What to look for in a new SCUBA tank?

[paperdesk]

I just found someone with a small SCUBA store that lives in a town very close to me! That's great, because we live far from any real population density. They deal mostly on Ebay, but have a small storefront as well.

Problem is, I don't really know anything about buying tanks. Is there anything to look for or be be concerned about when purchasing a tank? I did buy a new one a couple years ago from a store that I trusted, so I just went in and bought what they recommended. Unfortunately they are now out of business.

Here's the link for the specific tank in question: 80cf Aluminum Scuba Tank "Midnight Black" **NEW** - eBay (item 350372469248 end time Sep-05-10 09:23:24 PDT)

Thanks!

Ted

 

[dburg30]

current hydro dates and current vis sticker would be the 2 most important things.. That and 3000 PSI of air in it would be a bonus

 

[Superlyte27]

If it's got a 2009 or 2010 Original Hydro date, it's a fine tank. It's stupidly expensive when you calculate in shipping cost.

 

[USCScubaboy]

For that price, I'd expect at least a tank boot included.

 

[paperdesk]

Thanks, I'll check on the stickers. Isn't $139 a pretty good price for a tank? I haven't seen it less anywhere else, but maybe our market is just high?

 

[Brian Sharpe]

Thanks, I'll check on the stickers. Isn't $139 a pretty good price for a tank? I haven't seen it less anywhere else, but maybe our market is just high?

Scubatoys charges $149.95 and their shipping to WA is $20

Aluminum 80 Tank reviews and discounts, Catalina

I think the real question, though, is an AL80 the best choice of tank for you? Have you considered steel tanks?

I'd also be a little cautious dealing with a store that suggests you can buy the "finest regulator ever made" for $200.

 

[paperdesk]

Good question Brian. No, I hadn't considered a steel. Should I?

 

[herman]

Take a look at the manuf date on the tank. It will be stamped on the neck. It should be xxAxx the first 2 xs are the month and the second two are the year. The thing that looks kinda like a capital A or maybe an up arrow is Luxfers hydro mark. You must have the tank hydroded every 5 years, reguardless of when it is sold so it is quite possible to get a "new" tank that may need a hydro in just a couple of years. Hydros can be expensive - around $50 for vip/hydro/fill around here so IMO every year old the tank is, it's "new" value drops by $10.

 

[Chris Hipp]

The real question is if you need a tank at all. I bought one right after I got certified because I don't like to rent. The problem is that I didn't know about Visual and Hydrostatic inpections...more to the point, I didn't realize the cost of said inspections.

Look at it this way:
The rental fee at my LDS is $10 for a tank. The price to fill a tank is $8. Right there I would have to get 80 fills just to break even on the cost of the $160 tank. But, you also have to add on $15 yearly for a visual inspection and $60 every two years for a hydro.

Your numbers may be different, but you should consider the whole picture before buying a tank. If you do tons of local diving or you really don't have a dive shop nearby to rent, then it may make more sense to own one. For me I found that it wasn't worth it and ended up donating it to the college scuba program.

 

[paperdesk]

Good point Chris. Unfortunately I'm in a very rural location. I have a 1.5 hour drive ONE WAY to get to the closest rental location, which comes to about $40 just in fuel, plus of course the time . . . . Otherwise I'd be much happier to rent.