The last post reminded me that I have some editing to do. Please bear with me as I work through it. You will see that I have already changed some of the numbers.
Allow me to bump the thread...We might be moving in 6-12 months and I want to build a stand for my 125 gallon cichlid tank. I understand everything, however in my design, I want the front of my stand to be open enough to put a 80+ gallon sump straight in. What would be the best way to keep the top portion from bowing?
If your leaving that big of an opening across the front go with 2x6 or 2x8s rather than 2x4s they won't bow/sag from the weight the way a 2x4 doesIn the middle of building my 125gal stand(6 footer), I plan to put a 55 sump underneath but wanted the sump to be visible... Which means I need a 48" opening. How many horizontal 2x4 will I need to keep the front of the stand from sagging?