Steel HP130s and Salt Water

[ehuber]

I have just moved from MN to CA and am concerned about the effect that salt water may have on my steel HP130s, bands, manifold, and regulators. I have heard some people even suggest that they never use their steel tanks in salt water, which is disconcerting to say the least after the investment.

Does anyone have opinions regarding steel and salt water?

 

[Jimmer]

Well that's BS. TONS AND TONS of people use steel in saltwater, and for decades before Aluminum tanks showed up. Rinse them all well and you'll be fine.

 

[marchand]

As long as you do not completely empty the tanks during a dive they will be fine.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I think Mo2vation and HBDiveGirl, who do about 300 dives a year in LA waters (no, I'm not exaggerating) on steel 130's, are doing fine with them

 

[diver 85]

I have just moved from MN to CA and am concerned about the effect that salt water may have on my steel HP130s, bands, manifold, and regulators. I have heard some people even suggest that they never use their steel tanks in salt water, which is disconcerting to say the least after the investment.

Does anyone have opinions regarding steel and salt water?

No worry...there are dive shops(Aldora the first & others that have tried to duplicate them) on Cozumel that use only steels, mostly 120 hp's......They(Aldora) have had no trouble and been like that for over 9 years...I would contact them(aldora.com) if you have ANY questions---Greg, Memo, &/or Dave would probably be happy to give you some pointers & advice in a heartbeat.....good luck.....

 

[drbill]

Depends on how you fill your tanks. Many California dive boats are notorious for giving wet fills... get some salt water inside your tanks and they may fail quickly. I lost two HP120's within two years. One failed VIP, most likely due to wet fills (very badly rusted inside). The other failed its second hydro most likely due to repeated hot fills on dry land.

My Al tank has had no such problems and it is about 15 years old. The steel tanks were 10 and 7 years old.

 

[David P]

no need taking the risk of ruining your precious 130s... I'll take them off your hands, and I'll even replace them with brand new shiny color of your choice aluminum 80s!