This website is your resource for all things related to scuba diving tanks. Scuba diving tanks are also commonly referred to as scuba cylinders, scuba diving tanks are commonly constructed out of steel, aluminum or composite alloys. The most common and least expensive types of scuba diving tanks are aluminum made.
Aluminum scuba diving tanks: Aluminum scuba diving tanks are affordable, reliable, and lightweight, however, a common disadvantage to aluminum scuba diving tanks is that they are more prone to denting and wear and tear. If you are not planning on purchasing your own scuba diving tanks and possibly owning your own gear and renting your tanks it’s a good idea to buy gear suited for aluminum tanks. Most dive shops exclusively rent aluminum tanks so it’s a good idea for you to get used to their size shape and weight. Aluminum scuba diving tanks can also have a different buoyancy than steel tanks so make sure your weight belt and equipment is dialed-in for the type tank you’ll be using.
Steel scuba diving tanks: Steel has a much higher density rate than aluminum this matters to scuba divers because it causes the tank to be negatively buoyant after you’re dive. Steel scuba diving tanks are offered in two different varieties high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) high-pressure tanks allow the diver to fill more air in a smaller space. Low pressure tanks are far more easy to fill but they are very large for the actual amount of air that they hold. Scuba diving tanks manufactured from steel tend to be more expensive but they are far more durable. Divers that choose to own their own tanks or store tanks on their own diving boats typically purchase steel tanks. Steel scuba diving tanks that are maintained properly tend to last longer, look better and maintain a dent free shape as opposed to aluminum tanks that look like “rental tanks” only after a handful of dives. The main drawback to steel scuba diving tanks outside of price of course his propensity to corrosion. If not maintained properly steel scuba diving tanks can be susceptible to rust therefore it is important to maintain proper care of your steel scuba diving tanks and have them inspected at the recommended intervals. Rusty steel scuba diving tanks are fairly uncommon as individuals that can afford the quality of steel scuba diving tanks can afford to have them maintained and inspected periodically.
When learning about scuba diving tanks is important to know the difference between volume and pressure. The pressure of scuba diving tanks is not measured by the size or the volume of the scuba diving tanks but rather the pressure or PSI the tank is rated for. Most aluminum scuba diving tanks have a pressure of 3000 PSI regardless of their size. The volume of the tank is how much oxygen the tank holds tanks can range from a small 6 cuft on up to 80 cuft. Scuba diving tanks are available in many different volumes and still pressures (PSI). The volume of scuba diving tanks is measured in cubic feet (cuft) and that is the measure of how much air the tank holds.