Pony bottle

[Wrecks30]

So I am currently about 50% done with my divemaster course and I purchased a 5 liter steel pony bottle, only to be told by my instructor that the tank cannot be vis'ed or hydro tested once the date runs out. This is news to me. is this correct? BTW I am in the Army stationed in Italy, maybe they have different laws here, not sure. but I dont see the difference between this pony and a regular tank being tested. Thanks in Advance.

 

[grf88]

If it is a North American tank it probably can't be hydro tested in Europe. If it is a European tank it probably can't be hydro tested in North America. Post the tank markings and you will get a better response.

 

[Chugwhump]

Is it an aluminum or steel tank?
I am thinking AL if you got it in Italia.
Can you post a picture of the head stamps/markings on the crown of the cylinder?
Is it an American cylinder?
I have heard (but am woefully ignorant if it is the truth) that the Europeans use their AL cylinders for 5 years and toss them into a recycling yard.
European and other outlander cylinders occasionally pop up here in SoFla mostly from cruise ships and private yachts, and they are ummm......supposedly unfillable at the local dive shops.
But they get filled at the private level.

Chug
occasionally recycles Euro-bombs.

 

[Wrecks30]

It is steel, and was purchased new locally. It is painted and I cant get a good readable photo.

Thanks

 

[Chugwhump]

Wrecks30;
is this an American steel cylinder, or Euro steel cylinder?
or do you know?
even without a pic, can you post some numbers or markings from the tank.
someone on this board will figure it out.
My gut reaction is if it is Euro, do not bother bringing it home.
If American, it it's probably fine.

Chug
bunga bunga

 

[Kharon]

My gut reaction is if it is Euro, do not bother bringing it home.

Seriously????? Never had a problem with my Faber tanks (Italian - yes?)

 

[grf88]

Seriously????? Never had a problem with my Faber tanks (Italian - yes?)

It is not the tanks, it is the markings that matter. Faber tanks sold in North America will typically have DOT and TC markings stamped into the neck, if they do not don't bother trying to get them filled in the USA or Canada unless you have a buddy with a compressor.

 

[kwinter]

It will most likely also have a different thread size. 3/4 in the USA vs M25. But I have no idea why a European tank can't be tested and recertified in Europe unless it has something to do with the new valve standard I read something about (M26?)

 

[Wrecks30]

Thanks Guys, I will probably just sell the tank before I come back home in 2 years.

Here is what is on the tank.

M25x2 EN144 EN1964-1 I FABER 12/0023/020
5.69KG V5.0L CE 1370 UT 3.1MM 1002 AIR COLTRI SUB
PS200BAR AT15C PT318BAR TS-50+65C 2012/01 BREATHING APPARATUS

 

[Glenn08]

I couldn't get Canadian tanks hydro-tested in the U.S. They didn't recognize the markings. Selling it is probably the best idea.