Help with drilling a tank

McLaughlin4 · #1 01/09/2008, 11:32 AM

Ok I will be picking up my tank this weekend it is a 60 gallon cube 24x24x24. I want (need) to make it RR so. I want to drill a hole in the tank for the over flow . Now I am pretty handy but just want to talk and get input from people that have done it before. Does anyone know someone local that might do it for cheap ? does anyone know where to buy a diomond bit ? And is it there a better place to drill ? I would like to put in the on the bottom in the middle towards the back for the over flow to be centered in the back of the tank. THanks for the info . Jim

drparker · #2 01/09/2008, 12:02 PM

Jim,

I drilled 5 holes for a closed loop on my 44g tank. I got the bits from Diamond bits

Make sure the bottom of your tank is not Tempered Glass it will shatter if it is. A lot of tanks have a bottom that is tempered.

Leave at least one inch of glass to the sides of the tank.

Here's a step by step Drilling tank thread

I used plumbers putty to build the dam instead of the plastic ring he used.

Good luck, take pictures, I wish I had.

RobTop · #3 01/09/2008, 12:17 PM

I have drilled dozens and dozens of holes and have several bits, get them from lau*** on e-bay. My 2" schedule 80 bit was under $15.
Use wesson oil as a lube, works best. the damm idea is nice, but I haven't used it since the 1st couple holes. Slow and easy. Stright up and down, light pressure and you are good.

McLaughlin4 · #4 01/09/2008, 12:42 PM

And what about getting some bulkheads anywhere local to buy those .

yankeereefer · #5 01/09/2008, 12:45 PM

the only places for bulkheads (semi close to you) are Exotic Aquatics, Reef Plus and Aquarium Adventure - Beyond the Reef might also have them. Best bet is to call around

Steverino · #6 01/09/2008, 12:54 PM

Jim; I have a 1.75" diameter drill bit from that "Lau" guy. I can loan you the drill bit if you want to borrow, I am local to you.

I think I have 2-3 of the 1" ID diameter bulkheads that fit the 1.75 hole. I bought them from a local online sponsor, AquaCave. I will pass them along to you at the same price. If you want a photo or a link I'll find it. They are just like this, but I have to double check the threading and ID/OD slip/slip or threaded/slip style. I beleive the outer side undeer your tnak would be threaded and the inside that would be your standpipe would be slip.

http://www.aquacave.com/detail.aspx?ID=437#

RobTop · #7 01/09/2008, 04:40 PM

If you have a Farm and Fleet near by they sell a "banjo" brand bulk head. Hard to find if you don't know where to look. They are back by the sprayer equipment. The type of sprayer that goes on a truck. That guy in the corn feild loves them. (that would be Rod)

cet98 · #8 01/09/2008, 10:25 PM

McLaughlin4...where did you get your 60gal cube?...is it framed or frameless...
thanks in advance...!

Quote:

Originally posted by McLaughlin4
Ok I will be picking up my tank this weekend it is a 60 gallon cube 24x24x24. I want (need) to make it RR so. I want to drill a hole in the tank for the over flow . Now I am pretty handy but just want to talk and get input from people that have done it before. Does anyone know someone local that might do it for cheap ? does anyone know where to buy a diomond bit ? And is it there a better place to drill ? I would like to put in the on the bottom in the middle towards the back for the over flow to be centered in the back of the tank. THanks for the info . Jim