Chipped Aquarium While Drilling

[Paul24]

Im not sure if it will seal well between the gasket and silicone

When I can I’ll definitely do a 48 hour water leak test. If it leaks I’ll try your method or start over.

 

[Wiskey]

I chipped my 75 much worse, in my case I used a larger bulkhead and drilled the hole out. If your sealing effort doesn't work give that a try, worked for me. Ended up going to 1.5 inch for the return then just had a reducer right in the bulkhead to go back to 3/4.

I always put tape on the back of my glass to help prevent this, and I use almost no pressure for the last little bit, I mean I let it take forever, the last bit takes longer than the whole hole. I've also been known to drill both sides and meet the holes in the middle, but I don't think that's required and it is harder.

Whiskey

 

[vetteguy53081]

So what I did won’t work?

I’m saying in general- not you. To clarify, it works but not a typical repair

 

[Paul24]

I chipped my 75 much worse, in my case I used a larger bulkhead and drilled the hole out. If your sealing effort doesn't work give that a try, worked for me. Ended up going to 1.5 inch for the return then just had a reducer right in the bulkhead to go back to 3/4.

I always put tape on the back of my glass to help prevent this, and I use almost no pressure for the last little bit, I mean I let it take forever, the last bit takes longer than the whole hole. I've also been known to drill both sides and meet the holes in the middle, but I don't think that's required and it is harder.

Whiskey

I’m not sure how much bigger I would need to go since it goes outward. I used a 45 mm drill bit for a 1 inch bulkhead.

 

[Paul24]

I’m saying in general- not you. To clarify, it works but not a typical repair

Ah ok I just wanted to give that area more strength at the same time as trying to make it flat for a seal with the gasket.

 

[Paul24]

I’m not sure how much bigger I would need to go since it goes outward. I used a 45 mm drill bit for a 1 inch bulkhead.

I chipped my 75 much worse, in my case I used a larger bulkhead and drilled the hole out. If your sealing effort doesn't work give that a try, worked for me. Ended up going to 1.5 inch for the return then just had a reducer right in the bulkhead to go back to 3/4.

I always put tape on the back of my glass to help prevent this, and I use almost no pressure for the last little bit, I mean I let it take forever, the last bit takes longer than the whole hole. I've also been known to drill both sides and meet the holes in the middle, but I don't think that's required and it is harder.

Whiskey

would this work? I plan on drilling from the inside out and using a 2x4 on the other side to prevent it from just popping out.

 

[Wiskey]

would this work? I plan on drilling from the inside out and using a 2x4 on the other side to prevent it from just popping out.

I don't think that will. Remember the bulkhead has a shoulder on it where the gasket is, and I don't think that gasket would clear the corner from this picture.

Whiskey

 

[Paul24]

I don't think that will. Remember the bulkhead has a shoulder on it where the gasket is, and I don't think that gasket would clear the corner from this picture.

Whiskey

That’s the outline for the bigger hole, the new bulkhead will come with an appropriately sized gasket. Oooooh you see the back corner. I took it at an angle so the actual hole is 29 inches from the corner

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

I’d be more worried about how close to the edge that hole is.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I’d be more worried about how close to the edge that hole is.

Doesnt look terrible. A leak test will verify success of this

 

[Paul24]

I’d be more worried about how close to the edge that hole is.

It’s 29 inches from the edge. That’s the back edge I’m the photo

 

[Paul24]

It’s 29 inches from the edge. That’s the back edge I’m the photo

2.9 sorry thought I put the decimal

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

 

[Paul24]

That’s a terrible photo for that. It’s not close to the top or side. This picture is upside down and at a angle haha

 

[BZOFIQ]

Why didn't you just use silicone at the time you install the bulkhead?


The idea is for the gasket to push out the extra silicone filling low areas and providing a seal.

 

[Paul24]

Why didn't you just use silicone at the time you install the bulkhead?


The idea is for the gasket to push out the extra silicone filling low areas and providing a seal.

I was going to do that as well, but decided to drill a bigger hole around it all.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

The holes on the back of my Aquarium are a little too big. After measuring with Calipers, I took the Bulkhead Fitting and Purchased “O” Rings to fill in the gap and center the Bulkhead Fitting. Worked like a charm, no leaks and no sealant.

 

[Dom]

I was drilling my tank and it happened to get a knick in it that concerns me. Should I be worried?

I think its fine. I'd install the bulkhead as is and run a water testing for leaks.