How to Choose Scuba Tanks

If you have decided to take up scuba diving seriously, you may need to buy a scuba tank, instead of renting one every time you need to dive. With all the diversity nowadays, it is difficult to pick the one and only, as they differ in size, weight, and price. We have prepared the most essential tips for picking the right air tank.

What is a scuba tank?

A scuba tank is one of the key parts of equipment which help you breathe after the immersion. It is filled with air and is connected to your mouth. When inhaling, the person gets a portion of the air from the tank and keeps exploring the marine life.

Scuba tanks come in two forms – open- and close-circuit. When choosing the open-circuit one, the air you exhale goes into the water. The close-circuit one is more efficient, as it can ‘recycle’ the air you exhale, thus prolonging your time underwater; however, it costs more.

What are the scuba tanks made of?

There are two main materials used – aluminum and steel, both having pros and cons.

Aluminum scuba tanks are more suitable for recreational divers, they are much lighter and cheaper than those from the steel. They can last for 10000 test hours under proper care. Typically, it is the choice of recreational sites.

Steel scuba tanks are the choice of professionals and deep divers. They are significantly heavier, yet their lifespan is longer, and they have better resistance to corrosion. Steel water tanks are definitely more durable, and have a special marking – Chromium-moly steel = 3AA.

If you are an occasional diver on a budget, an aluminum tank will be a good choice. If you are planning on deeper dives and cold waters, you will need to invest in better quality and durability, thus, in the steel tanks.

What gas is used inside the tank?

Scuba diving tanks contain either air or a mix of gasses. A common ratio of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen is suitable and safe for immersion within 30 feet. However, if you are opting for deeper dives (down to 130 feet), the mix should be changed to 32% of oxygen and 68% of nitrogen. Such a shift is based on nitrogen characteristics, which can cause decompression sickness.

How long does the scuba tank last?

The one-time-dive durability depends on a few major factors – the size of the tank, diving conditions, type of valve, and breathing rate (which is rather changeable).

The majority of scuba tanks are 80, and 100 cubic feet in size. 80 cubic feet are used by recreational divers, while 100 are the choice of professionals, as they last over an extended period of time, and allow deeper dives.

As a rule, the divers use one or two tanks per dive, however, deeper dives require even more.

It is also important to consider that airless tanks are heavy and have no buoyancy, thus, they will take you down to the bottom, making the ascent really challenging. It is important to be vigilant and check the level of air and count the time needed for the return.

How to take care of the scuba tanks?

The better you look after your gear, the longer it will last and provide you with impeccable service:

1. Keep it clean – the outer part of the tank should be washed with soap and water. Besides, after and before every dive, you’d better inspect the tank for any kind of damage or cracks.
2. Keep it full – if the air gets too low, the tank can get damaged. Pre-dive procedures must always include topping up the air and pressure checks.
3. Have the tanks tested – the check-up should be organized every two years, however, if you are a frequent diver, even sooner. The tests will help to detect the issues with the tanks or the leak.

Although these rules are pretty simple, not everyone is willing to follow them. Scuba diving tolerates no ignorance on that account. Safety double-checking of the gear is a matter of life.

Scuba diving is one of the most exciting kinds of sport and entertainment, it gives a chance to experience a whole new range of emotions and get closer to marine life. If you feel hooked by all the beauty of underwater life, dedicate your time to choosing the right gear, considering all the above-mentioned aspects, and make your way towards the beauty of the water world.