Drilling a glass Aquarium.

Discussion in 'Reef Aquarium Articles and How To's' started by Rustynuts, Nov 9, 2008.

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  1. cement_skis

    cement_skis Sea Dragon

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    Anybody ever drill the back pane of a 75/120 gallon AGA/Aqueon?
     
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  3. rewris

    rewris Skunk Shrimp

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    I saw on youtube a guy made a circle with plumbers potty, the filled in the circle with water as lubricant / coolant. He drilled with a diamond cutting bit. Took like 20 mins, but went through.
     
  4. phox202

    phox202 Plankton

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    One thing I have always done, is place a circle of plumbers putty around the hole saw so that you can fill it up with water, thus, cooling the hole saw while you drill. I found it makes it quicker too
     
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  5. amatta1989

    amatta1989 Astrea Snail

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    whats a good way to get rid of the sharp edge left from the drilling?
     
  6. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    We usually cover up the hole with a bulkhead so we never saw any need to get rid of the sharp edges? If you absolutely must do it though, perhaps you could use some fine sandpaper?
     
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  7. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

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    +1. Just slap the bulkhead over it, it will be fine.

    Another thing to add, that if you do not have a guide plate (I didn't when I drilled mine), a few pieces of masking or duct tape over your target will make it much easier to get started.
     
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  9. That Guy

    That Guy Aiptasia Anemone

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    I just drilled 4 holes in one of those old school oceanic tanks. That tank had glass thicker than grandmas glasses!!! Took FOREVER!!!! Anyway, +1 on the bulkhead to cover sharp edges.

    Also if you need to make a guide plate you can just take a 2"x4" and cut a hole with a wood hole saw that is just a tad larger than your glass cutting bit. Then use that as a guide plate to get the hole started on the glass.
     
  10. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Nice one. :)
     
  11. Pens-Fan-Addict

    Pens-Fan-Addict Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

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    getting ready to do this for a refugium (30L). Ordered drill bit and bulkheads today. Thanks for the info!
     
  12. Bowest

    Bowest Plankton

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