If you plan on diving more often, you’ll want to have your own scuba tank in the future. It takes away the hassle of renting a cylinder every time you go for a dive.<\/p>\n
How long do scuba tanks<\/a> last? That’s a question that usually comes up when looking to purchase one.<\/p>\n Scuba tanks<\/a> can last up to 15\u201320 years, depending on several factors. Those include frequency of use, material composition, diving environment, and maintenance.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at how each factor affects the lifespan of a scuba tank<\/a> in the following sections.<\/p>\n Most scuba tanks<\/a> are aluminum or steel. Between these two, steel cylinders are likely to last longer, with a life expectancy of 15\u201320 years.<\/p>\n Aluminum tanks are also durable and can reach 10\u201315 years.<\/p>\n Yet, never rely on these values or always expect your tank to be in good condition.<\/p>\n Perform routine checking and inspection before going for a dive. Failure<\/a> of your diving equipment in the water can be lethal, so be cautious.<\/p>\n Several factors can shorten or lengthen your tank’s lifespan. Here\u2019s a list for your guidance:<\/p>\n The type of material used in your scuba tank is a factor in its life expectancy.<\/p>\n In particular, aluminum tanks are softer. That makes them more vulnerable to dents, cracks, and scratches. These can compromise your tank\u2019s integrity.<\/p>\n On the other hand, steel tanks<\/a> are more susceptible to corrosion. The extent of damage due to this occurrence will determine the tank\u2019s usability and affect its lifespan.<\/p>\n Naturally, how often a scuba tank is used<\/a> affects its lifespan.<\/p>\n The more you dive, the more the cylinder is subjected to handling issues, which can shorten its lifespan. It may bump into objects while you carry it around or during transport and may incur unwanted damage.<\/p>\n Frequent use also means more air fills. During this process, tanks are exposed to possible moisture attacks. This can lead to oxidation and corrosion that can diminish a tank\u2019s performance.<\/p>\n In the case of steel tanks, rust is the product of corrosion. This is a big problem, especially in interiors. Removal will require special equipment and periodic tumbling<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, rust may still exist no matter how careful you are. After all, moisture isn\u2019t completely avoidable. Even the air you breathe contains humidity, so expect rusting at some point.<\/p>\n Aluminum tanks are equally susceptible to corrosion, although in a different form. The oxidation reaction is known as pitting corrosio<\/a>n<\/a>. Instead of rust, a layer of aluminum oxide is produced.<\/p>\n This powdery substance isn\u2019t destructive to the aluminum material. In fact, it even prevents further corrosion.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, excessive amounts can be troublesome. That\u2019s especially true when present at the valve and thread interface.<\/p>\n When this happens, the regulator interiors can get damaged. This can create serious problems if left unchecked and then used underwater.<\/p>\n As you may know, the regulator plays an essential role in your gear since it allows you to inhale air at an acceptable pressure.<\/p>\n Imagine not having a regulator. You\u2019ll then be looking at a standard 3000 psi of compressed air or nitrox. Your lungs will blow up at that pressure.<\/p>\n Therefore, remove aluminum oxide and rust at all costs.<\/p>\n Your scuba tank will be submerged in water. That alone makes it prone to corrosion and shortens its lifespan.<\/p>\n What’s worse is when you regularly dive in seawater. The combination of moisture, salt, and oxygen speeds up the corrosion of your tanks.<\/p>\n To put it in perspective, the salt in seawater corrodes metal five times faster than when it’s in freshwater. Plus, the high humidity in ocean air corrodes at a rate that\u2019s 10 times higher than air with normal humidity.<\/p>\n Although tanks are made up of alloys, they\u2019re still mainly metal. So expect your tank to degrade faster when diving frequently in saltwater.<\/p>\nHow Long Do Scuba Tanks Last?<\/h2>\n
What Factors Affect How Long Scuba Tanks Last?<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Construction Material<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Frequency of Use<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Environment or Exposure to Seawater<\/h3>\n
4.\u00a0\u00a0 Maintenance<\/h3>\n