Long Term Regulator Storage

[tphelps]

After making a regulator purchase and discovering a reg when rooting through the garage, I've suddenly been presented with the dilemma of storing two regulators that I don't plan on using for a while.

They're both older, an 86ish US Divers and an old early 70s Aqualung. The US Divers was up until recently my main regulator. Both have been serviced in the last 6-8 months and are in working order. I don't really see myself using either until I start getting to the point where I'm using a Pony or stage bottle, so what's the best way to store these? Should I remove the hose between the 1st/second and store the 1st/second stage in a plastic tub? Should I leave the hose on?

From what I gather, some of the folks on here have a legitimate library of regulators; what is your best practice for long term (read: longer than winter) storage?

As long as you aren't tying your hoses in a knott, they should be fine. I would get a regulator bag and put them in a place where they will not be exposed to extensive heat, sun, or dust. Also make sure your dust cap is on and secure. Maybe put your 2nd stage in a ziploc bag? If it does get a little dusty, you don't want to be inhaling all of that off the diaphragm! Cheers.