A scuba tank is an essential piece of equipment for your underwater activities. It\u2019s also a worthwhile investment that needs thoughtful consideration.<\/p>\n
Mostly, you\u2019ll find tanks made of steel or aluminum. But which one is better?<\/p>\n
This article will weigh in on steel vs. aluminum scuba tanks<\/a>. We\u2019ll break down the differences between these two variations to help you decide which one to choose.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get right down to it!<\/p>\n Aluminum and steel are two materials used in the manufacture of scuba tanks<\/a>. So, what makes them ideal for this function?<\/p>\n Steel<\/a> is a durable alloy, mainly composed of iron and carbon. It has high tensile strength and substantial flexibility, which is why it\u2019s used in many applications.<\/p>\n Thanks to the carbon element, steel is tough and has unyielding properties.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, it has some weak points. The most glaring issue it presents is its highly corrosive nature. Because of that, it requires treatment, like painting or powder coating, for added protection.<\/p>\n Aluminum is lightweight, durable, and has high corrosion resistance. It\u2019s also exceptionally malleable, so it can be easily molded into shapes and functions.<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s soft, which makes it more prone to deformities.<\/p>\n Aluminum and steel tanks<\/a> have different specifications. Both types present a set of pros and cons due to the difference in construction materials and their properties.<\/p>\n That said, you need to consider a few things before you decide which one to purchase.<\/p>\n How long will you be in the water? Will you be regularly diving? Are you a beginner and on a budget?<\/p>\n It\u2019ll also help if you get a feel of both materials before investing in your equipment. If you\u2019ll be constantly diving into a particular site, an expert\u2019s advice in that area won\u2019t hurt either.<\/p>\n With all this in mind, let\u2019s look into the differences between aluminum and steel tanks.<\/p>\n A typical scuba gear<\/a> setup will weigh around 40\u201350 pounds on land. A huge part of that comes from the diving cylinder. That\u2019s why this is a consideration when choosing between aluminum and steel tanks.<\/p>\n Aluminum is lighter than steel. However, it tends to get dented and cracked more easily. To make up for this, aluminum tanks are reinforced with thicker walls for safety.<\/p>\n This extra thickness makes them heavier than steel tanks of the same capacity.<\/p>\n Standard aluminum tanks usually weigh between 31\u201335 pounds, as opposed to 28\u201330 pounds for steel tanks.<\/p>\n These weights won\u2019t matter much when in the water. But on land, that can spell a difference. After all, you\u2019ll likely be carrying it before the dive.<\/p>\n Heavy tanks can also make it harder to get on and off a boat. So, your gear should be something you can comfortably lug around.<\/p>\n Size is another significant consideration since it affects your comfort and safety.<\/p>\n A common problem for younger and shorter divers is getting a cylinder that’s too long. As a result, the tanks keep bumping with the head and restrict body movements.<\/p>\n So, between an aluminum and a steel tank, which one wins in this aspect?<\/p>\n Generally, steel tanks are slightly smaller than aluminum tanks at the same filling capacity. Again, the thickened walls of an aluminum cylinder are to blame.<\/p>\n On average, standard tanks are 21\u201326 inches long. Most steel tanks are on the lower end of that range, while most aluminum types are on the higher end. Both will work fine for beginners and recreational divers.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, you can use a smaller tank with an adequate capacity if you\u2019ll be in and out of the water shortly.<\/p>\n Scuba tanks<\/a> are offered in a range of capacities, from 50\u2013120 cubic feet. They\u2019re also categorized into three pressure ratings, which are:<\/p>\n Standard tanks have a capacity of 5\u201380 cubic feet (cf).\u00a0 However, the most common is the 80 cf filled at 3000 psi.<\/p>\n This is equivalent to approximately 11.1 liters of air, which is enough for a 45-minute dive and best suited for recreational divers.<\/p>\n For longer dives, HP tanks are a good option. By using high pressure, more air can be contained while still keeping the size manageable.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find steel types fit for this purpose. Although, there are a few exceptions made out of aluminum.<\/p>\n Many HP tank users will attest to its benefits, but it comes with certain drawbacks too.<\/p>\n For one, not all dive shops have the correct equipment to refill an HP tank. You\u2019ll need to upgrade your regulator setup as well, so the tank doesn\u2019t implode.<\/p>\n Lastly, be prepared for the cost as an HP tank is more expensive than its counterparts.<\/p>\n If going for shorter dives, a low-pressure tank will do just fine. It\u2019s also slightly smaller, so you can move better.<\/p>\n Steel scuba tanks are likely to last longer<\/a> than aluminum tanks since they\u2019re more damage resistant. Proper care and maintenance are required, though.<\/p>\n Remember, steel is susceptible to oxidation, which results in rust. When exposed to saltwater, corrosion speeds up.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why tank owners practice a routine check through periodic tumbling. This is a process of removing rust from the inside of the tank.<\/p>\n Additionally, avoid water entry into the tank at all costs. So, special attention is needed when refilling the tank.<\/p>\n Moisture in the interior hastens oxidation and weakens the material. It also contaminates the air.<\/p>\n The same applies to aluminum tanks. The product of oxidation is a thin powdery layer of aluminum oxide, which protects the surface from further oxidation.<\/p>\n While this doesn\u2019t damage the material itself, regulator interiors are at risk. So, getting rid of this powder is still your best move.<\/p>\n Again, aluminum tanks are softer and may be scratched and dented more quickly. That said, extra care during handling is advisable.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, steel and aluminum tanks need to undergo hydrostatic tests and visual inspections regularly. That includes initial tests from the manufacturer.<\/p>\n Doing so ensures the integrity of the equipment and avoids untoward incidents.<\/p>\n Take note: These routine tests are covered by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations under 49 CFR 180.209<\/a>. This law doesn\u2019t apply to private owners, though, but is highly recommended for safety reasons.<\/p>\n All the same, scuba tanks will last<\/a> longer when properly maintained.<\/p>\n Choosing between an aluminum tank and a steel tank is also a matter of buoyancy.<\/p>\n Check out the product specifications and zoom into the buoyancy values before purchasing one. You\u2019ll likely find two figures. There\u2019s one for when the cylinder is full and another for when it\u2019s empty.<\/p>\n If you see a negative value, that means a negative buoyancy<\/a>. In other words, the tank is heavier than the displaced water and so it\u2019ll sink.<\/p>\n On the other hand, a positively-buoyant tank is lighter than the water and tends to float.<\/p>\n These values impact your overall buoyancy in the water and the preparations you need to do before a dive.<\/p>\n For example, steel tanks have negative values, whether full or empty. Although there are buoyancy changes, you\u2019ll hardly feel them.<\/p>\n On the contrary, an aluminum tank starts with a negative buoyancy.As you consume air from the container, however, it slowly changes. The tank may become positively buoyant during the dive.<\/p>\n This tendency to float should be addressed by putting on additional weight in your gear. Otherwise, it can contribute to you ascending sooner than necessary.<\/p>\n Remember, that isn\u2019t advisable because it can lead to decompression sickness<\/a> (DCS). This condition results from a sudden increase in surrounding pressure, where the nitrogen absorbed in the blood aren\u2019t cleared out in time.<\/p>\n If you experience DCS, you may feel muscle pains and nausea. In some cases, it may be deadly.<\/p>\nSteel vs. Aluminum Scuba Tanks: What They\u2019re Made Of<\/h2>\n
Steel<\/h3>\n
Aluminum<\/h3>\n
Steel vs. Aluminum Scuba Tanks<\/h2>\n
1.\u00a0\u00a0 Dry Weight<\/h3>\n
2.\u00a0\u00a0 Size<\/h3>\n
3.\u00a0\u00a0 Capacity and Pressure<\/h3>\n
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4.\u00a0\u00a0 Durability and Longevity<\/h3>\n
5.\u00a0\u00a0 Buoyancy<\/h3>\n