Question regarding new tanks

[vann evans]

We just purchased new aluminum tanks. I have 2 questions:
1) do we need to do anything to clean or condition the tanks prior to their first use?
2) we will use the tanks for 3 weeks in Bonaire and then store them for 3 months and then use them again for 3 weeks, store them -use them, etc. do we need to do anything special when we store them or subsequently take them out of storage after several months?

Thanks for the information that I am sure we will receive.
Vann Evans

 

[JBRES1]

You don't need to clean new al80's but I do.

When I get new tanks,
I start off removing the valve from the cylinder.
I then clean the inside of the tank with "simple Green Crystal" and hot water.
I also clean the threads with a tooth brush.
Then I flush the tank with fresh water till it runs clear (no bubbles) about 3 to 5 minutes.
Then I full the tank with hot water again and let it sit for a few minutes, then drain.
As soon as it drains I blow dry air into the cylinder from another tank.
I then check out the insides of the cylinder to make sure all is ok.
I use a first stage reg attached to a tank and have a low pressure hose that I cut off just to be used for drying tanks.
I also clean the valve .
I take the valve apart, and clean in hot water with :simple Green Crystal"
I rince the valve parts, dry, lube, and put back together. ( I use o2 safe lube)
I put a little o2 lube on the valve threads, and install on the cylinder.
Fill with air and go dive.

Between dives you don't need to do anything special except make sure there is some pressure in the cylinder. I store my tanks with about 500 psi in them when not in use.

I just fill the tanks after a 3 month storage and go dive.

I have a question for you, how are you going to get your tanks down south ?

Jim Breslin

 

[seaducer]

No. When you buy them you will need to have them Visually InsPected, or VIP at a local dive shop. This is if they don't come that way. What they do is pop the valve off and look inside the tank to make sure there is nothing inside that shouldn't be.

Provided you never let all the air out, this must be done once a year. More often if you think you got bad or wet air.
If you plan to mix Nitrox in your tanks they need special treatment. This will be covered in your Nitrox class if/when you take it.

I expect you are traveling to Bonaire via boat? You don't typically take your own tanks on vacation, unless it is a road trip. You will not need them in Bonaire, every resort includes unlimited tanks. You will be charged a ton of $$ to get two tanks on a plane with all your other gear. leave em home.

My tanks sit for 3 months sometimes as well. Never had a problem using them. If you are the paranoid type, crack the valve and give the air a sniff. If you feel water vapor, or smell bad air, take it to a shop and have them VIP and refill with fresh air.

 

[L_A_S]

Jim, that's the first time I've heard of someone doing that, what are the reasons?

Vann, I'm in Chapel Hill and hopefully will do some DM work for Waterworld in Durham. Maybe we can buddy up when it warms up (why buy a condo on Bonaire when you can be friends with someone who has one.... hahaha).

Assuming you don't abuse the tanks the annual VIP and the thorough fresh water rinse will suffice, and it's a good habit to check the orings and functions every time before diving in.

 

[JBRES1]

I clean my tanks because,
1 ) I'm anal about clean tanks.
2 ) I do partial pressure fills.

Jim

 

[vann evans]

thanks for the information so far-as I expected, we got good info. to respond to questions about how and why we take tanks to bonaire--we own a studio at sand dollar and wanted our own tanks . we will leave them there and use them only in bonaire. in the long run, they will pay for themselves with each filling costing about $2. we can put 1 tank in each suitcase and fly them. all of our other gear is already in bonaire, so each tank will easily make the 50 pound weight limit along with clothes. 1 suitcase each with 1 tank in each suitcase.

Thanks again
Vann evans

 

[Garrobo]

Considering what some airlines charge to haul tanks it might be more cost effective to buy a couple tanks on Bonaire.

 

[drdaddy]

Of course you know that you have to take the valve off the tank to fly with it and even then they (security) will probably give you a hard time.

drdaddy

 

[NudeDiver]

I clean my tanks because,

1 ) I'm anal about clean tanks.

If your anus is near your tank valves, I can see why they would need special cleaning.