At what point are center braces needed?

[Reefing102]

So I took a look at this thread - DIY Stands Template and Calculator and I see the horizontal brace. I didn’t have time to read the entire thread, but it seems there’s no mention of a vertical center brace. Does anyone know at what width a vertical center brace would be needed?

I ask cause I’m planning an well into the future upgrade (custom build around 135 gallons - 48x36x18) and would like to be vertical center brace free (my current center brace on my 65 is consistently in the way). Anyone think this will work or a disaster waiting to happen?

 

[Misled]

How it's build depends on how the stand is built. I didn't use one on this stand.

Misled's 80 gallon Mixed Up Deep Blue Rimless Edge Lagoon

I have the same tank. Love the dimensions. I'm in...

forums.reefcentral.com

 

[Reefing102]

How it's build depends on how the stand is built. I didn't use one on this stand.

http://s133.photobucket.com/user/jllndmb/media/jllndmb002/MJK_2513_zpsxuqdl1hs.jpg.html

The pic isn’t showing up. It goes to some photobucket billing page

 

[Misled]

I switched it to the thread. PB is acting kinda weird.

 

[Misled]

 

[Reefing102]

Thanks! Oh that looks nice. How wide did you make that? I think I may have over looked that

 

[Misled]

It was 48 1/4inch wide. The deep blue tanks have a frame on the bottom. I skined with 3/8 inch oak plywood to cover the frame.There are two 2 x 4's on each cormer. They are notched to have the top and bottom sitting "in" the verticals. Then 3/4 inch oak plywood on the top and bottom. That thing could hold a tank.

 

[Reefing102]

I appreciate that!

 

[kharmaguru]

From @Misled 's thread. I build every stand like that. I hate center braces. If you are worried just upsize the top rails to 2x6.

 

[shred5]

It depends on allot of things. To many to figure in.
Length of the run. 2' tank may need nothing but a 6 foot may.
Height of the tank. Height of tank increase the weight per square foot by allot.
Size of your horizontal member's. Longer runs have more for the need increase the size of them. increasing the size may make it not needed.
If you top the stand or not.
How you skin it. Skinning can actually carry allot of weight if done right. I have seen tanks where there are no vertical supports at all and just the plywood carries all the weight. If joined correctly it can be done.

To me longer runs need some support either through vertical members or skinning. Rimmed tanks it aint so bad but rimless require it more because they cant handle much bowing at all. Lumber will bow that is life you need some support on longer runs.

I wish I could find the thread on RC that someone built a stand just out of plywood and it was great.

This is one I built but it does have braces but it could hold a truck. I so over built it to the point it was stupid. I know so much more now.

Can be hard not to add supports in the front because it makes it easier to attach doors.

My latest build I went with aluminum:
this is about 7.5 feet so went with a brace.

 

[Timfish]

In addition to the above, if an acrylic tank is used it will be more prone to flexing over time than glass so I would either use 2x6 rails and center rails and plywood to support the bottom of the tank or vertical supports every 24" - 30".

 

[griss]

Some really nice looking stands in here. Nice work guys.

 

[Reefing102]

Agreed! And some great ideas.