Pony bottle attachment

[JDostal]

Dave,

Cool If you have any questions on how to do it, feel free to ask. It's not too hard to do, but I'd be happy to help.

Here are more useful links I collected when doing research on how to rig up my tank.

I bought most of my supplies at my hardware store - I ended up using clear nylon reinforced tubing for the handle - I couldn't find the black brake line tubing. The inner tube that I picked up measured about 5 1/2" when laid out flat and measuring width. I think it was an ATV tube or something like that.

http://www.gue.com/equipment/tanks-4.shtml
http://www.diverite.com/resource/stage/index.htm
http://www.scubaboard.com/t16180.html
http://www.bentleytech.com/cave/stage/index.html
http://www.mikey.net/scuba/gear/stages.html
http://thedecostop.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1268

 

[scuba-punk]

I'm with Omicron on the configuration/attachment. It's quick, easy, cheap, durable, comfortable and very DIY-able. Why did you choose a 19 cuft bottle? Do the math for the air that you need to get you and a buddy to the surface in an oh-s#!t situation and a 19 might come up a little short. Something to think about.

-Frank

 

[Dave in PA]

I was originally thinking a 19cf bottle as the smallest I wanted. That represents 1/4 of the air in the AL80 on my back. I would only use the pony in an oh $#!^ situation to get to the surface. I have barely completed my OW cert, but my air use surprised even my instructor. (i'm a bigger guy as well as a noobie) I expect that to improve as I gain experience and loose lead. I'm carrying 30 lbs of lead, with me @250 lbs, a 2 pc 7mm Henderson, gloves, hood, AL80. I should be able to drop at least 4 lbs lead for my next dive.

The 19cf might be a moot point as I am now heading towards the 40cf bottle.

 

[JDostal]

You air consumption, lead and buoyancy will all get better with practice, without a doubt. That's the only way to get 'em better - dive, dive, dive.

 

[partridge]

My bottle is rigged slung under my arm. I made the rig myself like the one in the DIR lilnk above but I used a nylon dog leash. That really helped. The loop on the end goes around the neck. Stretch it down the tank as much as you can and cut it off and put a clip on the end. I sewed the clip into the leash myself. I put the stainless hose clamp on the end making sure the sewn end was under it. Did not want to put stress on my sewing capabilities. I zip tied another clip to the loop of the leash.

I found this very simple to do as the leash already made the rig half done. I also prefer this way instead of fastening to the tank as I can hand it off to another diver and he can do with it as he pleases.

 

[DrDuktayp]

I've been following along and have also wondered about slinging a 40 instead of making a purchase for the 19. It is hard to know where my interests in diving will be in even a year. (we have 25+ dives since Open Water in May) If I didn't have a set of Faber 108's I would probably just double up. But, there is no way I would take the LONG walk down to the shore with 2 108's and I can't justify (afford) to purchase 2 more tanks along with the manifold.

So, how bad is the walk with tank slung? Once in the water I imagine it wouldn't be to bad... it's really the long treacherous walk down and back that concerns me.

DrDuktayp

 

[JDostal]

The tank is pretty easy out of the water. What I usually do, when shore diving, is walk the tank down to the water first when I get to the dive site. Then I go back up, gear up, and then when I get back down to the water I clip the tank on.