More Air

[jwlast]

New to diving, got a question about tank capacity. I'm a big guy with big lungs and seem to use air up at a faster rate than the other novices I've been diving with.....I know that as you become more experienced you use less air due to being more relaxed, etc, etc., etc. But I'm using air about 20% faster than other folks I dive with all who are about the same expereince level.

My question involves tank capacity. We've been diving standard 80 cu ft tanks but I see where there are tanks with up to 120-135 cu ft capacity available. Would purchasing a tank in those capacity ranges help extend my bottom time? Don't want folks to start ditching me cause I'm shortening their dives due to my excessive oxygen use. I'm making the assumption here increased capacity=more air.

Any draw backs to the higher capacity tanks?

Thanks......

Jt

 

[DiveTub]

A Larger tank will make a difference.

My wife uses 85cft and I use 100cft.
She is a mermaid and always comes back with about 50bar more than I and anyone else diving with us the end of the dive.

by the way you are breathing excessive air from your tank not "oxygen"

The only drawback is, you will be removing lead from your belt to compensate for the extra weight of the bigger tank, as an example
I use 12 pounds with an 85cft Steely, and 9 pounds with a 100cft Steely

 

[Jonathan]

welcome aboard.

I use a 15l steel (I think that's a 95) where I can - or better still double to ensure I have enough air!! The later much more important when diving with the Japanese - even new divers seem to use virtually no air!!

Jonathan