Possible to drill a tank half full?

[saltkreep88]

Hey guys,

I know this is probably a crazy question, but has anyone drilled their tank while setup?

, Joe

 

[kschweer]

I'm pretty sure there's a video on YouTube where a guys does it. Let me try to find it.

 

[kschweer]

http://youtu.be/ADI3CMMjuI0

 

[saltkreep88]

Guess i should ask how risky this is.... I only need one hole.

 

[kschweer]

Guess i should ask how risky this is.... I only need one hole.

I have no first hand experience with it so its hard for me to say. Do a google search of "drilling aquarium while full". There seems to be quite a few threads where people have successfully done this. The biggest issue I see is that there is stress on the glass from the water pushing out on it that would not be there if drilling the tank while empty. Like I said I have no first hand experience with this. Hope this helps

 

[saltkreep88]

Thanks for your input. Really wish I bought a reef ready or drilled the tank before setting it up.

 

[Chrisgarrick]

I wouldn't. I drilled my tank. Glass holes kit. Get tubs. Move stuff. Heaters air stones pumps etc. make a plan.

 

[saltkreep88]

I wanted some of you nuts to tell me you have done it to give me the nerve to do it! Guess I am sticking with the overflow box.

 

[kschweer]

Lol. It's definitely possible to get a Rubbermaid stock tank for all of your water, rock, livestock while you drill the tank. You should be able to knock everything out in 2 hrs max which would not be too stressful on your stock if you keep a heater and small powerhead in the stock tank.

 

[jose7878]

I've drilled my my old 90gal when it was full I did two 3/4" returns and two 1" drains. Just drain it below the level that your drilling.

 

[SirFragalot]

I personally would not recommend drilling while full. What if the panel cracks while you are drilling? Sorry....had to throw that in there. If you are hellbent on doing so, I hope it works out. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[SirFragalot]

I've drilled my my old 90gal when it was full I did two 3/4" returns and two 1" drains. Just drain it below the level that your drilling.

How did you keep the bit cool while doing this?

 

[jose7878]

I used a spray bottle.

 

[Fish Brain]

Didn't do it while full, but I did take down, drill and re-setup a 40B all in a day.