Prattreef tank build

[Chiefmcfuz]

Nice work

 

[nanoreefer22]

Nice work Brett!!!!

 

[scarf_ace1981]

sorry if i missed it but is it gonna be a 90g or 75g sump?

 

[prattreef]

A big thanks go out (yet again) to Brett for taking this on. Also thanks to Sean and Olivere from Aquatic Creations for getting me the tank at cost. And my buddy Jason for helping out. MR continues to rock this project and we are getting very close to implementation..... more on that in the coming days.
Randy
Scarface it is a 75g. A 90g. is the same footprint but taller, which for this application is not useful as the sump won't be filled to the top as it is. The few inches it saves also gives me better access.

 

[prattreef]

Fry,
I just noticed the pics you posted and they look great to me Kasei's opinion is more important on this than mine. Thanks again for thinking this through.

RD

 

[masterswimmer]

Brett, very nice work.
Question for you. In pic four, the drill is visible to the side of the completed hole. Did you use a diamond encrusted hole saw? Or, a diamond drill bit? From the pic it looks like a drill bit.

swimmer

 

[nanoreefer22]

Brett, very nice work.
Question for you. In pic four, the drill is visible to the side of the completed hole. Did you use a diamond encrusted hole saw? Or, a diamond drill bit? From the pic it looks like a drill bit.

swimmer

Russ,
Brett uses a tile cutting bit, let me say this thing cuts like buttah!
-Kris

 

[prattreef]

Roto zip tile cutting bit.

 

[masterswimmer]

Russ,
Brett uses a tile cutting bit, let me say this thing cuts like buttah!
-Kris

Tile cutting bit looks like this

Is that what he used?

 

[nanoreefer22]

Russ this is the exact bit that Brett used.... Link to the product... http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/PROD/dremel-tile-grout/BBA76

 

[masterswimmer]

Kris, are you sure he used a carbide tip as opposed to a diamond tip?

 

[prattreef]

Yes he did. I had to run to Home depot to buy a new one is was getting dull--$7 each.

 

[prattreef]

Not as elegent as a Diamond tip, but a lot more affordable and it surely got the job done. RD

 

[masterswimmer]

Thanks Kris & Randy.

I know you said more affordable, but if you had to replace the bit with only three holes, then the diamond tip might pay in the long run. That's assuming you had more holes you needed to drill.

Regardless, the craftsmanship is great. Everything is looking super. I can't wait to see it up and running. Then we get to see you at your best Randy :biggrin:

swimmer

 

[nanoreefer22]

Thanks Kris & Randy.

I know you said more affordable, but if you had to replace the bit with only three holes, then the diamond tip might pay in the long run. That's assuming you had more holes you needed to drill.

Regardless, the craftsmanship is great. Everything is looking super. I can't wait to see it up and running. Then we get to see you at your best Randy :biggrin:

swimmer

No Prob Russ. That bit was probably running for a lot more than 3 holes. He did mine, just extending, so thats 2 more . Makes me wanna invest in one.

 

[prattreef]

True Russ, but it wasn't a new bit when he started on my tank.

You're so right about my best... I totally suck at this setup part of the hobby...honestly, I don't find it particularly interesting or rewarding, just very stressful and I am VERY happy that those of you who do are willing to help out as much as you all do.

RD

 

[masterswimmer]

You're so right about my best... I totally suck at this setup part of the hobby...honestly, I don't find it particularly interesting or rewarding, just very stressful and I am VERY happy that those of you who do are willing to help out as much as you all do.

RD

You've got an unbelievable support group. I'm amazed at what these guys can do. Kudos to them.

As far as your best, lord knows you're a proven entity. The excitment mounts each day with this project. I'm psyched to see it unfold.

R

 

[bad coffee]

Russ, it is a carbide bit. the one I cut the first hole on Randy's sump was my first tile cutting bit. (It has cut way more than 2 holes! ) I compared the old bit to a new one and you could acutally feel the difference in the teeth. The new one was a LOT sharper and more jagged. The old one was dull. As soon as I started cutting with the new bit it was apparent just how dull it was!

I broke 2 tanks trying to cut an external overflow on my 20 gal with the diamond coated bit. ( after going through 4 bits at $7.99 each.) The tile cutting bit cut through the tank like buttah. ($7)I cut the 20 you've seen at jim's in 20 minutes. It took me half an hour just to make the first line with the diamond bit on the broken tanks.

Now, I wouldn't use the tile cutting bit for any finishing work. It leaves a groved edge (from the teeth) but for cutting bulkhead holes it rocks. If I wanted to get really fancy I could touch up the holes with a diamond bit.

I do have a diamond hole saw. But it's only for 1" schedule 40 bulkhead. And why dull a $50 glass bit when you can dull a $2 1/4" glass spade bit- when you're jsut going to cut the hole bigger anywho?

Let me know if you have any other questions!
B

 

[masterswimmer]

B, I had no clue that carbide would work on glass. I never would have guessed it. I thought diamond would be the choice bit. Go figure.

Great work B. I will be trying this method with a carbide bit.

Thanks for the enlightenment o' wise one. :biggrin:

R

 

[tripstank]

We are all happy to help!
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