Every diver always knows that he/she needs to get a scuba tank. The scuba tank is essential in the fact that it is used for transporting a high pressure breathing gas. There are two main different types of scuba tanks. These include the aluminum tanks and steel tanks. The tanks differ in construction, weight, and working pressure; hence a diver can always get the ultimate tank size.
What is Scuba Tank
This is a type of gas cylinder mainly used for the purpose of carrying high-pressure breathing gas by the diver. The tanks can be used for three main purposes. First, it can be used for an emergency gas supply for the scuba. Secondly, it can also be used for decompression gas and surface supplied diving gas for the divers.
Type of Scuba Diving Tanks
There are two main types of scuba tanks namely steel tanks and aluminum tanks.
Steel Tanks
The steel tanks are known to be durable and rugged. The tank is relatively lighter with thicker walls. Due to this, they don’t need much maintenance cost and can serve you for years. The volume of the steel tank is estimated to be about 80-100 cubic feet and can weigh up to 30-31 pounds. The thicker wall of these tanks will always compensate for the reduced tensile strength, making it great for all users.
Aluminum Tanks
The aluminum tank is kind of cost-efficient with low maintenance costs. This type of scuba tank is relatively lighter compared to the steel types since it has a dry weight of about 28-30 pounds. Besides this, the capacity is about 80 cubic feet and a standard pressure of about 3000 psi. The aluminum tank is kind of softer compared to the steel type, which is why most of them can easily scratch. Due to this, they don’t last long like the steel tanks.
Scuba Tank Buying Guide
Irrespective of your level of diving, it is vital to get the best scuba tanks. Here are some of the main considerations to check out before buying a scuba tank;
Tank Capacity
The scuba tanks have been designed in different sizes. Depending on your level of diving, you need to get the ideal size that will suit you. For example, for the larger divers, you need to get a larger tank due to the greater gas consumption rate. Besides this, for the recreational divers, you need to consider tanks with a capacity of 80-100 cubic feet. Lastly, for a young diver, a tank of about 63 cubic feet will perfectly suit you.
Number of Tanks
A single tank is never enough for the professional divers. In most cases, you need to get at least two tanks to keep you safe. With this, you can always dive with a lot of confidence as you won’t run out of gas.
Low-Pressure Vs. High Pressure
Since the steel types of scuba tanks feature in high and low-pressure types, you have to weigh out the ideal selection that will serve you. The high-pressure tanks are more convenient though needs high maintenance. F or example, the high-pressure tank needs the DIN regulator and not Yoke. This implies that when you got the Yoke, you have to change the regulator. Apart from this, expect the high-pressure tanks to fail in the 5-year hydro inspection, unlike the low pressure.
Aluminum Vs. Steel Tanks
It is also important to make a decision between choosing a steel or aluminum type of tank. The steel tanks are prone to rusting, unlike the aluminum tanks. Secondly, the steel tank will always require a tank boot at the bottom. This is because they lack more metal at the bottom as seen in aluminum tanks. One advantage of the steel tank is that it is heavier; hence the diver wears less weight. Despite these differences, they have equal capacities; hence you need to find one that will perfectly suit you.
Top Aluminum Scuba Diving Tanks
1. Cyl-Tec 80 Cubic Feet Scuba Diving Tanks
With a working pressure of up to 3000 psi and a capacity of 80 cubic feet, this is a great diving tank that will suit your diving needs. The tank is designed to suit both experienced and beginner divers, which makes it a versatile choice. The lightweight tank has a salt water buoyancy of about 3.8lbs and 1.9lbs when empty and full respectively. Additionally, it has a height of about 29.75-inches including the valve.
Features
• 3000 psi working pressure
• 80 cubic feet capacity
• New combo valve
2. Catalina 80 Cubic Feet Aluminum Scuba Tank
This is a perfect scuba tank that has been designed in different colors. With this, every diver can get his/her favorite color. Second, to this, the tank is 40% nitrox ready and has a weight of 31.6lbs. The capacity is about 80 cubic feet, making it an excellent option for most divers. The tank accept both DIN and Yoke type of valves. With this, it can easily be converted forth and back. The durable tank has a working pressure of 3000 psi.
Features
• 31.6lbs in weight
• 40% nitrox ready
• 3000 psi working pressure
3. Sherwood Aluminum 100 Cubic Feet Scuba Tank
Do you need a scuba tank with high capacity? Here is a tank with up to 100 cubic feet, making it great for all divers. The good news is that the scuba tank has a working pressure of 3300 psi and a length of up to 30.3-inches including the valve. It features in different colors, which makes it elementary to find your favorite color. The tank isn’t that heavy as it weighs about 46.2lbs.
Features
• 3300 psi working pressure
• 100 cubic feet capacity
• 46.2lbs in weight
4. Luxfer Aluminum Scuba Tank 80 Cubic Feet
The Luxfer Aluminum Tank is a high-quality scuba tank with a pro valve. The heavy-duty valve ensures an efficient and high flow capacity. It has been constructed from quality aluminum alloy material for long-term use. Moreover, the scuba diving tank is also corrosion resistant; hence appropriate for all divers irrespective of the dive time. The tank has been certified by DOT and it is up to 23.5% nitrox ready.
Features
• Heavy-duty valve
• 23.5% nitrox ready
• Aluminum alloy construction
• Corrosion resistant
5. Luxfer Aluminum Pony Scuba Diving Tank
With this aluminum scuba tank, you are guaranteed a long-term service. This is due to the fact that it has been built from quality and corrosion resistant aluminum alloy. Besides this, the tank features a pro heavy-duty valve to deliver an efficient and high flow capacity. It is about 23.5% nitrox ready and since it has been certified by DOT to exceed all specifications, it is recommended for all divers.
Features
• Nitrox ready to 23.5%
• Meets DOT specifications
• Aluminum alloy built
• Heavy-duty valve
Top Steel Scuba Diving Tanks
1. XS Scuba Faber Steel High-Pressure Tank
This is a high-pressure tank with a capacity of 80 cubic feet. The tank has a weight of 28.6lbs and can accommodate nitrox up to about 40% of its capacity. Besides this, the tank features a physical vapor deposition finish, which makes it great for long-term use. The round bottom cylinder is great for all divers and with the Teflon coated valve seat, you will find it great for diving.
Features
• 80 cubic feet capacity
• Round bottom
• O-ring sealed bonnet
2. Faber High-Pressure Steel Scuba Tank
The Faber steel tank is currently bringing the new innovation on the market. This is why it has been greatly recommended by the divers and professionals. The tank is about 40% nitrox ready and due to the design, it will comfortably enhance optimum weight distribution. This is because you can always get rid of the lead weight away from the integrated weight system. Second, to this, the steel tank can easily be converted back and forth thanks to the DIN/K valve.
Features
• DIN/K valve type
• Chromium molybdenum steel
• Ergonomic design
3. Faber Low-Pressure Diving Steel Scuba Tank
When you need a highly durable low-pressure tank, this is an exceptional selection. The tank is constructed using the highest quality of chromium molybdenum steel material. The round bottom cylinder makes it ergonomic and great for all divers. More interestingly, it has a working pressure of about 2640 Psi and a weight of 31.2lbs. Just like other Faber tanks, it also features a DIN/K type of valve. This is why you can easily convert it back and forth based on the initial stage regulator; hence a widely versatile tank.
Features
• Cylinder boot
• Round bottom cylinder
• 40% nitrox ready
• Rugged construction
4. Faber Hot Dip High-Pressure Galvanized Steel Tank
Featuring a heavy-duty DIN/K valve, it is an ergonomic steel tank you can convert back and forth. The durable tank has been designed from chromium molybdenum steel to keep it durable. You can, therefore, use it for years. In addition to this, it also features a marine chrome plated brass finish to keep it from corrosion and scratches. The tank is 40% Nitrox ready and supports even weight distribution.
Features
• Marine chrome plated brass finish
• Round bottom design
• DIN/K valve
5. Faber 23 High-Pressure Steel Scuba Tank Only
For better support during when diving, here is a perfect diving tank, which will evenly support an optimum weight distribution. It has an ergonomic design and always nitrox ready to 40%. It is a highly durable steel scuba tank designed from quality chromium molybdenum steel and has a rugged construction. It also features two different colors for easy selection.
Features
• Round cylinder bottom
• Chromium molybdenum steel built
• 40% nitrox ready
With the above selections of steel and aluminum scuba tanks, you can now find the ideal scuba tank. The tanks are highly durable due to the quality and corrosion resistant constructions. Apart from this, they are also safe and suit all levels of divers. The widely versatile tanks are either 40% or 23.5% nitrox ready, which makes them ideal options; hence the best scuba tanks to try out.
