do I need the center support

Last year I built a stand for my tank. The thing is sturdy and over built like crazy but it was my first build so of course I wanted to make sure it would hold. Its basically the 2 rectangles with doubled 2x4 and a cross every 12.5 inches if I remember right which werent doubled. Each corner has 3 verticals that the 2 rectangles sit on and are screwed into. The top is 3/4 birch. Wrapped in 1/2plywood. I put a vertical support dead center in front and back. My issue is once my skimmer went in it.wasnt really coming back out. Could I take the front center brace out forever or would it bow. The tank is a 75 gallon. The stand was built a bit taller and wider to fit a 40 gallon breeder for a sump. Its really a pain having the brace there. Whats everyone's thoughts can I take it out so I can pull my skimmer out. I will have to empty the sump and pull it forward to even get it out. I wish I picked a skimmer before I built the stand