Tank Drilling Advice Please...

[Bikinisalt]

For you guys that are much more experienced than me. I need some help. I am about to drill my first hole on a 120G tank. My question is how far from the top of the tank should the edge of the hole be??? I am planning to drill a 1 1/2" hole. I always liked the water level to hit the edge of the black trim on my tanks so I don't see the top of the surface. This will be my first drill and I would the same and not see the top. If anyone could let me know, I would greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance...

 

[Deanos]

Drilling glass

However low you drill the hole, you could use a PVC pipe w/elbow & strainer to determine water level.

 

[Bikinisalt]

I just want to use the bulkhead and strainer on the glass. I don't want to use pvc.

 

[jhale]

unless you don't mind the water level being low you will have to use pvc to raise the intake level. the size of the bulkhead will prevent the hole from being at the top of the tank.

 

[Deanos]

Then you'd have to drill dangerously close to the top.

 

[bad coffee]

if you drill the hole too close to the top, you run the risk of it cracking.

You could build a small overflow box just to cover the bulkhead, and place it as high as you need.

b

 

[Bikinisalt]

So drilling the hole to close to the top is not an option, I see. I am lost with the overflow box idea. I was trying to prevent that because I don't want nothing hanging over the back of the tank.

 

[Bob 1000]

The overflow box could be like a nano type of overflow with a 4 sided box with no back inside the tank that is just held in place by the suction of the water going into the bulkhead hole...This can be slid up or down depending on the level of the water you like....

 

[Bikinisalt]

Thanks Bob. Where may I purchase one of these boxes you are suggesting??? I have never seen them...

 

[Bob 1000]

Hey where did you get you drill bit??? I need a 1.5in hole drilled in my tank, maybe you coul practice on my tank first,:wink1: I have drilled my tanks in the past so if you you need more advice just call me....
You could probably get one of these good plexiglass cutting guys on this sight to make one...It shouldn't be hard...

 

[fishguttz]

The overflow box could glue to the inside of the tank. I did that on a much smaller tank and it worked great. I siliconed it in place and then secured it again using the bulkhead threaded ring (not the official name)

 

[Bikinisalt]

Alright Bob, I call you if I need help... I bought the drill bit on Ebay. I got it on Thursday. .

 

[Bikinisalt]

Now I am really getting confused here...

 

[Bob 1000]

The overflow box could glue to the inside of the tank. I did that on a much smaller tank and it worked great. I siliconed it in place and then secured it again using the bulkhead threaded ring (not the official name)

You don't have to silicone in place natural suction will hold in place unless you have big fish that might swim against it....

 

[Bikinisalt]

Where do I find one of these boxes you are talking about Bob or do I have to make it up???

 

[kimoyo]

Bikinisalt -

Drilling holes in glass isn't as easy as you might think the first time you do it. I drilled a few when setting up my glass sump a few years ago and broke a few 10G tanks. Since they were 10G it was cheap but breaking a 120 would really suck.

BTW, I got my drill bits off ebay also.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

My advice, ask Jim (House of Laughter) or Russ (masterswimmer) to do it for you.They are good.

 

[Deanos]

You don't have to silicone in place natural suction will hold in place unless you have big fish that might swim against it....

What natural suction is occuring with an internal overflow box?

 

[Bikinisalt]

This might sound like a stupid ? If I take a regular internal overflow box and glue it with silicone to the height that I want. I could drill the hole just right through the glass and the box? Or am I wrong?? I would be able to drill the hole just about 3" from the top because the overflow box is what will be keeping the height of the water level. Am I correct to assume this will work???

 

[Bikinisalt]

What natural suction is occuring with an internal overflow box?

I agree this does not make sense...