DIY hookah system.

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Dmaricle

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Location
Louisiana
# of dives
25 - 49
ok i do most of my diving with regular scuba gear, but we are looking to do more diving in some of the shallower parts of toledo bend. so we are condsidering building a nive hookah system. i have been researching this for some time and im sure someone on here has done it before i just cant seem to find it. but basically im gonna use a 5-6 horse gas engine, a oilless compressor pump, and prob a 5-6 gallon tank. the intake for the compressor will rise prob 5 feet above the engine and have a filter on it to prevent any dust or toxic gases from entering the tank.

i am planning on setting this up for 3 divers at no deeper than 40-50 feet. the only part i am not sure of is the hoses. i read mixed reviews everywhere i look some say use only food grade and some say id doesnt matter. i am trying not to go to crazy price wise on this.

oh i also wanted to make this thread prob a month before i start the project to discuss it more with everyone and see if i am confussed on anything i want to do this rite the first time. thanks and please feel free to voice your thoughts or concerns.

Dylan Maricle
 
It all may work fine, but you are assuming all liability. It may even work better than a manufactured unit, but you are assuming all liability. If someone even just has a headache they will question the equipment. Will there be someone on the surface to monitor it? You could also manifold 8-12 tanks on a floating pontoon/dive float.
 
It all may work fine, but you are assuming all liability. It may even work better than a manufactured unit, but you are assuming all liability. If someone even just has a headache they will question the equipment. Will there be someone on the surface to monitor it? You could also manifold 8-12 tanks on a floating pontoon/dive float.

i will def assume all liability, and there will be someone with the motor at all times. also i will add storage tanks large enough to give me a few min of air in case the engine fails.
Check out Keene Engineering for anything you might need

Diving Equipment: Keene Engineering Online

thanks for the link i will check them out
 
I have built several compressors from various components... You can build a safe, reliable gas operated compressor pump for 650.00.

1) compressor, Gast PCA-10, order from AOP technologies.

2) Engine 3.5hp el-cheapo from harbor freight.

3) LP Hookah Regulators adjusted to run at 90psi.

4) a whole bunch of small parts that I have on a list somewhere... example.. You will need, compression/02 fittings, 3/8 diver hose, 1"hose for snorkel, check valve, manifold with regulator, proper pulley size for correct rpm, check valve, heater hose, volume tank or bladder, a thick plate to mount all this on and something to float it.

That should get your started,if your really serious I can look for the parts list.. You will need to be pretty crafty and knowledgeable to put this together correctly. Its fun to do if your into that kind of thing... You will spend several hours if not a few days the first time you do this. You might think about just buying one if you cant commit to the time and frustration. Not to mention you will need to test this... Several times before using it.
 
I have built several compressors from various components... You can build a safe, reliable gas operated compressor pump for 650.00.

1) compressor, Gast PCA-10, order from AOP technologies.

2) Engine 3.5hp el-cheapo from harbor freight.

3) LP Hookah Regulators adjusted to run at 90psi.

4) a whole bunch of small parts that I have on a list somewhere... example.. You will need, compression/02 fittings, 3/8 diver hose, 1"hose for snorkel, check valve, manifold with regulator, proper pulley size for correct rpm, check valve, heater hose, volume tank or bladder, a thick plate to mount all this on and something to float it.

That should get your started,if your really serious I can look for the parts list.. You will need to be pretty crafty and knowledgeable to put this together correctly. Its fun to do if your into that kind of thing... You will spend several hours if not a few days the first time you do this. You might think about just buying one if you cant commit to the time and frustration. Not to mention you will need to test this... Several times before using it.

i am very interested in this set up. do you have a link to compressor you speak of? i cant seem to find it. thanks
 
the only part i am not sure of is the hoses. i read mixed reviews everywhere i look some say use only food grade and some say id doesnt matter.
You aren't looking for "food grade" air hose, you want Grade-E breathing hose. Anybody who says you don't need it is an idiot.

Google Gates and Synflex, they are the major brands.
 
I do not know what "food grade" hose is, maybe someone could explain it to me. I used a new oxygen hose from a cutting torch. It is made from the same tuber as Gates 33HB divers hose used in commercial umbilicals. It was meant for use on construction sites so it will stand up to more abuse then what I am imagining a food grade hose would. It is however much smaller so it will not stand up to the same abuse a real dive hose would but for open water it works fine. I use my 50' hose attached to a scuba tank in a sit on top kayak when I am diving for scallops, oysters and lobster. This is good enough for dives to about 30' or less.
 

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You aren't looking for "food grade" air hose, you want Grade-E breathing hose. Anybody who says you don't need it is an idiot.

Google Gates and Synflex, they are the major brands.

I guess I'm just an idiot.

Do you know what food grade means?

Grade E describes the breathing gas quality is acceptable by the scuba industry as acceptable to put into tanks. I somehow doubt that all commercial guys are breathing grade E gas out of their LP compressor or hookah rig?

The most commonly used hose for commercial rigs is Gates 33HB. However. Food Grade products are safe for air, just not necessarily compatible with oxygen or helium use (but that's a separate rating). For a hookah system to 30' - what is the problem with food grade (able to be used for food and beverage service).

You seem to be on a lone crusade against food grade for hose use on this and on other forums?
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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