Suggestions about center brace on cabinet

[meemsco]

Hi

I am new to saltwater hobby. I am trying to fit a 29g sump in my cabinet and realized that the vertical center brace is a problem. I already have the acrylic baffles purchased and cut for it, so I want to do what I can to make this work because I really don't want to go smaller than 29g for my 75g DT.

I thought of temporarily removing the top horizontal center brace under the tank so I can drop the sump in from the top, then put that brace back before I put on the 75g tank. BUT then I would never be able to take the sump out of the cabinet again unless I remove the DT tank which would be a really sucky thing to have to do.

So I have a couple of questions
1) how likely is it that I would have to remove the sump from the cabinet to service it? (Because it doesn't ever have to come out, then I can go from the top).

2) Is there any way to reinforce the main support of the cabinet so I can remove that vertical center piece, even if just temporarily and then put it back? Even that rather inconvenient because it is on the backside of the stand/cabinet.

I hope this makes sense. I have attached a few photos.

I know I could build a new stand, but I am not handy so I am looking for other options. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[meemsco]

Hi

I am new to saltwater hobby. I am trying to fit a 29g sump in my cabinet and realized that the vertical center brace is a problem. I already have the acrylic baffles purchased and cut for it, so I want to do what I can to make this work because I really don't want to go smaller than 29g for my 75g DT.

I thought of temporarily removing the top horizontal center brace under the tank so I can drop the sump in from the top, then put that brace back before I put on the 75g tank. BUT then I would never be able to take the sump out of the cabinet again unless I remove the DT tank which would be a really sucky thing to have to do.

So I have a couple of questions
1) how likely is it that I would have to remove the sump from the cabinet to service it? (Because it doesn't ever have to come out, then I can go from the top).

2) Is there any way to reinforce the main support of the cabinet so I can remove that vertical center piece, even if just temporarily and then put it back? Even that rather inconvenient because it is on the backside of the stand/cabinet.

I hope this makes sense. I have attached a few photos.

I know I could build a new stand, but I am not handy so I am looking for other options. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

OR maybe I can cut a hole on the SIDE panel and make it a door so I can slide the sump in from the side? Or would that affect the support structure? If I do that, can I reinforce the support in some way?

 

[Neoalchemist]

What I did was remove the factory fasteners from the verticle center brace and remove it to slide the tank in. When I replaced the support I just tapped it back into place then drilled 4 1/4" holes and installed replacement bolts. I used a cotter pin assembly instead of a nut and bolt for future ease.
I did this with a half full tank on the stand which meant I had to temporarily support the whole thing for a short period of time.
But I was quick about it and everything worked out great.

 

[Dierks]

What I did was remove the factory fasteners from the vertical center brace and remove it to slide the tank in. When I replaced the support I just tapped it back into place then drilled 4 1/4" holes and installed replacement bolts. I used a cotter pin assembly instead of a nut and bolt for future ease.
I did this with a half full tank on the stand which meant I had to temporarily support the whole thing for a short period of time.
But I was quick about it and everything worked out great.

I agree with this solution as well! This gives you the unlikely option to go back in and remove if its ever required. Most likely you won't but want the option! You got this, and i think your thought process is correct!

Also, Welcome to R2R!! So many great people here willing to help. Glad you made your way here!

 

[meemsco]

What I did was remove the factory fasteners from the verticle center brace and remove it to slide the tank in. When I replaced the support I just tapped it back into place then drilled 4 1/4" holes and installed replacement bolts. I used a cotter pin assembly instead of a nut and bolt for future ease.
I did this with a half full tank on the stand which meant I had to temporarily support the whole thing for a short period of time.
But I was quick about it and everything worked out great.

Thanks Neoalchemist! I really like the replacement bolt and cotter pin suggestion. Much appreciated

 

[meemsco]

I agree with this solution as well! This gives you the unlikely option to go back in and remove if its ever required. Most likely you won't but want the option! You got this, and i think your thought process is correct!

Also, Welcome to R2R!! So many great people here willing to help. Glad you made your way here!

Thanks, Dierks, for the welcome and encouragement! It has been a little daunting and quite a learning curve, and I really appreciate the support of all of you on the forum. It seems I am running into things I don't understand every step of the way

 

[Dierks]

It has been a little daunting and quite a learning curve

You are very right, but I promise the end result is amazing and so rewarding! Stick to it, and when that tank gets wet you will stand back and just stare at the tank. It's mesmerizing to have a small slice of the ocean in your home. The truth be told, you will feel the same overwhelming feelings when you start looking for all the goodies inside the tank. That is why this place is so valuable as everyone usually loves an aspect of the hobby and dive in pretty deep. Myself I am all about the livestock and my coral comes second, I am obsessed with Fish diseases and how we can make the hobby better by supplying Clean healthy fish. Make sure you start on the the right foot and read up on the quarantine process and decide what camp you will be in!!