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drilling tank while full
- Thread starter Daleyjdan
- Start date
choff
Non-member
Risky, but possible. Would need to rig up something to ensure that when you broke through no water or glass dust made it into the tank. My other concern would be temp variance if you are running cold water on the cutting surface and the 80 deg glass temp from the reef water. It might be ok, just something to think about. I cut my 125 horizontally. It was a little more challenging ensuring I kept the drill level vs straight down, but it wasn't that bad.
Perhaps duct tape up the inside then superglue or silicone a catch cup under the hole?
...stupid auto correct
Perhaps duct tape up the inside then superglue or silicone a catch cup under the hole?
...stupid auto correct
No reason you can't drill with it part full, keep the drill area wet with a squeeze bottle or mist bottle. If the water is likely to drain back into the tank use DI otherwise a little glass dust won't hurt.
Jim
Jim
Matt L.
Non-member
There's technically no reason you can't drill it when half-full, however, practically speaking, it is going to be very difficult.
1. You need to apply constant pressure and maintain constant rotation. This will be difficult in the horizontal.
2. You need to apply constant water lubrication. I use a garden hose. This also will be difficult in the horizontal.
3. There is always a risk of the glass cracking, especially if you don't follow Steps 1 and 2.
4. I use a template (simple hole drilled through wood) to prevent the drill from kicking, and this is easier to attach to the surface in the horizontal. And it also is modified to allow water to dam up.
5. Glass dust. I don't think this is a danger for the reef inhabitants, but you do generate quite a bit, and as you drill through, it will end up in your tank.
Matt
1. You need to apply constant pressure and maintain constant rotation. This will be difficult in the horizontal.
2. You need to apply constant water lubrication. I use a garden hose. This also will be difficult in the horizontal.
3. There is always a risk of the glass cracking, especially if you don't follow Steps 1 and 2.
4. I use a template (simple hole drilled through wood) to prevent the drill from kicking, and this is easier to attach to the surface in the horizontal. And it also is modified to allow water to dam up.
5. Glass dust. I don't think this is a danger for the reef inhabitants, but you do generate quite a bit, and as you drill through, it will end up in your tank.
Matt
OP
OP
Daleyjdan
Non-member
I have a template but I was thinking of ducktaping the inside of tank so no glass or water falls through and using a spray bottle to keep drill bit cool, the template hole is a little bigger then the drill bit should I just keep the bottle of drill bit against bottom of thhe templatetemplate hole
A friend holding a hose would work. Also, drill for 10-20 second, stop and use a wet paper towel to cool and clean the area also works.
I have drilled without water before. It was after the snow storm. I just stopped every now and then and threw some snow on it.
The water is to keep the glass cool and not let it expand and possibly cause a crack.
ReefKeeper1699
Non-member
So if the glass is half empty.....drill it?
cilyjr
Chris
Yes this
I have drilled a tank that had water and livestock in it.
I usually have a bucket with a hole drilled in the bottom with a small valve on it then I have a template with a notch cut out of it.
I insert airline tubing to the valve (john guest) then the notch in the template. And open it half way or so.
The picture is when I drilled my tank not the 1/2 full one but same idea.
