Okay so I'm getting a little ahead of the nano contest... but since I can only participate it can't hurt nobody... I abandoned the MB5 nano for now for something a bit larger.
10AGA with a 10AGA Sump/Refugium, an old cast iron stand that I had my very first FW tank on, got her sanded down and shot with a few coats of flat black. And BTW for those that notice when I can post some pics, the stand is ancient, when I first got it I was a kid and adults were still wearing bright colored leisure suits and I have no idea how I've managed to hang on to it this long. None the less it needed some TLC.
Now the fun part, my hand is still vibrating, but give a cheap redneck with an idea a dremel, some diamond bits, a tank, and some running water in the shower and miracles can happen. Drilled two holes to fit 3/4" bulkheads. Not the roundest holes you've ever seen but pretty close, bulkheads fitted and leak tested already
Imagine paying a glass shop $30 per hole for a $10 tank.... not me
Now I'm ready to tackle some more drillin'.
BTW for those reading along and want to try your hand at drilling your own tank without wanting to order actual glass cutting hole saws; the method I used was pretty simple, unlike others I just cut out the circle instead of drilling a hole and widening it until it was the size I wanted. That seemed like a terrible waste of time and effort. My method; Grab a Sharpie and mark out your hole. The dremel bits I used came as a set from Wallyworld (for about $10 I think), one with a rounded tip and the other a slightly wider tapered bit. Used the round bit on the slowest speed the dremel would go, very slowly and gently (the weight of the tool alone) scored the outside edge of the area to be removed. Continue following the pattern until you have a good groove that the bit will not jump out of. Turn the speed up to about 1/2 and continue following the groove around and around applying light pressure. As soon as the bit grinds through stop. Switch out bits, use the faster grinding tapered bit and follow the groove around until you have your hole. Clean up any edges and there you go... BTW during the entire grinding process water was running across the area to keep the bit cool, just enough so the entire area stays flooded and removes debris. Remember you want to grind away the glass slowly, your not really drilling here.
A note of caution here, think about this you are operating an electric device in running water... common sense should tell you to be careful. If you have a flexible extension for your tool please use it (or go get one) and make sure water can't run down the shaft to the dremel. (Not that I actually followed this advice, I do have and extension just didn't feel like looking for it, but if you burn up your dremel or electrocute yourself you can't say you weren't cautioned :razz: ) But this method worked well for me, I wasn't too concerned about breaking a 10g tank, that's cheap, and the glass is pretty thin, but didn't get any chipping or cracking, even though I was drilling within an inch of the glass edge. Will this work on a thicker glass? I'll find out sooner or later. Not quite ready to test it out on the 5/8" glass on the 180.... at least not yet.
Next up, hacking up a broken tank to make the dividers for the refuge and sump. As soon as I clear the final place in my office where this will reside (need to get a shovel and wheelbarrow I think) I'll post some pics.
Nano Contest - Category: 2006 Nano Reef Contest
Dakar's - Nano Build - Stoney Nano project log (formerly 10g SPS) 
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