engeering gurus on stand

Hey I am building a stand with a great guy and just wanted to see what others thought.
I have a 150 gallon long (72") and wanted to know whether or not a center brace is needed. I am also widening the tank stand from 18" to 28" to allow a 40 gallon breeder tank to slide underneath to accommodate a octopus extreme 200 skimmer. The only other item is increasing the height of the stand from 25" inches to 36" for a better eye level view.
Any ideas or suggestions on both the widening of the stand
any ideas or suggestions on center braces to ensure no problems in the future due to the downward pressure along the 6' span.
Diagrams or anything suggestions would be appreciated greatly as usual.

 

If your upper supports are strong enough, then no, a center brace is not needed. Now, what that strength would need to be, I do not know. Maybe a 2x10??

 

I would put a center brace in there. I would certainly go to at least 36". My tank stand is at 30" and It's weird to view it unless sitting in a chair. 6" makes a big difference.

Try this.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/my-diy-indestructable-tank-stand-79144.html

 

My 180 is built with double 2x10's. I don't have center braces on the two 125's using 2x6', either.

 

As a note for consideration.. two 2x4's laminated together have more strength then a single 4x4..

 

To answer your question, I would put one in just for my own piece of mind. That is a lot of weight. I have my 55 on a 4" span with 2x6s. If I was building it, and I like to go overboard, I would use 2 2x6 for each side, 4 total, laminate them together and then have a center brace.

 

i agree