Titan Eze metal stands..

[FreshyFresh]

I've been bugging the individual I've been in contact with at Caitec for the past 3 days or so. In the latest reply I got from them, they told me that their test is to put a 1500lb load on each of the shelves of all their Titan eze stands, and the stands can easily support this load.

Given a 110g tank weighs in at 1320lbs loaded, man I'd hate to have 2640lbs of tank on 4 sections of 1" square steel tubing. 660psi pushing against the floor in 4, 1" places.

It is impressive that they actually respond to customer inquiries though. That impresses me more than anything these days.

Given that, I'd buy another, especially for smaller tanks.

 

[FishDad]

From looking at the stand its not the load bearing weight that looks questionable but its ability to sway. More of a tensile strength issue than a compression strength. Not saying for sure, it just looks that way based on the pic. Its the same reason I hate using particle board furniture for stands, they can withstand a substantial amount of pressure but as soon as you lean on them they fall apart.

 

[FreshyFresh]

True. Like Thyra suggested earlier in this tread is the lack of triangulation. Either diagonally across the back, or even a strip across the back would steady it I'd think. The fully welded top and bottom box/shelf sections are very strong, then the ~2ft legs slide into channels on the bottom and top section.

If the wiggle/sway during maintenance continues to bother me, I may U-bolt a section of black painted wood across the back, or maybe try a piece of uni-strut. I definitely don't want to drill the 1" steel tube legs, nor do I want to crush them with any type of clamp or U-bolt. A novice welder could turn this thing into something exceptionally strong with ease.

 

[FishDad]

FWIW I did something similar to my kids 55g. As you know they are incredibly thin (the 55's, not my kids) and when on carpeting I feel they can be easily pushed/pulled over with the stand. So I bolted a 2x4 to the wall at the height of the top of the stand and then bolted the stand to it. Its totally free of movement.

 

[FreshyFresh]

That's a good call.

I do like the Aquatic Fundamentals brand stand I have for my 55g. It has a ~2" foot of sorts that sticks out at the base, I assume for stability. I have been very happy with this MDF stand. It's US made and has held-up w/out a scuff in the year I've had it setup. Even that would probably be rocky on thick carpeting though.

 

[Thyra]

I agree with Fishdad - I have built bookcases, but if they are more than about 3 feet high I bolt them to the wall.

 

[OrangeCones]

OC would need a high lift and scuba gear.

Scaffolding works well too