Plugging a drilled hole

Discussion in 'Anything DIY related' started by PappaBear, Apr 2, 2012.

  1. PappaBear

    PappaBear

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    Hi all!

    I've got a couple of tanks with drilled holes of 25mm on the sides. I want to plug these holes.

    My idea is to use a square piece of glass, about 50mm x 50mm and just silicon it over the hole.

    Now: Should I do it on both sides or just the in or outside?

    Also: What silicone is safe for aquarium use?

    Any procedure to follow to ensure the small bubble leave the silicone?

    Technique tips?

    Thanks guys!
     
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  3. azurekoi

    azurekoi Loaches & Gobies

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    I've done this on more than a few occasions - even in real big tanks(1000l +) - but siliconed glass piece in the inside - not the outside... Made more sense with the water pressure...

    Just threw lots of silicone and stuck it on...never bothered much with the bubbles to be honest...
     
  4. pHish_man

    pHish_man Discus

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    Hi

    I seal all my 25mm holes with plug fittings I buy at On Tap. They are cheap and non-permanent. And they dont leak.

    Plug.jpg

    Regards

    Andrew

    Plug.jpg
     
  5. RFSwanepoel

    RFSwanepoel

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    Go to a pet store and get Aquarium silicone only
     
  6. RFSwanepoel

    RFSwanepoel

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    You could always just use the holes for and overflow to a small 1ft with sponge + Bio media and return pump as extra filter and surface skimming which is never a bad addition to a tank.
     
  7. OP
    PappaBear

    PappaBear

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    @RFSwanepoel The holes are on the side....... I do not want to have surface skimming.... The overflow will go from the bottom of the tank, via a breakable syphon to my sump. Pipes over the sides.... but I got the tanks with a hole on the side (each tank has one hole)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  8. RFSwanepoel

    RFSwanepoel

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    Cool then just make sure you use Aquarium 100% silicone if you are using the piece of glass not the stuff you get at builders warehouse. And be sure to put a little under the glass piece with about 2mm space between the tank and the piece of glass for the silicone to make a proper seal under the glass square (can use a match for this) and then once that has dried up seal the edges of the square.
    But I think pHish_man's plug will be much neater, but still seal it with silicone under the rubber seals and around the edges so the rubber and plastic doesn't start giving off any chemicals (Don't know if it will but it might).
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  9. OP
    PappaBear

    PappaBear

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    Thanks!

    I think I will opt for the plug fitting. looks simple enough.
     

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