DIY stand for a 65g question-

[hoyta]

Hello all! I have been building my stand for my 65, and am almost finished. I was wondering how improtant a center brace is for this type of tank? It will be sitting on a 2x4 brace..
Next question- If I do need a center brace, how will I be able to get my sump inside of the stand?! I guess I could screw the center brace in, so I could take it out at times..
Thanks in advance for your time!-Adam Hoyt

 

[webbstock]

If you build the stand correctly, you won't need a center brace. (OK very generic answer there) My point being that if your 4 corners are suffciently braced then these will provide the main support for the tank weight. Addtionally, if you finish the tank with plywood, MDF etc. that will further reinforce the structural stability of the stand. If the stand is going to be just bare 2X4's there maybe a bit of warp in running the 2X4 the length of the tank. If you want extra piece of mind you can always double the 2X4s that are horizontal at the top of the stand or have the corners plus a set of 2X4s that are about 1 foot in from the corners, still leaving the center open.