What size should my new tank build be? (5 Viewers)

[saltyanimals]

I drilled successfully my first and ever Aqueon 40B years back. Piece of cake, but I think I would be a bit more hesitant on a nicer expensive tank. A screw up there was only $40 not $400+. And who knows.. maybe the thicker 3/4 inch is easier to drill with less risk to shatter.

 

[Reefahholic]

I drilled successfully my first and ever Aqueon 40B years back. Piece of cake, but I think I would be a bit more hesitant on a nicer expensive tank. A screw up there was only $40 not $400+. And who knows.. maybe the thicker 3/4 inch is easier to drill with less risk to shatter.

They take a while to drill. Especially 3 holes that are 1.5” and 2 that are .75” or 1”

Using a corded drill and fresh bits help.

Also making a template out of Foam Board Insulation is my favorite. Specifically the blue 1/2” DOW Styrofoam. It drills well, tapes well, comes in handle for moving tanks and blacking out windows. If you live in an apartment you just close the blinds first and put this on top of the blinds so they can’t see from outside.

Probably the most important step is going slow with minimal pressure. Particularly at the end. No pressure should be used at all other than the weight of the drill itself.

 

[saltyanimals]

They take a while to drill. Especially 3 holes that are 1.5” and 2 that are .75” or 1”

Using a corded drill and fresh bits help.

Also making a template out of Foam Board Insulation is my favorite. Specifically the blue 1/2” DOW Styrofoam. It drills well, tapes well, comes in handle for moving tanks and blacking out windows. If you live in an apartment you just close the blinds first and put this on top of the blinds so they can’t see from outside.

Probably the most important step is going slow with minimal pressure. Particularly at the end. No pressure should be used at all other than the weight of the drill itself.

Great tip because its tapes well. I made my jig by drilling the hole first in thin wood sheet and taping that, but I think I might have dulled out the diamond bit unnecessarily going through plywood first. The wood jig did walk a bit because it didn't tape well. Still drilled fine, but maybe that was because I had thin glass. Assuming anything thicker, I would use a fresh bit.

 

[steveb]

Clamping a board to the back side of the glass helps prevent break out.


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[Reefahholic]

Great tip because its tapes well. I made my jig by drilling the hole first in thin wood sheet and taping that, but I think I might have dulled out the diamond bit unnecessarily going through plywood first. The wood jig did walk a bit because it didn't tape well. Still drilled fine, but maybe that was because I had thin glass. Assuming anything thicker, I would use a fresh bit.

Yeah, it’s easy to drill through. Doesn’t dull your bit. Tapes well. It’s firm and Holds solid. It’s cheap and left over can be used to move tanks and furniture. All you need is to start the hole. Then you can remove it.

 

[Reefahholic]

Clamping a board to the back side of the glass helps prevent break out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Or taping it. Once I know I’m getting close. I slow way down. I’ve rushed a couple holes using a dull bit and had a few chips but not anymore. I always buy fresh bits. Once I drill 3 holes with a bit. I don’t use them on a new tank.