Larger cylinder for nitrox?

[xroirat]

Got a Nitrox capable dive computer for Christmas so wondering if would be good to take a Nitrox course. I usually dive less than 100 fsw and have read that Nitrox is good for extending no deco times for those depths. However, to stay longer requires more gas. I currently use steel lp 80s and usually am down to reserve level before I hit no deco limit. So on average, without getting into a lot of mathematics about what my consumption rate is, etc., what would be minimum size cylinder to take advantage of nitrox? Is there a cost difference when getting different size cylinders filled with Nitrox also?
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Cave Diver]

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer; there are a lot of things to take into consideration. Do you dive with a buddy? If so, you should consider similar tank sizes.

Something else to consider would be using small doubles which will add redundancy as well as extra volume.

Try searching on the phrase "rock bottom" to get a good idea of calculating minimum gas requirements.

 

[Cave Diver]

Oh and you absolutely should take a nitrox course before using nitrox to dive with!

Remember: "You don't know what you don't know and what you don't know can kill you!"

 

[Rick Murchison]

Got a Nitrox capable dive computer for Christmas so wondering if would be good to take a Nitrox course. I usually dive less than 100 fsw and have read that Nitrox is good for extending no deco times for those depths. However, to stay longer requires more gas. I currently use steel lp 80s and usually am down to reserve level before I hit no deco limit. So on average, without getting into a lot of mathematics about what my consumption rate is, etc., what would be minimum size cylinder to take advantage of nitrox? Is there a cost difference when getting different size cylinders filled with Nitrox also?
Thanks,
Jim

More bottom time is what Nitrox is all about. But there are two ways to get that, eh? You can make longer dives, or you can make more dives. Where Nitrox really pays off is in shorter surface intervals, so you may or may not need to get larger tanks.
As for the cost difference, the answer is "sometimes." Depends on the fill station and their pricing policy.
By all means take the course - Nitrox is great stuff but can kill you deader than a stone way quicker than air if you misuse it.
Rick

 

[all4scuba05]

Would your fill station overfill those tanks?

 

[scarefaceDM]

take a nitrox course.

-Nitrox extends some bottom time.
-Nitrox is good for the body and mind.
helps lessen the effects of narcosis but you will still get narced!
-Nitrox makes you feel less sleepy or tired especial after multiple dives.

Nitrox is good but will kill you if you do not understand it.

and a larger tank is not needed unless you are a major air pig. Regular recreational dives..an 80 cub is just fine. EANX or air. Plus and or maybe a redundant air source say a 30 cub slinged with AIR only in it.

Or if you want to get into bigger dives.Then the path toward a doubles set up may be the choice. AND that is another ball game alltogether

 

[tankdiver]

I agree i dive the same size tank i do with air its alot more handy when used to increase the amount of dives u can do a day i dont really feel any different energy wise diving nitrox to air and there isnt any hard evidence to back it up but thats just me

 

[scarefaceDM]

Actually I will hyjack the thread a bit and ask a question if I may.

Nitrox; Does it make you feel less sleepy after a few dives? Does it lessen the fatigue feeling? Is there any hard fact that states this effect?


hyjack over...

 

[MSilvia]

I'll throw another hat into the ring... whether you use it or not, understanding nitrox will help you to gain a much greater understanding of how you are affected by the gas you breathe at depth. I don't think a clearer understanding can ever be a detriment, and nitrox classes tend to be relatively inexpensive.

I advise taking the course. You can make your own decision about what gas to breathe from there.

As has already been said though, nitrox really shines on repetitive dives. If you make more than two dives to moderate depth a day, it'll likely make a dramatic difference.

 

[Rick Murchison]

...Nitrox; Does it make you feel less sleepy after a few dives? Does it lessen the fatigue feeling? Is there any hard fact that states this effect?

The Lovely Young Kat claims that Nitrox does all these good things for her and she can tell. I, on the other hand, can't feel any difference between diving Nitrox and diving air.
Kat sez I'm just a typical insensitive man
Rick