Drilling Dry Rock for Plugs

BGrand

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Could someone please let me know what size bit to use to drill plug holes in my Marco Rock. I am setting up an IM20 and putting the Marco Rock together for my scape. Once done I want to drill several shallow holes for adding coral later. What size bit should I use to drill the holes and about how deep? Or does everyone cut the plug off?
 

FMF0331

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If and when possible , i try to remove the frag off the plug. I was never a big fan of frag plugs.


Thank you for your service
 

Rudzbrewski

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I have only bought a handful of corals at this point, but i've noticed the plug "stem" can vary based on the size stem a little bit. My thought is many reefers build DIY frag racks from egg crate with 1/2" x 1/2" squares, so if you drilled 1/2" diameter holes it should work. If you get a smaller plug a little glue to fill the gap inside would solve the problem.
 

Sallstrom

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That works well. Size depending on what type of plugs you have. Usually the holes need to be 9-10mm, but sometimes larger. Just drill and test.
 
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BGrand

BGrand

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If and when possible , i try to remove the frag off the plug. I was never a big fan of frag plugs.


Thank you for your service
Thanks for your service as well.

On the last tank I just removed the plugs and glued the plate part down. Still not sure about removing frag off plug. Afraid my big bear paws will kill the frag.
 

NeonRabbit221B

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Fairly often they range from 3/8" to 7/16". Use a masonry bit if you can get them as a standard bit will just wear down very quickly. Alternatively you can use bone cutters or tin snips and cut off the stem and glue.

I typically drill about 5 holes with varying flow/lighting and drill those then cut them off the plug and glue in a place with similar flow/lighting.
 

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