Diving Tanks

Posted on May 21, 2009 under Scuba Diving | No Comment

Originally known as the cylindrical pressure vessel, the diving tank is one of the most vital components of your diving equipment. Scuba tanks, or dive tanks, are responsible for storing and transporting high pressure breathing gas. This piece of diving equipment is what keeps the diver alive and breathing underwater. The gas is provided to the diver through the demand valve of a diving regulator which divers put in their mouth. Common dive tanks used by average adults may measure up to 80cu. ft. Other scuba tanks used by teens or petite women may be less than that depending on their lung size, fitness, and other factors.

Types of Tanks

Diving tanks are made in two types: Aluminum tanks and Steel tanks. There’s not much difference between the two other than the obvious fact that they are made out of different metals. Aluminum dive tanks are the most common in the world and since they are more cost efficient, especially compared to steel dive tanks, they can be found at almost any dive resort or scuba rental shops. They are much lighter than steel tanks which make it easier to carry around.

The steel tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have better buoyancy characteristics compared to aluminum tanks as they do not float at the end of the dive. You do not have to spend more effort in counter-weighting them as you would with the aluminum tanks since they are already naturally heavy. If well maintained, the steel tanks last way longer than aluminum and is said to keep working for decades.

Pros About Scuba Tanks

Scuba tanks have amazing durability which is means you can save a lot of money through the years as you do not have to replace your diving tank that often. If well maintained you can keep putting extra cash aside for other dive equipment or other personal expenses. Both types of dive tanks, steel and aluminum, last up to ten years and over if they are properly maintained.

It is easy for you to determine which tank you should use for the type of diving you are planning to do, and these dive tanks come in different sizes with different volume capacities and pressure designed for people with different breathing capabilities.

Cons

One main problem when owning a scuba tank is the chances of rust corroding it. Since the only material strong enough to resist the pressure of the air compressed in the tank is metal, scuba tanks are all made out of this. Rust forms when this metal is in the presence of sea water. But rust can be prevented by frequent and proper maintenance.

Due to its sizing and weight, dive tanks aren’t very easy to travel around with and they can get quite annoying and this is another important factor to take into account. The best advice offered is that you should own a tank only if you are a frequent diver, other than that it would be easier for you to rent scuba tanks unless you are sure you are going to dive more often.

To Conclude

Every scuba diver needs a scuba tank in any dive that involves staying underwater for a long period of time. If you are a frequent diver then it would be cheaper for you to actually own a diving tank rather than renting one several times. Proper maintenance is all that is required to keep your tank lasting for years and years. It is easy to pick out which scuba diving tank will suit you and your bodily limits. The cost is very reasonable as the life periods for dive tanks are very lengthy. There are many deals you can find online for discounts on tanks.

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Scuba Diving Regulators

Posted on May 13, 2009 under Scuba Diving | No Comment

Apart from the basics of scuba diving, every diver needs to know all there is to know about their diving regulator and how to use it. You will need to learn how to choose the right scuba regulator for your needs if you are new to diving but if you’re a seasoned diver then you might want to brush up every now and then on what is the best and the latest dive regulators are available.

What is a Regulator?

Before you go out and buy a diving regulator it is important to understand just what one is.  It is actually a pressure regulator that helps to provide the diver with just the right amount of breathing gases so that they can breathe under water. The regulator is attached to the cylinder that holds the breathing gas so that it will be given in the right dose, at the right time, to the diver.

This is needed to lower the air pressure at all stages during the dive. Terms like demand valve and diving regulator may have been used in similar ways. In reality, the demand valve is responsible for allowing the gas to go the diver and is actually attached to the regulator. You can easily get to know all the parts of a regulator when purchasing one and you can always ask for a diagram that will help break it down further.

Features to Check Out

When making your choice in a diving regulator, there are some important features that will want to have in mind. It may not be wise to go with the first one you come across. Piston and Diaphragm regulators are the recommended ones you should look into. Between these two types of regulators, the only difference is that some people who dive in cold waters prefer the diaphragm as it works better for temperatures less than 40 degrees. By using a kit known as an environmental kit, the diaphragm regulator would be much similar to freeze proof.

It is a good idea to check out the part of the scuba regulator which goes in your mouth. Recognized as the second stage, it should contain an adjustment to help you custom fit it. Taking a look at the swivel will help you lessen the pull of the hose line with the regulator.

The Cost

The cost is the final factor in making your choice for your perfect diving regulator as it will enable you to see what your budget will allow you to buy. Nobody would want to go with a regulator which is expensive yet has cheap qualities.

Do a bit of homework before making your choice. You want to go with a place that is up to date on the regulations that need to be met. When it comes to your diving equipment, you want to get a quality product. Your scuba equipment will be what keeps you alive when you are underwater and you want to be as comfortable as possible so you can enjoy the experience more.

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