Tips When Choosing Your Scuba Tanks

Floating seems easy when you're lying on the surfaceresistant to dents for those cave dives and resist
of a swimming pool. Keeping your body horizontalcorrosion for the hardcore divers.
seems like child's play.A problem with many aluminum tanks is that they can
But when you're strapped down with gear, breathing inget stripped from screwing on the regulator time and
huge gulps and trying to maintain a certain depth, all thetime again. This is not an issue with the steel tank.
while adjusting the air flow hoses and valves, it can beAnother problem many new divers have with scuba
quite a challenge!tanks is in the positioning. Did you know that a cylinder
Scuba tanks can greatly affect your buoyancy andplaced higher on the back puts a diver in a naturally
choosing the right one for your trip -- as well as properhead-down position?
positioning on your back -- can make the differenceConversely, a cylinder worn too low will leave divers
between a hassle and an enjoyable dive.feet-heavy. You can improve your air consumption by
While buoyancy seems like a simple concept (we addplacing the cylinder a little higher, just below the head,
air to our BCD, inhale and float along at what is calledso that you are naturally horizontal.
"neutral buoyancy"), some novice divers have a hardYou can purchase tanks at 50, 70.2 and 80 cubic feet
time maintaining their depth and are constantly fidgetinglevels. New divers are advised to purchase either 71 or
with the valves and hoses. Sometimes just having the80 because they will likely need more air. Larger scuba
proper tank for your particular diving trip can be a hugetanks are harder to find but can still be found for those
help.going on very long excursions. Auxiliary or pony tanks
Aluminum scuba tanks are the most popular -- possiblyhold 10-40 cubic feet of air and are strapped onto the
because they're cheaper, but also because they're alarger tank for backup.
lot easier to lug around. These lightweight tanks mayScuba tanks need to be inspected every five years,
require you to carry more weights with you if you wishby law in the United States. In Europe, the mandate is
to descend to greater depths, yet are perfect forevery two years. Many divers feel comfortable testing
those surface and reef dives.their scuba gear every year, as you can never be too
Be aware that most dive shops won't refill ansafe when it comes to your underwater breathing
aluminum tank if it is more than 15 years old, so if youapparatus.
plan to keep scuba diving for many years, a steel tankScuba tanks are a large investment initially, but they
might be a better fit for you.should last for many years and many breathtaking
When you're diving in cold water with a thermallytrips.
insulating dive suit, you're better off with a heavierEnrich your knowledge further about scuba tanks from
cylinder made of steel. Steel scuba tanks, while theyMike Selvon portal. We appreciate your feedback at
may cost twice as much as aluminum, they are moreour scuba diving blog where a free gift awaits you.