Aluminum vs Steel

[tterry1]

My dive shop is going to sell there old steel tanks for $80, I think I might just pick up a couple of those.
Boomo

You may have already said, but which "old steel tanks" are they? If they're old 72's - and some of them are truly ancient - $80 is not much of a bargain. I've seen people pick up 72's for $10 - $20. Sometimes they fail hydro, sometimes they pass, but at that price, it's not much of a risk.

 

[boomo26]

I think he said he would have them hydroed before he sells them, not for sure I need to check. They are the same ones I have been renting for the past 6 months, he is just buying knew ones.

Boomo

 

[spectrum]

Is that $80 for one? If so I'd expect a fresh hydro, VIP and a serviced valve. Those steel 72s are very nice cylinders that will always have resale value. I'm in the market for a few myself. Just remember that you will probably have less air than your buddies.

Pete

 

[boomo26]

Is that $80 for one? If so I'd expect a fresh hydro, VIP and a serviced valve. Those steel 72s are very nice cylinders that will always have resale value. I'm in the market for a few myself. Just remember that you will probably have less air than your buddies.

Pete

I am not sure if they are 72's or not, I know when I dive I always have at least 3,000 psi in the tank. How can I tell which type of tank they are??

Boomo

 

[Warren_L]

There should be markings near the tank neck that look something like "DOT 3AA .....". This will give you the information about the tank, including service pressure and capacity.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I always have at least 3,000 psi in the tank

Now I'm gettin' suspicious... do these tanks have rounded bottoms and boots, or do they have a flat bottom so they can stand up without a boot?
Rick

 

[boomo26]

The have rounded bottoms, everytime in the past I have used these tanks, I have about 3,000-3,200 in them.

Boomo