Yet ANOTHER pony tank question

[MC]

any benefit or downside to steel pony tanks vs. aluminum? I can get either for the same price. Just to not see many steel ponys out there 13 or 19cf.

 

[redacted]

I prefer the buoyancy characteristics of the smaller AL pony over the steel options: Scuba Cylinder Specification Chart from Huron Scuba, Ann Arbor Michigan I can add it to my rig, slung, with no other adjustment.

 

[knowone]

Does anyone understand that 13cf is pharmaceutical code for suppository

unless a little bottle gets you through it and saves you or your buddys life

which it sure as heck can and will

If, you understand, its extrication

 

[scuba=dude]

I like the Al13 or 19 there a tad bit lighter but having said that. Any pony is way better then none.

 

[pixelpixie]

Is there a brand that has negative buoyancy characteristics? I don't like the idea of using Al80, being out of air enoughto need to resort to a pony and that becoming positive as well! (of course I don't like the idea of being low/out of air at all)

 

[parzdiver]

Is there a brand that has negative buoyancy characteristics? I don't like the idea of using Al80, being out of air enoughto need to resort to a pony and that becoming positive as well! (of course I don't like the idea of being low/out of air at all)

Typically when you are talking about a "pony bottle" you are talking about an emergency supply of gas that isn't used in your gas calculations. So, typically a "pony" will be a smaller tank, 13, 19, 30, 40. Most of them only vary a couple pounds positive and negative full to empty.

If you are carrying an AL-80, it is most like a "stage bottle" or a "deco bottle" and you are planning to use the gas in the cylinder at some point in the dive.

 

[Crush]

Remember to consider the buoyancy of a pony plus the extra regulators.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Parzdiver,

I think he was talking about using an 80 for backgas.

 

[scuba=dude]

as far as being + or - at the end of the dive.......if you lead-up right, then by the time you add your pony's 1st & 2sd and the hose you should be right in the park. This is if you are useing a 13ft (1.7lbs + with no air in it) now if you go with a bigger pony then you will have to add lead for it.

 

[Crush]

...now if you go with a bigger pony then you will have to add lead for it.

I am not sure that I follow you - a larger pony requires more lead? Because of air consumption? If a pony is contingency air only to be used in emergency then you will (hopefully) not need it and there will be no swing in buoyancy from the pony.