Drilling a 125 & flow

revobreaker · 08/18/2011, 07:19 AM

So a scored a 125 long, stand, and canopy off craigslist last week

I ordered a glass-holes.com 1500 overflow, and the 3/4 return kits, and i would like some advice.

1. Any insider hints? I have watched a few videos, and see it done in person so I am pretty comfortable with the process. I used the polarized lens/LCD trick to verify that the panels are NOT tempered!

2. It makes the most sense to me to put the overflow in the middle of the tank, then one return on each side, as far apart as I can get them. Does that sound right to everyone else? (return pump will probably be a mag 12 or maybe mag 9.5)

3. For supplemental flow (powerheads) I was thinking about getting two sets of the JBJ duo 1600, putting one set under the overflow pointing out to the sides, then putting the other set on the side glass pointing down the length of the glass.

^that may not belong in this section but I figured id just add it to this post

revobreaker · 08/18/2011, 07:50 PM

maybe i put this in the wrong forum?

Anyway i wanted to let out a sigh of frustration, I got my glass-holes order in today... SANS drill bit

gues this wont be going down this weekend anyway

dlp211 · 08/18/2011, 08:01 PM

If you can, drill from both sides, it will prevent chipping, and lots of water.

ludiNano · 08/18/2011, 08:14 PM

Just go take it slow when you drill. Be sure to use plumbers putty or playdough to make a wall around the hole and fill it with water. I used a dewalt and had it on the lowest setting 1 or 2.

I like centering the overflow and having returns on both sides plan. Lynnmw1208 did the same thing.

Im not sure about the mag or the jbj pump never used them ( never heard of the jbj ph)

What do you mean by SANS?

Brando8719 · 08/18/2011, 08:29 PM

sans means without in french.

I drilled my tank probably 2 months ago. Just make sure you are running lots of water on it to keep it cool.. and to prevent chipping you should slightly rock the drill as you are finishing. Also, when you are starting.. start with the drill on an angle. I'm sure you've seen this though if you've watched the videos.

reefkeeper78 · 08/18/2011, 08:40 PM

Are you planning on drilling the side or bottom panes? I also have a 125 long that I drilled as well. My tank has a tempered bottom so I drilled the sides. Most 125's that I know have tempered bottoms. As far as tips go, use a cordless drill with a clutch, set it to the lowest number and take it slow. If the saw gets caught the clutch trips and you have less chipping if any. Put something inside the tank to catch the falling piece of glass, probally wouldn't do any damage but its not worth the risk.

dylan87 · 08/18/2011, 11:59 PM

drill from inside the tank out if you get any chips it will be on the outside of the tank and wont mess with the bulkhead seal.... no pressure just the weight of the drill

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 06:52 AM

Excellent thanks everyone.

I am going to drill the back, the bottom is tempered.

I am still waiting to hear back from glass-holes.com.......

Gandolfe · 08/19/2011, 06:58 AM

when I drilled mine I started off at slow speed on drill to get groove and then switched to high speed to drill. It worked better for me. also if you can back glass it will cut down on chips, maybe have someone help you while you drill.I drilled mine outside on my deck and used the hose running over bit at a slow flow,what a mess. After a few holes I just used a spray bottle and sprayed glass by drill bit to keep it wet. It never got hot and a lot less mess

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 07:02 AM

What do you mean by back glass?

Gandolfe · 08/19/2011, 07:27 AM

put something against the opposite side that you are drilling for support, a piece of wood, or plexiglass, or somethng like that, that way when your drill pushes against the side you are drilling the backside is supported and less likely to chip

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 08:02 AM

easy enough, thanks!

luisgo · 08/19/2011, 08:46 AM

I have a 125 and recently I did some glass drilling and new flow setup. There are a lot of photos in my upgrade post that may help.

Here is the link to the post

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2008050

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 09:07 AM

Ive seen that thread. LOVE the pics.

I have already got a few ideas from you!

__SKINNY__ · 08/19/2011, 09:11 AM

Don't forget to use duct tape on the inside of the tank so the hole don't fall and chip the other side of the tank.

reefstricken · 08/19/2011, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by __SKINNY__

Don't forget to use duct tape on the inside of the tank so the hole don't fall and chip the other side of the tank.

Yep, I've done five tanks with the glass-holes kits, recently built my own overflow and used a similar design. Additionally I would put a towel on inside bottom as drilling through the tape is easy - cutout has some cushion when/if it falls.

Go slow to avoid chips.

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 01:32 PM

Glass-holes is shipping the bit out! Hope to have it Monday and will be able to get the drilling done sometime next week

fishnub · 08/19/2011, 03:38 PM

i have done both slow and fast, going slow i almost cracked a tank because the bit "bit" the glass and twisted the drill out of my hand. going fast but not 120% AB was best for me.

revobreaker · 08/19/2011, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishnub

i have done both slow and fast, going slow i almost cracked a tank because the bit "bit" the glass and twisted the drill out of my hand. going fast but not 120% AB was best for me.

Lol maybe ill just let you do it for me

what you doing tomorrow? I might try the returns at least

Kyuss · 08/19/2011, 09:06 PM

Here's how I laid out the overflow/returns on my 150g with the glass-holes 1500gph kit..

Chris2223 · 08/19/2011, 09:26 PM

I have drilled a 10g, 20g, 30g, and my 125g. Use a cordless drill with the clutch setting on 1 or 2 like reefkeeper78 said, and use a good amount of water. When I drilled the 30g ( most recent tank drilled ) I used a 1x4 and notched 3 " V's " in one side where all 3 of my holes would go as a template. It is WAY easier with a template than tilting the drill to one side to start a grove, if you don't the bit may stray off and it will scuff the glass. I just used some duct tape to hold down the template, used a cup of water to flush out the grove every couple minutes and had all 3 holes drilled in abt 15 minutes... HTH

Gandolfe · 08/20/2011, 05:48 AM

I made my template out of a piece of 1/4 " plexi and drilled a hole just slightly larger then my glass drill bit and used that to start the wholes

08/18/2011, 07:19 AM	#1
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	Drilling a 125 & flow So a scored a 125 long, stand, and canopy off craigslist last week I ordered a glass-holes.com 1500 overflow, and the 3/4 return kits, and i would like some advice. 1. Any insider hints? I have watched a few videos, and see it done in person so I am pretty comfortable with the process. I used the polarized lens/LCD trick to verify that the panels are NOT tempered! 2. It makes the most sense to me to put the overflow in the middle of the tank, then one return on each side, as far apart as I can get them. Does that sound right to everyone else? (return pump will probably be a mag 12 or maybe mag 9.5) 3. For supplemental flow (powerheads) I was thinking about getting two sets of the JBJ duo 1600, putting one set under the overflow pointing out to the sides, then putting the other set on the side glass pointing down the length of the glass. ^that may not belong in this section but I figured id just add it to this post __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/18/2011, 07:50 PM	#2
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	maybe i put this in the wrong forum? Anyway i wanted to let out a sigh of frustration, I got my glass-holes order in today... SANS drill bit gues this wont be going down this weekend anyway __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/18/2011, 08:01 PM	#3
dlp211 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 591	If you can, drill from both sides, it will prevent chipping, and lots of water. __________________ Standard 180 w/C2C overflow 40B Sump, 40B refugium w/DSB SRO 3000 internal, BRS Carbon Rx 100# BRS Pukani, 40# Marco

08/19/2011, 06:52 AM	#8
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	Excellent thanks everyone. I am going to drill the back, the bottom is tempered. I am still waiting to hear back from glass-holes.com....... __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/19/2011, 07:02 AM	#10
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	What do you mean by back glass? __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/18/2011, 08:14 PM	#4
ludiNano I'm becoming...Brundlefly Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bettendorf, Iowas Posts: 1,804	Just go take it slow when you drill. Be sure to use plumbers putty or playdough to make a wall around the hole and fill it with water. I used a dewalt and had it on the lowest setting 1 or 2. I like centering the overflow and having returns on both sides plan. Lynnmw1208 did the same thing. Im not sure about the mag or the jbj pump never used them ( never heard of the jbj ph) What do you mean by SANS?

08/18/2011, 08:29 PM	#5
Brando8719 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 112	sans means without in french. I drilled my tank probably 2 months ago. Just make sure you are running lots of water on it to keep it cool.. and to prevent chipping you should slightly rock the drill as you are finishing. Also, when you are starting.. start with the drill on an angle. I'm sure you've seen this though if you've watched the videos.

08/18/2011, 08:40 PM	#6
reefkeeper78 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 198	Are you planning on drilling the side or bottom panes? I also have a 125 long that I drilled as well. My tank has a tempered bottom so I drilled the sides. Most 125's that I know have tempered bottoms. As far as tips go, use a cordless drill with a clutch, set it to the lowest number and take it slow. If the saw gets caught the clutch trips and you have less chipping if any. Put something inside the tank to catch the falling piece of glass, probally wouldn't do any damage but its not worth the risk.

08/18/2011, 11:59 PM	#7
dylan87 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: campaign, il Posts: 129	drill from inside the tank out if you get any chips it will be on the outside of the tank and wont mess with the bulkhead seal.... no pressure just the weight of the drill

08/19/2011, 06:58 AM	#9
Gandolfe Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Port Richey,Florida Posts: 849	when I drilled mine I started off at slow speed on drill to get groove and then switched to high speed to drill. It worked better for me. also if you can back glass it will cut down on chips, maybe have someone help you while you drill.I drilled mine outside on my deck and used the hose running over bit at a slow flow,what a mess. After a few holes I just used a spray bottle and sprayed glass by drill bit to keep it wet. It never got hot and a lot less mess

08/19/2011, 07:27 AM	#11
Gandolfe Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Port Richey,Florida Posts: 849	put something against the opposite side that you are drilling for support, a piece of wood, or plexiglass, or somethng like that, that way when your drill pushes against the side you are drilling the backside is supported and less likely to chip Last edited by Gandolfe; 08/19/2011 at 08:13 AM.

08/19/2011, 08:02 AM	#12
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	easy enough, thanks! __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/19/2011, 08:46 AM	#13
luisgo Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 628	I have a 125 and recently I did some glass drilling and new flow setup. There are a lot of photos in my upgrade post that may help. Here is the link to the post http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2008050 __________________ Tank of the Month Reefkeeping Magazine 11/2008 Current Tank Info: Reef 125 gal, Aquapod 12gal, 55 planted

08/19/2011, 09:07 AM	#14
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	Ive seen that thread. LOVE the pics. I have already got a few ideas from you! __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/19/2011, 09:11 AM	#15
__SKINNY__ Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 126	Don't forget to use duct tape on the inside of the tank so the hole don't fall and chip the other side of the tank.

08/19/2011, 01:32 PM	#17
revobreaker Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 56	Glass-holes is shipping the bit out! Hope to have it Monday and will be able to get the drilling done sometime next week __________________ Display 110/ Sump 30 Mag 9.5, MP40 x2, Nova Extreme 6x54w, RKE, Reef Octopus XS160, Bubble Magus dosing pump Mixed reef, started July 2010

08/19/2011, 03:38 PM	#18
fishnub Likes to Taste Tank Water Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 289 Blog Entries: 2	i have done both slow and fast, going slow i almost cracked a tank because the bit "bit" the glass and twisted the drill out of my hand. going fast but not 120% AB was best for me. __________________ Check out my nano! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2144439 25g mr. aqua sps led tank Current Tank Info: 25g SPS mr. aqua diy led

08/19/2011, 09:06 PM	#20
Kyuss Megistered Rember Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 470	Here's how I laid out the overflow/returns on my 150g with the glass-holes 1500gph kit..

08/19/2011, 09:26 PM	#21
Chris2223 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oh Posts: 109	I have drilled a 10g, 20g, 30g, and my 125g. Use a cordless drill with the clutch setting on 1 or 2 like reefkeeper78 said, and use a good amount of water. When I drilled the 30g ( most recent tank drilled ) I used a 1x4 and notched 3 " V's " in one side where all 3 of my holes would go as a template. It is WAY easier with a template than tilting the drill to one side to start a grove, if you don't the bit may stray off and it will scuff the glass. I just used some duct tape to hold down the template, used a cup of water to flush out the grove every couple minutes and had all 3 holes drilled in abt 15 minutes... HTH

08/20/2011, 05:48 AM	#22
Gandolfe Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Port Richey,Florida Posts: 849	I made my template out of a piece of 1/4 " plexi and drilled a hole just slightly larger then my glass drill bit and used that to start the wholes

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