nitrox and regulators

[gerardnealon]

Do you need special regulators for diving with Nitrox? I saw some regulators that said they are rated for a certain Nitrox percent. I will eventually be switching to Nitrox and am currently in the market to purchase a new regulator. I dont want to make a mistake and get one i cant use when i do switch. Also, some of the percentages were different based on the regulator. Should I get 99% in case I do full Oxy deco stops? Thanks for the help.

Gerard

 

[strider]

Like everything in diving, there are a hundred answers or more. Nitrox is pretty basic and nearly every reg on the market can handle 40%, recreational limits. A few regs can't handle this and I would avoid them. I would buy a reg based on features and performance that I wanted and then check nitrox compatibility, I seriously doubt you'll be able to find a reg you like that isn't nitrox compatible.
When you do start using higher % of oxygen for deco you will need separate regulators for each tank of mix anyway, so that is where you will want an oxygen clean reg. For sling tanks almost any reg is fine that is oxygen compatible since they are only used at shallow depths.
Good luck and just read reviews to find the reg you like.
Justin

 

[gerardnealon]

thanks for the info strider. It is a lot more clear now.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

As inidcated above most regs can be used with Nitrox up to 40% with no special prep. Above that they need to be O2 cleaned and should have O2 compatible O-rings.

Titanium is not 02 freindly and the best you can expect from a titanium reg is 40% Nitrox.

Buying an O2 clean reg really is just the half of it. Once you own it you need to ensure you are only using Nitrox or suitably clean air in it, or else you will need to have it recleaned and have new o-rings installed.

 

[lamont]

try this guide:

http://thedecostop.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3391