Steel Tank Concern???

[Cathouse]

I just purchased 2 brand new tanks at the exact same time a few months ago. Have used both same number of times and cleaned them exactly the same. One still looks brand new and one is getting white marks on it. Looks like it is deteriorating at a faster pace. Should I be concerned or is this normal?

Here's a picture:

Any special cleaning/maintenance techniques you recommend?

Thanks

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Your main concern is that you need to dive them more.

Just rinse 'em off with fresh water at the end of the dive day. Salt water can get trapped under the boot. Be aware of that.

You might want to read this thread about someone else who had some zinc corrosion on his steel tanks.

Hope this helps...

 

[rjack321]

They aren't "deteriorating". They will be around for decades, just rinse with fresh water after diving. Blow out the valves before getting them filled. Get them VIPed at least annually or if the tank is drained to zero psi underwater.

 

[captain]

Remove the boots after a days diving and rinse and dry the tanks before replacing the boots, or do what I do, leave them off.

 

[Cathouse]

Thanks everyone. I agree with Bubble, I need to dive them more!!

 

[Chugwhump]

I soap and water mine at rinse time with the boots knocked off.

Chug
Likes steel.

 

[Odhar]

Worried about rusting and exterior corrosion then get them Coated. They will strip the tanks and coat them with an epoxy that will last for years. My 72's last 25 years with the original coating. Also tank bands will hold better with no slippin.

No more worry about inside the boot, or corrosion. Cost effective way to protect that valuable piece of equipment.

 

[SteveAD]

Worried about rusting and exterior corrosion then get them Coated. They will strip the tanks and coat them with an epoxy that will last for years. My 72's last 25 years with the original coating. Also tank bands will hold better with no slippin.

No more worry about inside the boot, or corrosion. Cost effective way to protect that valuable piece of equipment.

I could not disagree with this more. As others have said they are fine as is.

 

[rjack321]

Worried about rusting and exterior corrosion then get them Coated. They will strip the tanks and coat them with an epoxy that will last for years. My 72's last 25 years with the original coating. Also tank bands will hold better with no slippin.

No more worry about inside the boot, or corrosion. Cost effective way to protect that valuable piece of equipment.

Bad idea. Salt will get under any coating you try to apply and rust the steel. Zinc (as they are) is the only material which will galvanically protect the steel even if salt gets underneath.

Juts rinse them after use in salt water and they will last 30+ years.

 

[captain]

What SteveAD and rjack321 said.