Tanks In Scuba Diving: Choosing The One That Fits Right

No matter whether you are a scuba diver, you run a dive shop or you have a dive boat, the fact is that you use a scuba tank. It is important to know the differences in scuba diving tanks so that you can get the most out of your diving experience. Below is a look at the basics when choosing a tank. With the tips below you will find that picking out the right tank is simple.

* Price. One of the most popular tanks in scuba diving is the Aluminum 80 tank. There are also tanks that run 50, 63 72 and 100 cubic feet but the 80 is the most popular for the price and because it is one of the first in Aluminum tanks.

* Air Capacity. Selecting the one that matches your breathing needs is vital when it comes to deciding the right air capacity in your tank. Speeds vary on everyone's breathing so you need to tempo yourself and see what tank best meets your breathing needs that fits as well to the type of dive you are into. Short dives such as with students may just need smaller tanks but if you are going on a dive with family or friends and you will be out longer then you should go for a tank that has a larger air capacity.

* Consider weight and buoyancy. People that are new to diving may not be aware of the fact that when an aluminum tank gets empty it becomes buoyant. It is common for an 80 cubic foot aluminum tank to be 5 lbs positive buoyant at 500psi. Some people prefer to go with a steel tank to avoid this problem but you do not have to if you do not want to. There are companies that are making the aluminum tanks with neutral buoyancy so people do not have to deal with the buoyancy troubles. Some people find it troublesome to use the steel tanks as they operate at higher pressures and it can be hard to get them filled as many dive shops will not fill them. Steel tanks are also much more costly then an aluminum tank and they can have issues with rust if you were to get any bit of moisture or water in the interior part.

* Size does matter. Many people say that in scuba diving, the length of the tank is what is annoying rather then the diameter. You do not want the tank to be too long as it will interfere with your diving and you will not be able to properly use the tank. You can buy some tanks that are purposely made 3 inches smaller then the standard size of an aluminum 80 tank. The tank is a bit heavier but easier to carry because of the length and diameter. You can find a high pressure steel tank that runs just 20 inches in length. It is best to go with what you feel comfortable with.

When it comes to getting the right gear in scuba diving tanks, you need to go with what fits you and your needs. You want to have the right air capacity as well as the right length. Diving with the wrong tank can ruin your dive so take the time and get the right tank.

Article Source: TravelFreeGuides.com

About the Author

Want to find out more about scuba diving tanks , then visit MyDiveBuddies site on how to choose the best scuba diving tanks for your needs.

by: Allyn Cutts

Total views: 1 Word Count: 551 Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 Time: 7:27 AM - 0 comments

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