Is anybody familiar with this guy?

[dow]

Barr Aquatic Systems

In particular, I'm interested in the overflow that he builds. Has anybody seen a design like this? If so, do you have any idea how well it works? I'm currently using a hang on overflow box, and while it's never lost siphon, the thought of the all that water on the floor gives me the screaming willies.

 

[King Jason]

His overflow requires you to drill your tank. If you can do that then it should work fine.

 

[dow]

Yeah, I got that. Now for the big, not so smart question. What are your thoughts on drilling a tank that's already in place? Possibly pull the water level down and then drill it. My gut tells me that this is a very foolilsh thing to contemplate, but at this point, the curiosity thing is going on in my mind.

 

[King Jason]

Yeah, I got that. Now for the big, not so smart question. What are your thoughts on drilling a tank that's already in place? Possibly pull the water level down and then drill it. My gut tells me that this is a very foolilsh thing to contemplate, but at this point, the curiosity thing is going on in my mind.

Glass or Acrylic?

 

[dow]

Glass, non tempered.

 

[King Jason]

Well...many say that drilling glass is easy. It would scare me to drill a tank full of water. I'll let the glass drilling pro's handle this one.

 

[mountainbiker619]

Jas..just checked out your website again. Tank is coming along very nicely. Love the rock work Now I am going to have to redo my
rock layout..thanks bud..lol

 

[King Jason]

Jas..just checked out your website again. Tank is coming along very nicely. Love the rock work Now I am going to have to redo my
rock layout..thanks bud..lol

Just trying to keep you on your toes!

 

[Expos Forever]

What are your thoughts on drilling a tank that's already in place? Possibly pull the water level down and then drill it. My gut tells me that this is a very foolilsh thing to contemplate, but at this point, the curiosity thing is going on in my mind.

I'm glad someone had the courage to ask that question! I've often wondered the same thing. I have no idea but I'd guess theoretically it could be done... Even if someone told me it was 99% safe I could never see myself risking my reef exploding in my living room. 8O If I did I would sure have a QT ready for such a venture. The glass shops I've heard of won't even guarantee empty tanks so that should tell you something.

Do CPR's really fail? I've also heard some good things about LifeReef

http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html

Would love to hear more about hang-on siphons because drilling my tank is not an option and I really want a sump/fuge :!: The problem is I've heard so much scary talk about HOT overflows...

 

[kevinpo]

Brent does excellent work. he is a real craftsman and will stand behind his work. He built my sump last summer and it is shown in the Jan. issue of Reefkeeping in the article titled:
"Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sumps, Part 1"

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/index.htm

Mine is figure 3

HTH,
Kevin

 

[GSchiemer]

Yeah, I got that. Now for the big, not so smart question. What are your thoughts on drilling a tank that's already in place? Possibly pull the water level down and then drill it. My gut tells me that this is a very foolilsh thing to contemplate, but at this point, the curiosity thing is going on in my mind.

How thick is the glass? I'd be nervous with anything less than 3/8". I've seen many tanks drilled in place without a problem. It is more difficult. but doable.

Greg Schiemer

 

[LFS42]

I drilled my own tank (empty) and it's fairly easy to do.
As far as drill in place with water, I wouldn't do it.
I used a lapping compound and a brass tube, and I needed to keep it
in a pool of water to keep the glass from over heating.
Also, unless you have a realy steady hand, you'll want to use a drill press
for the feel of it.
I also had several scrap pieces of glass for practice first.
As soon as I mastered the thin sheet I knew I was ready for the tank.
I found the hardest part was breaking through, and to solve that I silconed
another piece of glass under the one I was drilling.

 

[dow]

It's 1/4" thick. I talked to the manufacturer (Aqua Trends in San Antonio), and they verified that it's plate glass, not tempered. I'll have to give this more thought. My overflow is very similar to a Life Reef, except that the picture on the lifereef page looks like the scimmer side adjusts up and down to regulate the tank level. My overflow has two nylon screws that screw down through the connecting piece between the skimmer side and drain side. These screws are adjusted up or down, moving thw whole thing up or down to adjust tank level.

There, that's probably as clear as mud.

 

[Anonymous]

I personally wouldnt drill a tank that still contians water- too much risk involved- just because its plate glass doesnt mean it cant shatter because you didnt use enough water for lube/coolant, or that you used too much pressure and stressed it. I know of a few places in my area that would(or did) drill in house but not filled or even half filled.

 

[reefann]

I just dont know what I would do. I have had no probs with my CPR though. If I were you at least practice a ton!
Good Luck
JJ
_________________
BMW 327

 

[GSchiemer]

It's 1/4" thick. I talked to the manufacturer (Aqua Trends in San Antonio), and they verified that it's plate glass, not tempered. I'll have to give this more thought. My overflow is very similar to a Life Reef, except that the picture on the lifereef page looks like the scimmer side adjusts up and down to regulate the tank level. My overflow has two nylon screws that screw down through the connecting piece between the skimmer side and drain side. These screws are adjusted up or down, moving thw whole thing up or down to adjust tank level.

There, that's probably as clear as mud.

If it were my decision, I wouldn't drill it. 1/4" is relatively thin glass and more at risk of cracking under the pressure of drilling.

Greg

 

[King Jason]

I agree with Greg. It probably isn't worth the risk.

 

[Anonymous]

the tank should only be drilled when the tank is absolutely empty.

while containing water, there is uneven pressure being produced on the surface of the pane

this could create a shatter, if the hole saw bit is not absolutey perpendicular to the pane

empty the tank, and lay it so the pane/side you want to drill is horizontal.

this will also facilitate making a water 'well' w/putty around the hole site, for proper lubrication and cooling of the bit, and the glass.


fyi:

every hole drilled into glass weakens the glass- if the thickness of the tank in relation to it's volume is lacking, i'd recommend not drilling it at all


hth

 

[Anonymous]

I would not drill a glass tank that is full of reef. Nope. No way.

RR
:mrgreen: