Can I remove a brace from my stand?

[nivram]

Here is a pic of my stand. After having the tank for a while, I'd like to remove one of the center braces on the side to make access easier. Looking for advice on whether it looks to be safe to do this. Frame was built with 2x6 and 2x4s.

 

[mcgyvr]

no problem

 

[billdogg]

you don't have one in the front, and it does appear to be of 2x6 construction - I wouldn't worry too much about it either.

I would be more worried about the stand racking (twisting) out of shape - if it does that it's coming down. Consider skinning it - even 1/4" plywood would add considerably to it's lateral strength.

At the very least I would add a few angled braces in the corners.

 

[nivram]

Thanks for the feedback and reassurance. Tank has been up and running for over a year. I also have braces up top. I think that will help with it twisting. Also the bottom has braces and is skinned with 1/2" or 3/4" plywood.

This is the top.

 

[NanoReefWanabe]

I would skin the back and the one inaccessible side with 1/2" ply. .. glued and screwed every six inches all the way around. ... dining the top and bottom will do nothing for the whole stand twisting/racking over... is that 36" or 48" square?
At 36" or 48" I don't think I would fear too much about removing the centre brace on the side. .. it's there anyway you can double up the top spanning member like it is in the front?

 

[Cdodge1]

Yep

 

[nivram]

I would skin the back and the one inaccessible side with 1/2" ply. .. glued and screwed every six inches all the way around. ... dining the top and bottom will do nothing for the whole stand twisting/racking over... is that 36" or 48" square?
At 36" or 48" I don't think I would fear too much about removing the centre brace on the side. .. it's there anyway you can double up the top spanning member like it is in the front?

It's 48" square. Yup there is no way to double up the top at this point without breaking everything down and rebuilding the stand.

I will look at skinning the sides. My sump is pretty tight so I'm not sure there is room to add plywood. Since I'd have to attach it on the interior.