What can you do with old scuba tanks?

Are old scuba tanks worth anything?

Scrap metal value of scuba tanks:

At current rates, scrap aluminum is worth about $0.75 per lb. So the current minimum value of an aluminum scuba tank (without the tank valve) is around $23. A standard steel 80 cu/ft tank weighs about 35 lbs empty. At current rates, scrap steel is worth about $0.17 per lb.

Can you use old scuba tanks?

​Old tanks are not necessarily unusable as scuba equipment. If the tank's hydrostatic test date is passed, send the tank in for testing. Steel tanks have a very long life and steel tanks from the 1950s can still be found in perfect working condition.

Do steel scuba tanks expire?

A modern and properly cared for steel tank lasts up to 50 years. Considering the number above that sounds like less time. Steel tanks require more maintenance and are more susceptible to corrosive damage.

Do dive tanks expire?

In the US scuba cylinders must be hydrostatically tested every five years with a six-month grace period.

Scuba Tech Tips: New Uses For Old Scuba Tanks - S12E16

Does air go stale in a scuba tank?

Year old air should be fine as long as the tank does not have water in it to aide the corrosion/rust process which can lower the O2 content of the air. If it's older than a year, I'd dump it anyway just to be safe and then get the tank VIP'd.

How do I know if my scuba tank is steel or aluminum?

Aluminum is softer than steel. Aluminum tanks must have thicker walls than steel tanks to hold air at a comparable pressure. Because aluminum is softer than steel, it scratches and dents more easily. Steel tanks may rust in the presence of moisture.

How much does it cost to get a scuba tank recertified?

Federal Law requires a new hydrostatic test every five years for most SCUBA tanks. AHS will provide this service for $55 per tank and it includes the test, a visual inspection, and an air fill. Hydro with a Nitrox fill is $62. Please note that additional charges may apply if the valve requires cleaning or rebuild.

Should you store SCUBA tanks full?

Never Store Your Scuba Cylinder Empty

Your scuba cylinder should always be stored with a minimum of 200 psi inside of it. If it is stored completely empty, the absence of pressure inside the cylinder can allow all sorts of things to enter into it. Most divers don't think much in the way of their scuba cylinders.

What is the life of a scuba tank?

Notwithstanding previous comments regarding aluminium tanks and life span, in principle, a properly maintained SCUBA tank generally has an 'unlimited' life span. They will of course at some point fail a test. There are three main methods of testing a SCUBA tank.

How often do scuba tanks need to be tested?

Service that meets the Highest Dive Industry Standards. Your Scuba Tanks need to have a Visual Inspection, "VIP", done annually. They are going to need a HYDRO test completed every 5 years.

What should I look for when buying a scuba tank?

What do you need to fill scuba tanks?

Scuba cylinders must be filled with high pressure breathing quality air or gas mixtures before use in a diving operation. The skills can be described under two main aspects: Filling scuba cylinders with compressed air. Filling cylinders with compressed breathing gas mixtures other than air.

Can you fill a scuba tank with an air compressor?

You cannot use a regular air compressor for scuba diving, as it differs significantly from models designed for underwater use. A scuba compressor is a high-pressure air compressor system designed to fill the tank that a diver uses to breathe underwater.

How much does full scuba gear cost?

Scuba gear cost will range between $1000-$5000 for a full set of gear. Similar to most product lines there is a wide range of scuba gear from economical to very high end.

How much does a full scuba tank weigh?

A typical scuba tank is 12 liters in volume and 230 bar pressure and unfilled will weigh around 16kg (35 lbs). The factors affecting weight are material, tank size, and pressure. A filled tank with compressed air and a valve will add around 3.5kgs.

How long can you store a full scuba tank?

Do not store tanks that are full of air for prolonged periods of time (no more than 3 months. A tank should be stored with just enough pressure (200 psi) to keep moisture out. Remember the higher the tank pressure, the greater the corrosion that may form inside.

How many times can a scuba tank be hydro tested?

The DOT mandates a new hydrostatic test every 5 years after the initial test, some special tanks are 3 years hydro tests. Visual inspections are required yearly on scuba cylinders.

What do the stamps on a scuba tank mean?

Standard tanks have standard crown markings. Other tanks, especially those of the steel variety, often will provide additional markings to indicate tare weight, maximum test pressure, carbon dioxide capacity, etc.

What does a steel 100 scuba tank weigh?

Product Description. WEIGHT EMPTY: 34.3 lbs. Faber Cylinders are appreciated worldwide by those scuba divers who choose steel tanks for their aqua-lung.

What do the numbers on a scuba tank mean?

Well, the Scuba Tank Markings that follow the identification of the metal are numbers. They indicate the working pressure of the tank. In other words, the maximum pressure that the tank can be filled to (3000 PSI or 207 BAR). This pressure must not be exceeded unless the + sign appears next to the number.