Holes in tank!

[nyfynest22]

Hey everyone im getting a 220 gallon tank soon. i live in long island , ny and was wondering if there is a company out here that would make the holes for me?! need them to be 100% carefull and legit. please anyone that knows of anyone in li please let me know thanks!

 

[Tim]

What do you need hole`s for? Circulation or drain and return`s?

 

[nyfynest22]

Yes for return and drains.

 

[seascape]

buy a RR and you have no problems

 

[sharkbait69]

You can drill them your self. its not hard and its fun.

 

[nycoralguy]

If you never drilled a tank, don't do it on your 200+gal tank, and the drill and bits would cost you a fortune. the place you buy the tank should be able to order it drilled, or buy it w/ a built in overflow. If you insist on drilling your self, on such a big tank, the bottem should be temepered. Find out w/ the manufacture.

 

[darkdrako]

The size of the tank doesn't matter and like sharkbait said its easy to do it yourself. A diamond coated holesaw should only run you $15 or $20 a piece for up to 3". Just be aware that you cannot drill a tempered pane of glass with those same bits. You need to plan where you want the holes.

I drilled (1) 1.5" and (2) 3/4" holes for my overflow and return and there is nothing really involved. Just take your time.

 

[sharkbait69]

If you never drilled a tank, don't do it on your 200+gal tank, and the drill and bits would cost you a fortune. the place you buy the tank should be able to order it drilled, or buy it w/ a built in overflow. If you insist on drilling your self, on such a big tank, the bottem should be temepered. Find out w/ the manufacture.

drill the back of the tank not the bottom. Use glass holes over flow box they complete the drilled tank look.
the drill ??? a cordless drill with the clutch on 5-6 plenty of water to cool the glass and bit. and the bit??? no more then 15 off ebay. I use a seller out of Hong Kong. His bit kick a$$ and they are cheap. he?s a fast shipper and good, not a thief. They are cheap bits and I get a lot of tanks and holes out of one bit.
Don't throw fear in anyone?s head about a DIY project:shhh:, maybe urge caution, like don?t rush the drill bit or push on the drill, let the drill bit do the work. Words like that . Try encouraging people to do things.
Drilling is not hard, it is fun, and it gives a lot of the first time DIY encouragement to try other DIY projects.
Have fun, enjoy the hobby and make the tank truly their own.

 

[jrobbins]

im all for encouraging DIY projects, but it's kind of ballsy to make your first attempt at drilling a tank a brand new 200gal...there are much cheaper ways to learn.

 

[caad3]

I would have to agree

im all for encouraging DIY projects, but it's kind of ballsy to make your first attempt at drilling a tank a brand new 200gal...there are much cheaper ways to learn.

I'm all for diy, but 200+ gallons of water is not something to take lightly... if you have not received the tank and have the option, buy the reef ready version. Will save you time/ and pain in the end.

 

[darkdrako]

You can find a place that does glass cutting and ask for some scraps of the same thickness if you want to try it out. How thick is the glass on a 200+ tank? My 75 has 3/8" glass and I wasn't worried at all of breaking it while cutting the whole. From this point on, all of my future tanks will be drilled by myself (as long as they are not tempered!).

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Some of the vendors here do tank drilling, it's not something that is recommended it takes a certain finesse that these guys have. It also takes the right tools and the right measurements.

 

[sharkbait69]

im all for encouraging DIY projects, but it's kind of ballsy to make your first attempt at drilling a tank a brand new 200gal...there are much cheaper ways to learn.

true, i can't and wont argue that.

i found and old window and figured out the amount of pressure to put on a the drill. sure i broke a couple of panels since was thin window glass but i did get it.
IMHO the thicker the glass the easier it is.

 

[sharkbait69]

Some videos to show the average person drilling holes.
the last two videos are from glass holes. they sell kits with everything you need. Except water and cordless drill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzpOtssB9mA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ7a-xGYPB8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9MaQw1OsN8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTs7v2SSIi4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSYqSeW1mQg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD9CPqhtY88