Just curious how many of you are using steel 72's for deco bottles??
St. 72
- Thread starter texdiveguy
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Nope, too heavy and a rediculous amount of gas.
If I deco dived in caves one might be nice to get a couple dives off. I would like one as an emergency O2 cylinder for IWR though.
If I deco dived in caves one might be nice to get a couple dives off. I would like one as an emergency O2 cylinder for IWR though.
MSilvia
Contributor
I use an aluminium 40. I tried a steel 45 once, but found it to be too heavy. I still use steel 72s when diving singles though.
OP
I currently have Al80's and an Al50 for deco bottles.....I picked this bad boy up for $25 with the boot,,,she is in super condition in and out and under a Hydro date of 5/06 and current VIP....I will O2 clean the tank and since I have an O2 clean din valve and tank rigging just sitting here I will have another usable deco rig. She is smaller than the Al80 and a bit lighter. OK....I admit to being 'old school',,,,heck this might have been a tank I used back in 1971 as a newbie! The tank is 36 years young and still in service and great condition. 
Steel tanks are too heavy to use for stage bottles. I find AL 40's good for most dives, AL 80's when I need that much gas. I commonly use 72's doubled up for back gas.
Before the days of Haskal boosters everywhere,the steel 72 was necessary to get a decent fill due to the low pressure of the tank. Most of my diving can be accomplished with the gas in a 46,but I still have my O2 steel 72,because there are those occasional dives where 1) 40/46 cuft isn't nearly enough 2)the weight of a 72 is helpful for negative bouyancy. These tanks can be had so cheaply,they are sure worth while to have as a deco tank.
OP
Many tec divers including myself use Al80's for deco bottles for obvs. reasons....remember that the st72 is a smaller profile bottle and weighs a lt. less than does an Al80....plus it remain neg. and this is important during those last shallow stops. There is allot to be said for the old st72 as a deco. Mine is going together for $30....very much a bargin....and being O2 clean it is very versital. 
OP
Well my st72 is sporting a new coat of rattle-can paint,,,I O2 cleaned her and I VIPed her,,,also rigged the tank this past weekend......off for a dip this Sunday.
OP
Well I dove the st72 yesterday...NO ISSUES...dropped a bit of bc wt. prior and she was very well balanced and easy to handle....dove with the tank 2.5 hours.
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