Drilling tanks

[Stlrockguy]

I might be buying a oceanic 150 gallon tank with 1/2in glass. Would this be hard to drill

 

[chbix]

There are some videos on YouTube. You need a diamond tip hole saw. Most people make a dam around where you are drilling to hold water. Then just go slow.

Personally I have not done this, it was just what I saw from te videos

 

[Stlrockguy]

Ok I will check it out

 

[Stlrockguy]

Yea I'm already paying more for the tank and stand then I wanted to

 

[Aquadan]

I just drilled a tank for the first time a couple weeks ago and it was super easy. I was extremely nervous but not hard at all. I got the complete overflow kit from glass-holes.com and it comes with everything you need including the diamond bit and bulkheads. Just go slow and keep the bit well lubricated.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Thanks Dan.

 

[Stlrockguy]

Any suggestions on which one to get. Tank is 72x18x27. Would like duel overflows

 

[Aquadan]

I'm still very new to the salty side so probably not the best person to answer this. For duel overflows I would think two of the 700 gph would be good but def get a second opinion. Good luck

 

[Stlrockguy]

Alright. Thanks for your help

 

[huma-huma]

Do yourself a favor and go with corner overflows. I bought my 125 with dual rear overflows and they are the biggest eyesore in my tank. Next tank will be corner overflows or custom drilled

 

[Stlrockguy]

I found someone in my reef club that has a lot of experience drilling tanks

 

[Phranque]

I found someone in my reef club that has a lot of experience drilling tanks

Then definitely make use of their experience..... Drilling thinner glass tanks like 29's or 55's is pretty easy, but when you start talking 1/2" glass, things can get a bit hairy. If you do decide to do it yourself, I highly recommend a drill guide to keep the bit straight. I very recently drilled a tank with 3/8" glass by hand and the bit got slightly crooked on me without realizing it......
If it goes too crooked, the bulkhead won't sit straight, meaning no seal & ruined tank. You'd have to try & drill around it with a larger bit....... hoping you left yourself enough clearance from the edge for a larger flanged bulkhead.

Luckily, I got away with a Mulligan on this one......