes.

[chrisjet]

just use moderate speed, just dont go super fast and dont press to hard.

[jfisch61]

Thanks again for all the advice. I just drilled a 2 3/8" hole in a 40 gal. I'm using as a sump. It did take some time, but it went well.

Oh yeah, I drilled it from the inside out. Thanks for the idea ASM481.

[Myrddraal]

I used an angle drill guide from harbor freight, clamped to the tank with wood on the back. That may not work if you're drilling at the bottom of the tank though