Question Can I use my Nitrox regulator for non-Nitrox dives with no problem?

[Lurking]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question... I tried looking this answer up but found threads on a similar topic ending in massive debates, with no particular straight answer.

I'm looking to purchase the Apeks XTX40 / DST for my new sidemount, 1 Standard (black) and 1 Nitrox (green) version: Apeks XTX40 - Nitrox

I like the color-coding of my left vs right set, as well as the potential ability (in the future) to have a dedicated set for EAN40+ if I need. For the foreseeable future, I will only be diving air and up to a maximum of EAN40.

1) Can I use this Nitrox regulator alongside my standard/non-O2-clean version on this air with no problem?
2) Or are there additional things to consider (e.g. lubricants, different o-rings, etc)?
3) After diving with air and/or EAN40, I will just need to get the Nitrox version re-cleaned to be able to go past EAN40, correct?

Bonus question for sidemounters: does anyone ever go with 1 air tank and 1 EAN(x) tank?

 

[broncobowsher]

1 yes
2 no
3 if you are using clean air (compatible with Nitrox) nothing needs to be done.

 

[happy-diver]

Hey with diferent orings, and grease, now

this is my emergency 100% 02 gear

 

[elan]

It's ok as posters above have already clarified. You do not have your location in the profile but if you are in Europe or buy them in Europe be aware that their Nitrox regs use a different DIN thread (M26)

 

[Lurking]

if you are in Europe or buy them in Europe be aware that their Nitrox regs use a different DIN thread (M26)

I am indeed buying them from Europe (I have no real base as I’m constantly moving across the US - Caribbean - Europe).

If the M26 thread is larger than the non-EU version, does that mean I also need a separate adapter when I dive outside of Europe?

 

[jborg]

And probably within Europe as I’ve never, ever seen an M26 valve here, Nitrox or not. I would not recommend getting an M26 regulator unless you know you have a specific need for it.

 

[halocline]

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question... I tried looking this answer up but found threads on a similar topic ending in massive debates, with no particular straight answer.

I'm looking to purchase the Apeks XTX40 / DST for my new sidemount, 1 Standard (black) and 1 Nitrox (green) version: Apeks XTX40 - Nitrox

I like the color-coding of my left vs right set, as well as the potential ability (in the future) to have a dedicated set for EAN40+ if I need. For the foreseeable future, I will only be diving air and up to a maximum of EAN40.

1) Can I use this Nitrox regulator alongside my standard/non-O2-clean version on this air with no problem?
2) Or are there additional things to consider (e.g. lubricants, different o-rings, etc)?
3) After diving with air and/or EAN40, I will just need to get the Nitrox version re-cleaned to be able to go past EAN40, correct?

Bonus question for sidemounters: does anyone ever go with 1 air tank and 1 EAN(x) tank?

A couple of things:
1. Practically speaking, there is no 'nitrox' regulator. Regulators are "sold" as nitrox compatible, but that is a sales gimmick. Any regulator on the market, with the possible exception of some Ti regulators, is perfectly safe for nitrox up to 40%. Above that, you need an O2-clean regulator, which you will learn about if/when you ever get into technical diving and 02 use for decompression.

2. Forget the 'color coding' bit for sidemount. It will do nothing for you. My SM set up (many people do this) includes a long hose on the right tank, and a short hose with a 90o angle on the left tank. This way if I forget which tank I'm breathing from, I can immediately identify it by touch. This is handy, and since both 2nd stages are typically well below your field of view, trying to use color to identify which one is in your mouth is pointless.

3. Nobody would ever deliberately use sidemount tanks with different gases. There's no point to it and it would render your computer's N2 calculations useless.

4. Every sidemount dive I have ever done in my life has been with EAN32 in both tanks, and I have never used a so called 'nitrox' regulator. Forget the so-called 'nitrox' regulator and just get two normal regulators. I had forgotten about the EU and the M26 threads. I don't know the details about it but it sounds like another reason to simply avoid the whole thing. It's a scam.

Hope this helps, and I apologize if it seems a bit harsh. No offense intended, I'm just trying to be helpful.

 

[Lurking]

Above that, you need an O2-clean regulator, which you will learn about if/when you ever get into technical diving and 02 use for decompression.

I do envision going into more tech diving in the future and feel I'll have a need for a dedicated O2 cleaned reg in the future. The Nitrox-specific reg and color-coding was more for this, not identifying which reg is which underwater. I do like the aesthetics as well though.

This is the beauty of the community at SB. Thanks for these replies. Alas, I've decided to just get 2 standard versions and save myself any potential hassles of adapters or improper fitting (i.e. the M26 thread). Short hose on the left tank, attaching to the left side of the 2nd stage, and long hose on the right. Now to decide on Miflex and 360* swivels

 

[Marie13]

I do envision going into more tech diving in the future and feel I'll have a need for a dedicated O2 cleaned reg in the future. The Nitrox-specific reg and color-coding was more for this, not identifying which reg is which underwater. I do like the aesthetics as well though.

This is the beauty of the community at SB. Thanks for these replies. Alas, I've decided to just get 2 standard versions and save myself any potential hassles of adapters or improper fitting (i.e. the M26 thread). Short hose on the left tank, attaching to the left side of the 2nd stage, and long hose on the right. Now to decide on Miflex and 360* swivels

I use Miflex for everything except long hose. Miflex kinks awful for long hose. Rubber for that.

I use 90 degree adapters. Work just fine.

 

[broncobowsher]

I'm going to say that if you are starting with sidemount, just get a pair of sidemount regs and set them up as sidemount. Later when you add a deco bottle (high O2), get a dedicated O2 reg.

Sidemount will be done on air (both) or Nitrox (both as well). There is no time when you will have a different mix from one side to the other.