Hot dip zinc coming off of new tank? Help!

[Bandaid6]

I found an xs scuba hp 119 on Craigslist. When I went to meet the seller I noticed the tank was almost white. It looked like it was oxidizing. The tank was born in 09, stored in a garage and has never been dove. It's vis sticker is dated 02/10 and looks brand new! I am going to meet seller at lds and have a current vis done but should I worry about the exterior finish? He also knew the LDS owner by name and states he bought it from that shop 2 years ago.

Xs scuba claims to warranty there tanks finish......

Would love opinions! If its current hydro and passes vis, is the exterior a problem? Does auto exhaust affect zinc coatings?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I had a pair of X7-100s fail hydro and they were replaced by XS for only the shipping cost, so in my opinion their customer service and warranty support is superb. That was almost 2 years ago and I've noted those tanks developed a similar light coating of white on them - but it does not appear to be problematic and I attribute it to a salt water soak, no rinsing and less than great storage for awhile in the aftermath of Irene when the walk out basement took in about 4 ft of water. It's not rust, and it is not progressive so I'm not worried about it. If it bothered me I could probably clean it off.

 

[Bandaid6]

I ended up passing on the deal, by the time I hydro vis and tumble for nitrox I'm almost back to cost and he wouldn't budge on price but thanks for your response. I ended up researching it and learned it won't damage the tank but xs scuba said it shouldn't happen.

 

[ams511]

I had a pair of X7-100s fail hydro and they were replaced by XS for only the shipping cost, so in my opinion their customer service and warranty support is superb. That was almost 2 years ago and I've noted those tanks developed a similar light coating of white on them - but it does not appear to be problematic and I attribute it to a salt water soak, no rinsing and less than great storage for awhile in the aftermath of Irene when the walk out basement took in about 4 ft of water. It's not rust, and it is not progressive so I'm not worried about it. If it bothered me I could probably clean it off.

Stupid question but should painted tanks be waxed to protect them? I realize not to use petroleum based wax but what about pure carnuba wax?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I've never waxed them....

 

[Sintax604]

I've just run into a similar problem. I bought a couple used 100s and they BARELY passed hydro. Then when the hydro guy stamped them, a chunk of the outer zinc coating crumbled off. I've been advised by Worthington to not dive them and am now awaiting word on what to do. Hopefully they will still qualify for warranty replacement or at least a hefty discount on some new tanks. I'm just worried that the fact that I'm not the original purchaser will screw me.