Center Brace / No Center Brace

[ILikeFish]

This is one for all those engineer / builder types on the site...

I am building a stand for my 140 gal (2' x 4') tank and am debating if I need a center brace in the front between the two front doors.

The stand is made out of 3/4" hard wood ply double thick. I have also added a third pc of 3/4" ply on the inside above the door. The door span is 33" and the height of the ply above the door is 10"

Do I need a center brace between the two doors?

 

[woodman]

I would put one . woodman.

 

[KathyC]

Ideally yes. Do you have a pic?
If the thought of leaving out the center brace is so you can potentially get a sump in & out of there - best to install a door on the side of the stand I do agree they are a pita to work around at the front of the tank though!

 

[ILikeFish]

Thanks! I will post picts soon. I was thinking about having a door on the side but don't have much room. If I have a door on the sided the I will only have 2 inches of wood btw the door end the edge of the stand.

 

[albano]

I have a 130g (4'x2'), professionally built, furniture grade, stand...the front and sides are 3/4" oak, open back, the internal framing is 3/4" X 3" oak in the 4 corners and surrounding the 2 front doors. this stand is 5 yrs old and is solid as a rock. if necessary I could take pics of the inside, or you are welcome to stop by

 

[ILikeFish]

Albano,

Thanks for the invite. I would love to see your setup sometime.

Just to clarify. Are you saying there is not center brace in the front?

About how wide is the opening?

 

[Reef Reaper]

I would highly recommend it. The center brace is extra insurance to the stability of the stand!!!

 

[albano]

Albano

Just to clarify. Are you saying there is not center brace in the front?

About how wide is the opening?

no center brace between doors, stand is 30"h, door opening is a 'hole' in the single piece of oak 22"h x 30"w, (bottom of doors are 3" above floor), if U PM your email, I'll send pics

 

[ILikeFish]

Stand Pict.

Thanks Albano. Sent PM.

This is a picture of what I have so far. The top front member is 10" h and 3.75" thick.

 

[mluz]

I don't think you need a center brace if you are leaving the font member at that height.

I ended up installing a removable center brace on my stand just so that i would have a place where to put the magnets that hold the doors closed.