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Unread 08/01/2009, 07:55 AM   #851
hllywd
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If you're worried about dropping something on the bottom of the tank, starboard, or even acrylic would be better ideas than the ceramic tile. As long as you use some reasonable guidelines like the previously mentioned spacing there shouldn't be any integrity issues. Triple check before you begin to drill whether the tank is tempered or not. Back to the ceramic idea, it will need to be notched around the bulkheads, I wasn't sure from you post what your intentions were... As for sealing it to the bottom, the previous owner of my tank siliconed acrylic to the bottom, it is not water tight and I assume that was his idea, so be forewarned...

Additionally I'd be very careful supporting the bottom as you intend, any undue upward pressure and you're likely to create problems you wouldn't have had otherwise. Finally most tank manufacturers recommend against using foam under there tanks.

Good Luck!
Tim


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Unread 08/02/2009, 06:37 PM   #852
procaelio
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Thanks for your replies and suggestions. The purpose for the bulkhead is for a drain that will go into my sewer lines. I have turtles that require frequent water changes even with a filter system. That brings me to the reason for the ceramic tile. It will raise the bottom above the bulkhead so when I drain the tank it won't leave a layer of sludge on the bottom. (Maybe I shouldn't try to seal it?)

For support of the bottom I was thinking of putting ten blobs of silicone on a plastic sheet, four around the bulkhead and six at evenly placed points under the rest of the tank, and then I'll place the tank down on top of it. I'm hoping this will give some support and still be slightly flexible. Or should I just forget about adding extra support?


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Unread 08/03/2009, 05:29 AM   #853
GoldStripe
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What kinda of turtles do you have? I know it's unrealted but I have 2 terrapins as well!


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Unread 08/05/2009, 09:02 AM   #854
procaelio
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I have two "red ear sliders", about seven years old. They very healthy critters, never had any problems even though I've had them living in muck half the time. Anyway I'm trying to improve their living conditions now. With my luck the clean environment will probably kill them.


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Unread 08/05/2009, 09:52 AM   #855
GoldStripe
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Cool man. 1 of my diamondback terps is 27 years old and still fat and happy.


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Unread 01/21/2010, 04:58 PM   #856
JustOneMoreTank
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Just checking in to see Reef Central and how the post is doing.
Happy Reefing everyone!


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Unread 01/21/2010, 11:44 PM   #857
marc111
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JustOneMoreTank View Post
Just checking in to see Reef Central and how the post is doing.
Happy Reefing everyone!
Unfortunately all of your pictures that show the step by step at the beginning appear to be down.


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Unread 01/22/2010, 03:36 PM   #858
JustOneMoreTank
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marc111
Sorry that Photobucket had disconnected my account for inactivity and all of the pictures were blank. I signed back in and they should all be back up now.
Hope this continues to help everyone out there in this wonderful hobby!


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Unread 01/22/2010, 10:11 PM   #859
marc111
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Thanks for the help in getting them back up.
Mark


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Unread 02/03/2010, 02:40 PM   #860
djrab52
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JustOneMoreTank,

I am glad I did a search on this before I posted an new thread, but I have a question for you. On the first page of this thread in your second set of pictures, did you drill the tank without doing the whole water adding step? Reason I am asking is because i want to add another hole to my glass sump but I don't want to break down the entire sump and turn it on the side if I don't have to. I have a 120G sump with LiveRock and sand in it currently. I can drain the one section with no problem where the whole will be drilled but just wanted to know if it is possible to do it with the tank still on the stand?


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Unread 09/16/2013, 10:12 PM   #861
Fail_sh3d
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Thank you for this awesome thread JustOne.

Great information. Really helped me in drilling my first time.


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Unread 08/23/2014, 08:03 AM   #862
Curt Boswelll
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I thought this was a great thread for anyone interested in drilling their tank. I do. Have a question for anyone who can answer it. Is there a minimum size glass you can drill? If so what would that size be?


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Unread 08/23/2014, 08:07 AM   #863
PHATBEN
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Ive drilled 5 gallon tanks the trick is to use a template to keep the drill steady... And go super slow let the drill do the work....


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Unread 08/23/2014, 08:38 AM   #864
Curt Boswelll
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Originally Posted by PHATBEN View Post
Ive drilled 5 gallon tanks the trick is to use a template to keep the drill steady... And go super slow let the drill do the work....
Thanks!


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Unread 08/23/2014, 10:33 PM   #865
psyrob
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Just, drilled another 10 gallon tank with the Hong Kong drill bits...two holes, no problems. My routine: Make a hole thru acrylic sheet or thin plywood for a guide hole, clamp it to the tank, and on the other side of the glass I have duct tape and a very thin piece of ply wood, all clamped together. My thought is that the plywood gives more support to the glass. The duct tape holds the glass and keeps it from chipping. I took about 20 minutes a hole, watching for water to drip down into the tank that I had broken thru. I poured water on the hole throughout the process. If you are on the fence about drilling your own, just read this thread and go for it!


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