Will my tank collapse?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
I would do 1/2 inch bolts, every 10 inches. Drill so they fit tight in the hole. Put a bolt over each leg. I wouldn't recommend the corner braces, because it puts the weight on the screws. If you could get the braces all the way down to the lower horizontal frame ( lower corners), it might work a little better. Or, you could put another horizontal 2x4 under the upper one, and put jack studs in the corners next to the end upright studs.

Edit: How did you make the second pic? Are you really good with photoshop?
 
I did use photoshop. :)

Not good at it, but I just poke around on there to try to figure out what does what. :)
 
I would NOT remove the center post.

The 2x4's will hold the weight without the center post but that weight rating counts in some flex. You do NOT want flex when you are dealing with Aquariums.

When I built my stand I put 5 "posts" (upgright 2x4's) in the span that you have 3. Mine is over built but I didn't want any sag at all.

If I were going to remove the center support I would run two diagonal pieces from the bottom outside if the stand to the center top, like an upside down V. I still wouldn't but it's your call.
 
If you want to remove the center post I would also remove the front top horizontal 2x4 and replace it with two or three 2 x 4's sandwiched together. I would glue and screw them together. I would then add the diagonal braces like you drew. Flexing does cause stresses in the acrylic and can lead to leaks or catastrophic failure. Laminated wood is much stronger than an individual piece of wood the same size.
 
The spill wouldnt be as bad as the 1200lb block crushing you when you knock out the support. Very risky, in alot of ways.
 
I have to agree with the consensus here. Removing that brace is very risky business. IF.... i were to remove it I would have the top made with 3 horizontal braces of 3 2x4's each glued and screwed. You are talking almost a TON sitting on that stand.
 
i'm no major diy
But i think it is better to leave the stand as it is since modifying the stand can be real troublesome and not worth the effort you put in
 
i would leave it like it is or you can build a stand out of metal, metal is much stronger to keep holding the weight. :)
 
so what did you do? knock out the middle and try it or just build another stand??

dave
 
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