Drilling a set up tank?

Can this be done? The thought is to drain some water, drill, place proper plumbing and then fill er up. somehow I don;t think It could actually be this easy. I imagine I would want to tape off the area around the drilling to keep glass particles out of the tank. This is on my 55 gallon tank. Can I find a glass drill at home depot? I have a 1 inch bulkhead I can use. any other thoughts or Ideas I should think about?

 

I'd be afraid to try it myself. If not drilled properly, the tank can break even without the additional strain of being partially filled with water.

Just sayin'...

 

You have to create a pool of fresh water to drill between. This cools and lubricates the bit, and is crucial to the success of drilling your tank.

There is no cost effective way you can to this vertically, plus there is the likely hood that your glass could crack, then what???

Drain it, empty it, lie the tank horizontally, and do it right.

 

I've seen people do it, by draining half the tank. I'd never try it myself though, there is a good chance of disaster. You can use plumbers putty to hold the water in place and drill. Someone will probably need to keep squirting water at it though and you'll need a container to catch the water, to keep it off your floor. I've seen it, but definitely risky on a running tank though. You are better off draining it completely, or maybe just getting a new 55g, drilling it and swapping it. The tank itself shouldn't be that expensive compared to your livestock. Also, make sure the tank isn't tempered. You can buy drill bits here:
Diamond Coated Glass Drill Bits, Hole Saws

Or better, get an overflow kit here (which comes with the drill bit):
Complete Overflow Kits - Glass-Holes.com dope aquarium stuff

 

I drilled a stocked 55 about 12 yrs ago...it was a very risky move that I got lucky on. If I knew then what I know now, I would have never attempted it....I would follow the advise of the responses you already received.

........however, if you're gonna do it anyway, make sure you have containers on standby to hold your livestock. You'll need a steady flow of water on the bit to keep it cool, I did it by cutting a plastic bottle in half (vertically), duct taped it to the outside of the tank covering the area to be drilled, sealing the bottom and sides. Drill a hold through it with the bit so it fit snug, then I had someone hold a garden hose on the top opening while I drilled the tank...it got messy, but it worked. I'm not suggesting that you do this, but if you're going to do it anyway, just something you might want to think about.

Note: before doing anything, make sure the glass is not tempered.

 

I don't like there answers! I am tired of my stupid HOB overflow but it sounds better then the other options...

I am pretty much looking to use my 55 as a reef tank and add some moderately reef safe fish to my 100 gallon.