Scuba tanks make up a fundamental part of any scuba diver’s kit. Although they are not air-filled, they do hold a large amount of gas. The tank size will vary depending on what type of diving you do. You'll need to select the right tank based upon the water type you intend to use. Below are the main types, as well as their sizes.
scuba tanks contain no air
The standard aluminum 80 cylinder can hold 77 feet3 of air. Trimix, which is a type diving gas, has a 10 to 20% lower capacity than air. The same goes for air. A higher maximum pressure doesn't necessarily indicate more air. However, manufacturers tend to exaggerate the tanks' capacities. You should therefore compare the capacity of each cylindrical against the actual volume.
They have more gas than water and contain more free gas.
Technical divers use a different mix of gases than recreational divers. As such, their true air or Trimix capacities are lower than their actual waters capacities. For example, Helium is more compressible than air so their true air and trimix capacities are lower than their water capacities. Heliair 10/50 is true to its air capacity at 216 ft3 while Double HP117 has an air volume equivalent to 235 ft3. Use the Z Factors (SCUBA tables) to determine the correct mixed gasoline capacity.
They are made out of steel and aluminum
You should consider the divers' needs when choosing between an aluminium or steel scuba tanks. Steel tanks are more durable and can withstand deeper dives. This durability comes with a price. Aluminum tanks can develop structural fractures more quickly and can be dangerous. A steel tank can also be more expensive than an aluminium one. But aluminum tanks are now the industry standard.
They are available in various sizes
Two materials can be used to build a scuba tank: aluminum and steel. Steel tanks tend to be lighter and more durable than aluminum, but they are heavier. An aluminum tank is better if you are planning to do a lot more diving and bring a weight belt. You should know that aluminum tanks can be heavier than steel tanks and are therefore lighter than steel tanks. Steel tanks are excellent for drysuit diving as well as local scuba divers.
They need to be inspected on a regular basis
There are many ways you can check your scuba tank. Hydrostatic testing is usually stamped into the metal beneath the neck of the tank. You can also inspect the tank visually to detect corrosion and contamination. Tumbling is another way of checking the tank's condition. Tumbling involves filling the tank in with media and spinning the tank for a specified period to remove dirt and contaminants. If your tank sounds noisy, it could be a sign that it needs cleaning.