A basic guide to the different choices
A scuba tank, also called a scuba cylinder, is constructed out of either steel or aluminum. Aluminum tanks are more common and less expensive, but more prone to denting and wear. Most dive gear shops will only have aluminum tanks for rent, so it is good to become used to their size, weight, shape and buoyancy.
Steel scuba tanks are a little more expensive, but they are far more durable. It is said that a properly maintained steel tank will last longer than the diver who wears it. The caveat with a steel scuba tank is that it will rust and a steel tank user needs to periodically inspect their tank for rust, but rusting can be somewhat avoided with proper care.
Steel scuba tanks are a little more expensive, but they are far more durable. It is said that a properly maintained steel tank will last longer than the diver who wears it. The caveat with a steel scuba tank is that it will rust and a steel tank user needs to periodically inspect their tank for rust, but rusting can be somewhat avoided with proper care.
Table of Contents for Scuba Cylinders Lens
Diving in the Paradise of Fiji
A BLOG about scuba diving in the Fiji Islands by Allan & Terri Gortan, owners and operators of PARADISE Taveuni, the newest boutique island resort in the Fiji Islands.This will include everything we can find that we find interesting online about Fiji Diving, and also some inside news from PARADISE...
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Whether you get aluminum or steel, regardless of the actual physical tolerance of the tank, when you get your tank filled it will be filled to 3000 psi. The capacity of your tank is measured in pressurized cubic feet; in other words how many cubic feet (or liters) of air can be stored in the tank at 3000psi? An average tank holds about 80 cubic feet of air, though tanks range in size from 65 to 100 cubic feet. Extra-large and extra-small scuba tanks are available in size from 120 cubic feet down to the tiny 6 cubic foot "pony tanks".The size of scuba tank you need is decided by the amount of air you will need; the amount of air you need is determined by your size, the size of your lungs, your fitness level and other factors. If you are a teen or a petite woman you will be fine with a smaller tank. An average adult will take an average (80 cu.ft.) tank. Large men who breathe deeply might want the largest tank available.
Scuba Cylinders on Amazon
(if you buy a used cylinder, be sure to have it inspected and tested at a recognized facility before filling)
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Pony Tanks
For that little extra...
One kind of scuba cylinder becoming increasingly popular is the pony tank. A pony tank is a little extra tank which straps to your gear, which has separate staged regulators and sometimes gauges as well. In case your equipment malfunctions or you misjudge your air consumption the pony contains enough air to do a proper slow ascent to the surface. A pony tank is usually carried as an emergency backup air supply, not as a means of extending a dive. 
How much air?
An 80 cu.ft. cylinder at 3000 psi contains 80 cu. ft. of air, which is about the size of a small telephone booth. The air in a telephone booth at 14.7 psi (or 1 ATM, which is ambient sea-level air pressure) weighs about 6.5lbs. The air is compressed 204.08 times smaller to fit into the scuba cylinder.3000 psi / 14.7 psi = 204.08bar
The air in the tank still weighs 6.5lbs, which is why you can feel the weight difference between an empty tank and a full one. You would feel the same difference lifting the telephone booth full of air, compared with the same booth containing a vacuum.
Scuba Tanks on eBay
Some great deals, but be sensible
If you buy a used cylinder, be sure to have it inspected and tested at a recognized facility before filling...
"The only thing problem with common sense is that there's nothing common about sense..."
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Blog Posts about Scuba Cylinders and Tanks
- OBA with a Scuba Tank? - Land Rovers Only - Land Rover Forum
- I can get a 70cf 2700psi scuba tank for $50. Is there an easy way to make a regulator that will fill tires/ run air tools.
- Trouble with Tank Bands - Scuba Forum - Scuba Diving Forums and ...
- Ok...I have to admit I made a mistake and used another company instead of Scuba Toys when setting up my doubles... After cavern diving in Mexico for.
- Tank Bands - Scuba Forum - Scuba Diving Forums and Discussion Board
- What should you look for in a quality set of bands? I was looking at these from Piranha Dive Manufacturing 7.25 Inch Stainless Steel Cylinder Bands ยท
Here's my favorite link:
by StuartinFiji
I am a scuba diving instructor living in Fiji. I have been teaching scuba since 1992 in the Caribbean and since 1996 in Fiji (yes been living here for... (more)
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