Does my stand need center braces?

[ReefSlice]

I have an SCA 150 on the way and I'm building my own stand, top frame and cross beams will be 2x6's and the 4 legs will be reinforced 2x4's (3 2x4's per leg) as well as the bottom frame and cross beams. Stand will be wrapped in 1/2 or 3/4" ply. Do I still need center supports in the front and back of the stand or can I get away with not having any? I have a synergy overflow and 2 drilled returns so plumbing space is much needed in the back! Thanks for any help

 

[Matthew Frost]

How long is the tank? A 2x6 will carry that but I wouldn't trust it over 4'. I've heard of people doing 3 parallel stringers, front/middle/back especially on flat bottom tanks, that would probably be ok for 5` but over that you need a center brace.

 

[TinyChocobo]

Personally - I'd take the insurance and reduced working space. Think about it - if it were to fail - would you wish you had gone with a little less room to do the plumbing and more support for the tank? I imagine so.

 

[paphater]

I had a glass 150g that used 2x6s that spanned the entire 72" with out a center support, but that tank had a bottom frame so it carried all of the weight on the four corners. A full sheet of plywood skinning it will help but with out a bottom frame I wouldn't chance it with out a center support.