Sump for 150 high

My tank is up and running for a long time now and I want to try and build a new sump and add a refugium. Does anyone have any experience with 150 high tanks? I am trying to figure out the biggest sump i can fit under the tank without removing the center brace. I know the brace can be removed but i am def scare to do it. lol

 

Is this a new build? If so, you can temporarily move the center brace out of the way to get the sump in, and then re-install it after. I did this when I put my 55 together.

 

Its not a new build, the tank has been running a long time. I have heard I can remove the center brace while the tank is filled but i'm unsure

 

I have never done it while the tank was filled, so hopefully someone else could chime in. You could always drain out the tank as much as you can to lighten it up, plus add temporary 2x4(s) as needed.

 

I've seen it done with a full tank, run 2x4s from the back of the stand out the front about a foot and a half or two and then support them with 2x4s to the floor, basically an L shape

 

I have seen pics of it done this way. I am just scared $hit. Doing a big renovation on my whole system and I was just hoping someone here has done this with the same tank I have.

 

Skimmer

Looking for a new skimmer for my tank. So far i like the Reef Octopus 8" Pinwheel Skimmer NWB200. Anyone running one or any input on it?