WMAS Discussion Forum : Drilling and CRACK http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:48:32 +0000 Fri, 20 May 2011 17:53:44 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.03 360 www.utahreefs.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=48752 <![CDATA[WMAS Discussion Forum]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/1by1.gif http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : No problem! Thanks for the reply...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416811&title=drilling-and-crack#416811 Author: 08TRDOFFROAD
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 20 2011 at 5:53pm

No problem! Thanks for the reply and the link!]]> Fri, 20 May 2011 17:53:44 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416811&title=drilling-and-crack#416811 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : Okay, I&#039;ve posted the Simple...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416621&title=drilling-and-crack#416621 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 19 2011 at 7:19pm

Okay, I've posted the Simple DIY article here: http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=49040

I don't know what else to say about the other two alternatives. If you want to see them in action feel free to call and come visit. I work from home so you can call and drop by almost anytime.

Hey Daniel, could I ask a small favor? When you post, rather than clicking on the Quote button, just write it in the Quick Reply box below the last post or click on the Reply button. Thanks, Mark
]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 19:19:58 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416621&title=drilling-and-crack#416621 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : Mark Peterson wrote:In my opinion,...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416512&title=drilling-and-crack#416512 Author: 08TRDOFFROAD
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 19 2011 at 1:28pm

Originally posted by Mark Peterson Mark Peterson wrote:

In my opinion, this drilling business has gotten out of hand. Before we started drilling tanks we just used aquariums as simple boxes of water. Sure, connecting tanks together is nice. It can be very nice. I started the practice here in Utah with the first RDP Regugium back in 1996, but drilling is much safer on larger tanks with thicker glass. Drilling a hole in a small aquarium is risky, as this thread shows. The glass is so thin that it easily cracks.

One of my coral farming tanks is just a 40 gal box with a powerhead to move the water around. This tank is growing SPS coral like crazy. It's using up Alk and Ca so fast I really should use a Ca Reactor. The single powerhead is a $25 Maxijet 1200 modified into a Poormans Wavemaker. It's simple and it works fantastic.

Another alternative to drilling is to place the two tanks on the same level. Pump water from one to the other and use a U tube to siphon water back. That's what I currently have on my Clownfish Nursery.

And of course there is the simple DIY overflow box. Maybe I should update and post my old write up of that. Ermm
 
Do you have links to the methods you just described, especially the DIY overflow box??????
]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 13:28:44 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416512&title=drilling-and-crack#416512 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : In my opinion, this drilling business...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416454&title=drilling-and-crack#416454 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 19 2011 at 9:15am

In my opinion, this drilling business has gotten out of hand. Before we started drilling tanks we just used aquariums as simple boxes of water. Sure, connecting tanks together is nice. It can be very nice. I started the practice here in Utah with the first RDP Regugium back in 1996, but drilling is much safer on larger tanks with thicker glass. Drilling a hole in a small aquarium is risky, as this thread shows. The glass is so thin that it easily cracks.

One of my coral farming tanks is just a 40 gal box with a powerhead to move the water around. This tank is growing SPS coral like crazy. It's using up Alk and Ca so fast I really should use a Ca Reactor. The single powerhead is a $25 Maxijet 1200 modified into a Poormans Wavemaker. It's simple and it works fantastic.

Another alternative to drilling is to place the two tanks on the same level. Pump water from one to the other and use a U tube to siphon water back. That's what I currently have on my Clownfish Nursery.

And of course there is the simple DIY overflow box. Maybe I should update and post my old write up of that. Ermm
]]> Thu, 19 May 2011 09:15:02 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416454&title=drilling-and-crack#416454 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : In aluminum the only way to get...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416013&title=drilling-and-crack#416013 Author: GaryF
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 15 2011 at 1:59pm

In aluminum the only way to get a crack to stop spreading is to drill a small hole at the end of the crack. This eliminates the single point at the end where all the pressure is, and increases the area where the pressure is going to be. But then you have to drill the tank again. Better off buying a new tank IMO.
]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 13:59:11 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=416013&title=drilling-and-crack#416013 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : Mark Peterson wrote:You have...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415956&title=drilling-and-crack#415956 Author: 08TRDOFFROAD
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 14 2011 at 8:25pm

Originally posted by Mark Peterson Mark Peterson wrote:

You have to know glass.
Once it has a crack, IT WILL CRACK MORE. IT WILL FAIL.

Just a frag tank?
Why drill it?
Anything will work for a frag tank.
Again I ask, Why drill it Question

The wise advice here is free. Not following the advice is costly.
Mark,
What would you do as a substite of drilling the tank?
 
An overflow box? DIY pvc?
]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 20:25:34 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415956&title=drilling-and-crack#415956 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : I know a guy here in Logan that...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415357&title=drilling-and-crack#415357 Author: sanddune600
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 09 2011 at 11:34pm

I know a guy here in Logan that drills hundreds of tanks for making dart frog habitats I can get you his number if you want someone local to drill it with tons of experience]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 23:34:38 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415357&title=drilling-and-crack#415357 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : faviasteve wrote:It&#039;s...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415196&title=drilling-and-crack#415196 Author: downhill_biker
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 09 2011 at 9:36am

Originally posted by faviasteve faviasteve wrote:

It's too dangerous to use "as is" IMO.  Silicone a piece of patch glass over the hole.  1/4" would be better because it's much stronger that the thin glass.  After the silicone has dried, redrill slowly like Dion says.  The old hole will be a good guide.  Lots of water, slow drill speed and make sure the bit is perpendicular to the glass.  If it starts to go crooked, that's when it will bind and crack the glass.  Also, put a layer of packing tape on the back side of the glass to prevent chipping when the bit goes through.


I would never do this if it were me. Just find a new piece for the whole back pane, or buy a new tank. You can find them cheap. I wouldn't even bother with a patch.]]> Mon, 09 May 2011 09:36:16 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415196&title=drilling-and-crack#415196 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : Jerrick wrote:I was going...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415000&title=drilling-and-crack#415000 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 08 2011 at 6:30am

Originally posted by Jerrick Jerrick wrote:

I was going to have it connected to my main display tank and didn't want to have a siphon to the sump.....better suggestion?
Possibly. Where would you like to place this frag tank in relation to the main tank? Side by side, above or below level?
Side by side is the easiest and absolutely safest way. A simple siphon can connect the two water bodies so that water pumped into one flows over to the other. Starting a siphon and periodically removing a growing air bubble is also an easy modification.

Originally posted by BobC63 BobC63 wrote:

And, not sure if this is the case, but always remember that you should treat tightening a bulkhead like tightening an oil filter on your car -> Hand tighten, then 1/4 turn with a wrench -> Only try more pressure if you fill it and it leaks.
Don't keep tightenening until you can't turn the wrench anymore. That is too tight - and will stress the bulkhead gasket, and possibly crack the glass.
This is the most important advice ever. Thumbs Up
]]> Sun, 08 May 2011 06:30:12 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=415000&title=drilling-and-crack#415000 <![CDATA[Drilling and CRACK : It&#039;s too dangerous to use...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=414956&title=drilling-and-crack#414956 Author: faviasteve
Subject: 48752
Posted: May 07 2011 at 8:04pm

It's too dangerous to use "as is" IMO.  Silicone a piece of patch glass over the hole.  1/4" would be better because it's much stronger that the thin glass.  After the silicone has dried, redrill slowly like Dion says.  The old hole will be a good guide.  Lots of water, slow drill speed and make sure the bit is perpendicular to the glass.  If it starts to go crooked, that's when it will bind and crack the glass.  Also, put a layer of packing tape on the back side of the glass to prevent chipping when the bit goes through.]]> Sat, 07 May 2011 20:04:25 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=48752&PID=414956&title=drilling-and-crack#414956