tank drilling

I currently have a 36 gal fresh water tank which I want to upgrade to a saltwater one. The first problem I see is that the bottom of my tank is tempered and I am not able to drill it. My first question is .... If the tank walls were not tempered, Is it possible to drill the walls? have any of you guys done that ?

 

drilling the back is the easiest and safest way to do it imo

 

I drilled my 75gal 4 holes in the back wasnt really hard just takes lots of planning and go slow no pressure let the bit do all the work.

 

You can drill the back wall. I did two overflows on the rear wall of my tank. The other comments are correct, drill slowly and let the weight of the drill do the work. I would also recommend spending a bit extra for a drill guide.

General Tools Drill Guide and Chuck - 36/37 at The Home Depot

This will help you drill a straight hole and take some major stress out of the whole operation.

 

hav you thought about a bob overflow its not as nice as a drilled one but they are a little cheeper and you dont have all the stress of the drilling?

if not the gl*******s.com has everything you need and actually showes you hox to do it step by step.

 

I have drilled the backs of several tanks and generally use overflow kits from glass-holes.com.

A few pointers for when you drill:

1) Clamp & tape a 1/4" to 1/2" thick hole pattern (i.e. plywood with a hole cut out slightly larger than you diamond hole saw used for drilling the glass) or drill guide as suggested by jfdean above. Make sure this is secure, as the diamond hole saw will jump around a lot when you are first starting the cut. Go slow and steady - all you need to do is make a ~1/16" deep groove to hold the bit in place for the rest of the cut.

2) Once the hole is started enough so the bit doesn't jump around, remove the pattern and surround the outside of the hole with plumbers putty. Fill the area with water to keep the bit cool. Note that the glass dust filled water will end up leaking out, so keep some paper towels on hand to clean up as you go.

3) Be sure to place towels underneath to catch the glass cutout so it doesn't crack the opposite side of the tank when the hole punches through.

4) Slow and steady is key.


Other than that, I would suggest watching Youtube instructional videos on the process. They will be your biggest help.

 

all very good advice, just cant use putty when you drill a running reef tank but you can have someone squirt water to keep it cool.

 

Drilling a running reef tank? That takes some cajones, my friend Props on that.

 

Thanks I had sweaty hands the whole time it was my first tank I drilled also lol Glass-hole.com is def the way to go for parts and you get free candy lol

 

Hahaha, I totally forgot about the free candy! I'm about to order from them again too. Excellent product, even better service.

The first tank I drilled had 1/2" thick glass and required four separate holes (2 for overflow + 2 for returns). I was about to lose it at the end after listening to that god-awful glass drilling noise for 2 hours straight. Ear plugs might have been a good investment.