Remove my center support?

When I was building my stand for my 40 gallon acrylic tank I definately overbuilt it for safety. At that time I never wanted or liked the idea of a sump but now I do (mostly for refugium/skimmer/equipment use). In each corner of my stand there are 3 vertical studs. This stand is built tough with wood screws in addition to wood glue and brackets. There are horizontal top plate 2x4s resting ontop of the vertical suppots. In addition to this it is fully encased (providing shear support) and finally topped with a piece of 3/4" plywood (resting on the horizontal supports spanning the width and length of the tank.

This was definately built properly and the only problem that I have is that is a tiny, tiny, tiny bit out of level (close to perfect and acceptable).

I have a center brace which is screwed into both a top and bottom plate running the width of my tank. If I remove this, do you think based off this construction, my already fully stocked and loaded tank will have issues with my stand? At this point I have no room for a sump and would really like one. I feel as though the stand is definately overbuilt but I would like some opinions.

I will post pics tonight.

Thanks 3reef!

 

That thing sounds like it may be a touch overbuilt, if there is such a thing!lol, hard to say without pics, but with 3 studs on each corner bearing the majority of the weight, i'd say you'll be fine.

 

pictures added, what ya think? I would like to do this today with a hand saw.

 

Where?lol

 

Yes I see no pics can't say without.

 

sorry comp froze when i uploaded them, had to restart.

 

dont comment on the doors. I did that in like 5 minutes hahaha. One day when i pickup some saws from home depot I will make new doors/stand cover.

and I ordered another PC4 for my RKL so that crap powerstrip with timers for my LED's will be gone. Will be able to time/program them through my comp.

 

Chop away!

 

You should have no problem removing the center brace. You used 2 X 4 for the frame and have a 3 foot span for the longest length so the stand is way overbuilt.

 

sweeeeeeet