Remove stand center for open door

[Bdial]

I have a 125 with a marineland stand. The stand has two very small doors and access is limited. I want to remove the center brace on the stand but make sure I don't mess with the integrity of the stand itself. Here is my thought. I want to run a horizontal 2x4 on the interior of the stand at the very top near the tank. Then a 2x4 on each end of the horizontal beam for a vertical support. Does that make sense? Any one have any ideas or suggestions on how to make this work?
Attached is the front of the stand.

 

[Bdial]

Here is the top of the inside.

*pics are loading sideways. Don't know why.

 

[Big Dog]

I don't see an issue with removing it. I just sold a tank that utilized a removable center stand brace and I'd recommend the same for you. Make one that can be put back after you do the work on your fuge.

 

[Bdial]

how would I just make it remove able? I was kinda looking for a more permanent removal. That's why I was thinking about reinforcing the stand.

 

[Big Dog]

Cut a piece the same width and height (add enough to the height to make up the difference for your saw cuts from removal) and wedge it in.

 

[Bdial]

So just wedge it in the area that I cut out? I wouldn't have to add anything else to it?

 

[Big Dog]

Yep and nope. Most of your support comes from the ends anyway and I'm sure the back is supported also.

 

[Bdial]

There is a back center brace and the corners seen strong. Does it need to be same width (1x14) or could I stagger 2x4s?

 

[Big Dog]

Well I don't know how your doors are configured. If they meet in the middle you can do anything you'd like but if they don't you would need something wide enough to fill the gap.

 

[Bdial]

There are no doors. I'm building them. That's why I really want just the big open area.

 

[Big Dog]

Well then, have them meet in the middle and then supplement your remove able brace accordingly. I still think you should put something to fill the gap from the door gap. If fuge lights are on you'll see the line where the doors meet.

 

[Bdial]

No fuge and the light is on a switch.

 

[Big Dog]

All the options are still available to you then!

 

[Bdial]

So I definitely need a middle brace right? I couldnt support it any other way. I would like to be able to open my doors to a wide open area with no beam in the way.

 

[RocketEngineer]

So I definitely need a middle brace right? I couldnt support it any other way. I would like to be able to open my doors to a wide open area with no beam in the way.

You would need a new stand in order to achieve that.

Is the stand particle board? It looks it. Not the best material for strength, especially if you remove a large portion of the support.

Is the tank running? If so I wouldn't do anything to the stand at this time.

 

[julie180]

I would not attempt it.

 

[Big Dog]

Remove stand center for open door

Well these people obviously know better than me after having a removable center brace for years! If you brace as you described in the original post you'd be good to go IMHO.

 

[Bdial]

It seems to be real wood. It's kinda heavy. I'll just leave it be I guess.

 

[Big Dog]

From Marinelands staff .............. The Monterey stands are made from a combination of solid wood (trim and frame), and hardwood plywood panels with a smooth, real wood veneer on the finished surface of the plywood that is stained or painted.

The majority of the weight rest on the frame (corners). I assume the doors are not the entire width of the tank so there is support outside the doors.

 

[Hodge1995]

Removing it may or may not make the tank flex in the middle. It is a bad idea to remove it. A glass tank I would say has even weight all the way around the outer frame, not just on the corners. Just like an acrylic tank has even pressure along the entire bottom because the have no outer frame. Only way to safely remove it would be to span the proper header across the opening.