where oh where to drill

[Catharsis70]

Ok so I got my 60 mm diamond hole saw and the victim is a 75 gallon perfecto. Talked to a rep and was told only the bottom is tempered so of course I am drilling the back. My question is how far from the edges is it safe to drill? Is there a minimum distance from the top, side, bottom of the panel I should be aiming for?

[schlegelli]

I'm getting ready to do the same to my 125(waiting on bits) and I've read a few different things at a few different sites. Everything from 2 widths of hole saw to 6 inches....to center of new hole. Not much help, just passing on what I've learned. I think I'm gonna drill 2" from edge of glass unless I hear something different. Good luck!

[Catharsis70]

Same to you! I am scared big time.

[ScoobyDuu24]

I was planning on drilling my 125. I hate to use you guys as guinea pigs but let me know how it goes.

[schlegelli]

as with everything in the reefing world......TAKE YOUR TIME!!!!!

[8BALL_99]

Ahh NP. I've drilled about 100 Tanks. Everything from 20L to 180's. Just have running water going on the bit and take your time. I would Atleast drill 2" from the Edge to the edge of the hole. Don't just think about the Strength of the glass also remember to leave room for you plumbing or overflow. Its better to go to low then to high. If you drill to low you can always just add pipe to raise the water line.. If you drill to high.....

[SDguy]

Also, what are you drilling for? Closed loop intake, CL outlet, sump return, Calfo esque overflow? For example, you don't want your closed loop intake to be too high...it might creat a vortex, and suck in air. Just some stuff to chew on.

hth

[Catharsis70]

I drilling for overflow only.

[Pbrown3701]

still don't drill to close to the surface of the tank. I would go as low as possible.

The lower, the more pressure you have feeding the drain. If you go to close to the top, you won't get good flow (i made this mistake on a tank recently).

ALso, when you start up the return pump, the water level will fluctuate until it stabalizes. If you are too close to the top, the up cycle could overflow the tank

Lower is better.

[schlegelli]

I am drilling for everything...overflow, return, haven't decided about closed loop yet...

[jeninjohnk]

you can do it it just takes time. i did my 125. i practiced on a 10 first - cracked it. ha ha ha i useed a dremel and a diamond bit. took about 50 min. a hole good luck

[drinkhomebrew]

I plan on drill glass very soon also. What works better, high speed drill or a slower speed.

[schlegelli]

everything I've read says between 500-800 rpm's.

[tye_c]

The rule of thumb I have seen on here before is the width of the bit away from the edge. I have kept by that rule and never had any problems.

[schlegelli]

hey tye_c, is that to center of hole?

[tye_c]

Edge. If you have a 2" but then the edge of your hole should be at least 2" away from the edge.

[BuffaloM]

When drilling a drain hole on the back of the tank in the overflow does it matter if the hole is 2" down from the top with just a downward facing elbow or should they be 2" up from the bottom and then have an upward facing elbow and a stand pipe?

[Catharsis70]

excellent advice all. keep it coming

[schlegelli]

thanks all....got my bits today, yeehaw....guess i'll be tryin 'em this weekend....will post success!!!!

[Pbrown3701]

Buffalo - as long is it is not too close to the top, it doesn't matter. I would go as low as possible with the stand pipe from my experience.

[schlegelli]

To let everyone know...just finished drilling my 125... two 2 3/8" and four 1 1/4" holes....PIECE OF CAKE!!! Made a guide hole in a scrap of 1x6, taped it to glass, squirted a little H2O in the hole, drilled a starter groove, removed the wood, formed a dam around the groove with play-dough, filled it with water, placed tape on opposite side of glass, continued drilling at medium speed until almost through, slowed rpm's for the final breakthrough....DON'T LET IT INTIMIDATE YOU...if I say so myself, looks very professional. Any help I can be of...let me know. Karl

[impur]

I'm drilling for a CL on my 75 tonight! 6 holes!

[schlegelli]

TAKE YOUR TIME...until you get the feel of it. I took more time on the first hole than the rest of them combined. I also stayed 2" from any edge to edge of new hole. You won't need luck, just confidence....good luck anyway LOL!!!

[Catharsis70]

Did mine yesterday. Went smoothly, some minor chipping on the end of the hole even though I did the duct tape thing. I think the chuck on my drill might not be perfectly straight. Otherwise I would suggest anyone try it at least once. Kind of fun.

[schlegelli]

not as bad as everyone thought eh?

[Catharsis70]

It kind of made me drill junky! I keep looking for excuses to drill more tanks. Offering friends etc.

[schlegelli]

yeah, i'm in the mood too !!! i still have plenty of bit left...luckily i'm drilling 2 more smaller tanks for my own system, maybe that'll keep the addiction sated for awhile hehehe!!!

[donald altman]

Okay IO want you guys to try doing it on an established reef that is currently running.. let me know how it works.. I got a 100 gallon to do soon

[BenjieC]

I use vegtable oil to use as a lubricant and coolant. It works great! I start with a jig I made then take it away and the oil stays in place it makes the process a whole lot easier than using water and a dam.

[JustOneMoreTank]

I guess that everyone has looked at my thread Step-by-Step: Drilling Holes in Your Glass Tank for Bulkheads? You can find it in the DIY forum. I would cut and paste the link but I am at work and the mouse/computer doesnt work worth a lick.
Lots of info in that thread. :)