sump fitting in stand problem

[Coralife205]

Does anybody know if it would be safe to cut a hole in my stand, in order to fit my sump under the stand. I know it will fit in their, but I cant fit it inside it because of the braces...can I cut a hole in the side of the stand (that i will have to live with) and git it in that way. The wood is thin. about maybe an inch. Im just wondering how that will affect the structural integrity. I think it would be safe because thats not actualy holding up the tank...or is it?









http://s387.photobucket.com/albums/oo313/coralife205/

[discussmith]

The structural strength of the stand is nearest the corners so cutting a hole in the middle of the side should not affect that. I have no doubt that the rear center brace could be removed and re-attached afterward or replaced with a new piece by you or someone with some woodworking tools and skills and thus save the appearance of the stand. I would look into that as a possibility first.

[DerekFF]

Yeah you dont want to take out the corners for sure, that is as smith said, the strength of the stand. You can take out the center braces (back one as smith mentioned would save appearance in case you cant redo it as good as it is now) and slide the tank in, then replace the brace either with the origional if undamaged or a new one.

[PC1]

Expert advice there! go in from behind and remove a brace. 90% of stands are overbuilt as is. Put in the sump stick another brace in and your good to go.

[PC1]

nice set up by the way!

[tcyiu]

+1 on removing and replacing the rear center brace. That's what I would do.

Tim