Modifying cabinet. Best way to support?

[Marinefish2020]

I have a jewel vision 3 section cabinet that I want to modify to allow a sump.. There are 3 pieces I have to remove from the existing structure (3 pieces marked with red dots). Yes the back piece will have to come out to to allow the sump to fit.

When these 3 pieces are removed I can forsee the cabinet leaning and if pushed at the sides completely collapsing. What is the best way to support it to prevent this from happening?

 

[Gtinnel]

If it were me I would build a 2x4 frame that fits into the opening to support the weight. It's not that much different than making your own stand and just using the existing cabinet as a "skin".

 

[jgirardnrg]

You're going to need to build some kind of rigid internal frame. For example, the internal frame for my 60g cube looks like this:

Then the external skin:

 

[Marinefish2020]

So a simple frame like this would be sufficient installed in this section(red square)?

 

[mdb_talon]

I would say no that would not be sufficient. That back piece you are removing is what stabilizes the legs. Without it the frame can still move side to side (unless very well done). At a minimum you need to add cross supports to the back for stabilization. If that is an actual picture of your stand (pressed wood) I would junk it and build a stand. Adding to that type of wood with screws, etc is just asking for trouble. Not to say it cant be done I am sure people do, but not what should be done and quite a bit of risk.

 

[Gtinnel]

I'd personally add in a support going from the front piece of wood to the back (kinda like a ceiling joist to describe what I'm talking about) but otherwise I would think that should be fine, assuming the width of the section you marked in red isn't much wider than I'd expect from the picture.

 

[Gtinnel]

Also, whether it is sufficient would depend on what size lumber or metal you are using to make the frame out of.

 

[Marinefish2020]

I would say no that would not be sufficient. That back piece you are removing is what stabilizes the legs. Without it the frame can still move side to side (unless very well done). At a minimum you need to add cross supports to the back for stabilization. If that is an actual picture of your stand (pressed wood) I would junk it and build a stand. Adding to that type of wood with screws, etc is just asking for trouble. Not to say it cant be done I am sure people do, but not what should be done and quite a bit of risk.

This side to side movement is what worries me. Also adding a cross support was my first idea but this would take away that extra tiny bit of depth that I need to fit the sump in.

 

[kenchilada]

Your modification has two issues.

1) removing the back panel will cause racking (collapse toward one side or the other)

You have to have a back or some other type of brace such as a cross brace to prevent racking.

2) removing the vertical post removes support from the top span, which might sag without it, or overload the remaining vertical supports

If you want to remove the vertical post, you have to support the span some other way. You could use a beam (wood, angle iron, etc) to transfer the load to another vertical support.

Or... just build or buy another cabinet.

 

[ma77y]

If you can build a frame to fit inside you should be okay
This is what I did to an IKEA unit

 

[Marinefish2020]

Update. I have modified my cabinet as I was going to initially but not removed the back panel. This means I now have the width side to side need, I just need a custom sump due to the depth (front to back) is shallow.
I used some pallet wood as inside athstetics don't matter and I have access to loads of that wood. It's turned out just as sturdy as it was and I didn't even need to drain the tank, it stayed in place. The center support is temporarily removable to allow sump in when it comes to it and was more for visual athstetics when doors are closed.