Aluminum 80s versus larger steel tanks

[Mike]

I was wondering about a port closure. I was not seeing the usual parade of small boats on the el cid webcam. I wonder if Aldora is diving the east side with those 120 cu ft tanks.

Cozumel, Quintana Roo - Webcams de México

Ron!

 

[Okie Mike]

I have been on several dives where I was fine with an Al 80, but sure wish my buddy had a 120.

 

[Christi]

I was wondering about a port closure. I was not seeing the usual parade of small boats on the el cid webcam. I wonder if Aldora is diving the east side with those 120 cu ft tanks.

Cozumel, Quintana Roo - Webcams de México

Doubtful - the NE winds are the worst for them in that way - port closed today - forecasted winds to get stronger starting about now through tonight and back to normal tomorrow morning

 

[halocline]

You tighten up my BC and I'll help with yours…OK?


Dave

Is this code for something?

On a TOTALLY UNRELATED point, I once saw two divers actually attempt to have sex during a dive. It was NOT pretty.....

---------- Post added May 17th, 2014 at 07:23 PM ----------

Would so love to get ahold of 120s in Bonaire.

I use the 63 in Bonaire. Its unlimited diving and I like the shore entries wearing a smaller tank. I'd be okay with 63s for the shallower Cozumel dives too.

 

[Midge907]

On a TOTALLY UNRELATED point, I once saw two divers actually attempt to have sex during a dive. It was NOT pretty.....

---------- Post added May 17th, 2014 at 07:23 PM ----------

hahaha, that would be interesting to run into. I would bet it happens on Bonaire a lot more then Cozumel due to the current

 

[Mossman]

hahaha, that would be interesting to run into. I would bet it happens on Bonaire a lot more then Cozumel due to the current

I would bet it happens on Bonaire a lot more than Cozumel because you're not required have a guide watching you.

 

[DjDiverDan]

I would bet it happens on Bonaire a lot more than Cozumel because you're not required have a guide watching you.

You can still bring a videographer, though.

 

[richhagelin]

Don't understand \why anyone would NOT want more air. More bottom time, more flexibility.

Rich Hagelin

 

[Rich Keller]

---

---

A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

This thread has been split from another which is located here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cozumel/482254-dive-operator-suggestions.html
Marg, SB Senior Moderator

---

I don't really understand the hype with the whole 120cf tanks, to me they are a crutch for inexperienced divers in a place where 80cf tanks will give you 70min bottom times. Just my .02

It is very simple, inexperienced divers need more air. When I dive with a new diver I will use a 30 cu/ft tank to their 80 cu/ft and we usually both come back with 500psi each. So why do you need an 80?

 

[NAM001]

More bottom time means exceeding NDL's. Not what a dive op wants to have to deel with when toting a croud of vacation divers for a 2 tank dive. I have a lp120 i use in local lakes. Lasts me all day. Its as least the same as 2 al80's depending on the fill. The water is <30 ft so i still cant exceed NDL with it. Alhough NDL is not a concern for me its not having to get a fill for 15$. Heck thats gas home and lunch. Refill at home on the home compressor. Another issue is that the larger tanks many times are heavy and depending on the situation, if you get a failed bcd or wing you might have to ditch and head to the surface. Buoyancy for the 120 is likea -10 to -11# change. -5 with regs when empty in fresh water.General guidance is al tanks in fresh water, steel n salt. . The al 80 is like +4 to -4 for buoyancy. Nothing you cant swim to the surface. Someone help me here....Doesnt soemone like Hieser make a 200 cuft tank that is like 4000-4500 psi weighs 80# empty or somethign like that. 200 cuft alone is 16# of air weight. Any way Its no beginners tank. Then there is the out of water weight. again not what you want a new diver or crew to be manhandling. AL80's are cheap throwaway items and there fore the standard tank to buy or rent. Shops can buy 2-3 al tanks for for the cost of one steel tank.

Don't understand \why anyone would NOT want more air. More bottom time, more flexibility.

Rich Hagelin