benzeeno
02-04-2009, 12:47 PM
Ok, so its a bit nerve racking. You got this nice new tank but it doesnt 'have the holes you need. Here's been my experience.
1. First went to AW and got some help choosing the size drain to use on my 80 gallon tank.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1130284.jpg
2. Find the size of hole saw that was just a little bigger than the outside threads on my bulkhead I was installing. For a 1" bulkhead I use a 1 3/4" hole saw. For 1 1/2" bulkhead I used a 2 1/4" hole saw.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/IMG_0506.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/IMG_0505.jpg
3. Place masking tape on the back of the acrylic you are about to drill. I used blue painters tape, just what i happened to have. THIS IS IMPORTANT. it will prevent chipping and cracking when the hole saw finally cuts through. Cover the area of the hole completely with tape (back side). You can also tape the front, so you can mark out your hole easier.
4. Double check your layout that your flange on your fitting is not going to hit any edge of the tank. Drill your pilot hole. This is the 1/4" drill bit that came with your hole saw. Do not burn your way through the plastic. Let the bit do the work. With a medium speed, press firmly. When the drill is about to get through ease up, don't press hard.
5. Put your hole saw on the arbor. Arbor holds the pilot bit and hole saw together. Now drill your hole. Same goes ease up on the pressure right before your hole saw goes through.
6. put some water on your gaskets and assemble your bulkhead on your tank.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140286.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140302.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140288.jpg
1. First went to AW and got some help choosing the size drain to use on my 80 gallon tank.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1130284.jpg
2. Find the size of hole saw that was just a little bigger than the outside threads on my bulkhead I was installing. For a 1" bulkhead I use a 1 3/4" hole saw. For 1 1/2" bulkhead I used a 2 1/4" hole saw.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/IMG_0506.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/IMG_0505.jpg
3. Place masking tape on the back of the acrylic you are about to drill. I used blue painters tape, just what i happened to have. THIS IS IMPORTANT. it will prevent chipping and cracking when the hole saw finally cuts through. Cover the area of the hole completely with tape (back side). You can also tape the front, so you can mark out your hole easier.
4. Double check your layout that your flange on your fitting is not going to hit any edge of the tank. Drill your pilot hole. This is the 1/4" drill bit that came with your hole saw. Do not burn your way through the plastic. Let the bit do the work. With a medium speed, press firmly. When the drill is about to get through ease up, don't press hard.
5. Put your hole saw on the arbor. Arbor holds the pilot bit and hole saw together. Now drill your hole. Same goes ease up on the pressure right before your hole saw goes through.
6. put some water on your gaskets and assemble your bulkhead on your tank.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140286.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140302.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c174/benzeeno/P1140288.jpg