converting fireman tanks to scuba

[mirrocraft]

hello i need some help. i have some fireman tanks i got from my fire dep. the tanks them selves are in good shape. the valves are bad, but i am wanting to convert them in to scuba anyway the problem im having is i dont know what valves to use and am hoping there is someone out there that can help me the only thing i know about these tanks are the hole is about 1inch across when i took a ruler to it help and thank you for your time

 

[mike_s]

what are they made of? steel, aluminum, or fiber?

SCBA uses a different valve and fire departments don't visual their tanks, so you'll most likely just need to change the valve and get a visual. (assuming it's in hydro).

Now... with that said, if't s a fiber wrapped tank, don't bother. They don't weigh enough and you'd have to wear so much weight it would be a pain to get down. You'd have this big huge bouyant tank on your back and make it hard to roll over in the water.

 

[mirrocraft]

they are 2260 psi steel tanks im trieing to find out where to get the valve or at least what size i need

 

[CARHILL]

E-bay has valves for about $40.00

 

[mirrocraft]

yes they do i have two extra din vavles but they are to small i need to know the size to order a din and someone who has or seen it done might be able to tell me the size

 

[Web Monkey]

Bring it down to a SCUBA shop that does a lot of tanks (VIP/Hydro/etc.) and ask them to take a look.

Unless it has all the right DOT/TC markings (assuming you're in the US or Canada), chances are slim anybody will fill it for you.

OTOH, you might get lucky and find that they're good tanks!

Terry

they are 2260 psi steel tanks im trieing to find out where to get the valve or at least what size i need

 

[fire_diver]

Are you sure you really want to do this? I know the tanks you are talking about. First, are you SURE they are steel? Most departments dumped steel for aluminum decades ago.

Second, they are nothing more than bulky, heavy ponies. They most likey hold only ABOUT 30cf of air, but are the size of a 65cf. I think you'd be better of buying some ponies off of the classifieds or ebay. But thats just my opinion.

FD

 

[mirrocraft]

there steel im on the fire dep. so i can fill my self the closest dive shop to me is 60 or 70 miles away im just wanting them for shallow deco or stage bottles so i dont plan on carring them far just to drop off on planned spots on my dive

 

[mvtek]

The fireman tanks (aka SCBA) bottles are more than likely alum.. If by some chance they are steel, I would def check the hydo. they are old. And if that's the case. are you sure you are willing to bet you life on them. Either the FD has money to burn on new bottles or they are getting rid of them for a reason...uh hummm. Good luck on your quest and be safe.

 

[mirrocraft]

my dep just got a grant from home land security and got all new gear they are steel and when with the scotts light weight tanks these where still being used till i got then because the valves went bad bottle still in hydro