DudleyNMU:
Hello,
I am looking at buying a steel tank. Just wondering if you could give me some info on whats good. I would like to have on 100 cubic foot or bigger. Mostly to gain bottom time and weight off the belt. Any idea what kinda is better. PST, OMS ECT. and i dont wanna loose and arm and a leg in the process. Thanks agian.
Dudley
First you need to consider it you can get high pressure fills in your area. If you can you have the option of getting a high pressure tank and utilising it as either a high or low pressure tank. If you can not get high pressure fills then you still have this option if you travel to someplace where high pressure fills are available, but at home you will be using it as a low pressure or mid pressure tank.
If you are thinking about PST tanks they have a
spreadsheet that will show you how much air the tanks hold at a few different pressures. As you probably know PST has had some availability issues in the last year or so, but at the present time the tanks are generally available, but almost always at a premium price.
If you are looking for a low pressure tank
Tech Diving Limited usually has some pretty good prices on Faber tanks, Joel also sells Worthington low pressure tanks. I would assume that when the Worthington high pressure tanks are available Joel will also sell those. The Worthington high pressure tanks will be sized much like the PST tanks although they will be from an entirely different manufacturer with different exterior finishes and possibly different bouyancy characteristics. Since the tanks have not yet hit the market no one knows for an absolute certainty.
PST tanks are hot dip galvanized and many feel that this process holds up better in salt water. Faber tanks are treated with a cold galvanizing process and painted, these are also fine in salt water but if the paint is scratched severely you need to take action to prevent rust from forming and damaging your tank. OMS low pressure tanks are made by Faber and painted to OMS specifications. OMS is rumored to be coming out with high pressure tanks, it is believed these will be PST tanks. Worthington makes there own tanks and use a process that is more similar to the Faber process of cold galvainzation and paint, but not exactly like the Faber process.
I own Faber LP 95's and have them doubled. I give the tanks a quick once over after a dive trip and use automotive touch up paint to repair any scratches or nicks in the paint. I got the tanks for a little less than $200 each from Tech Diving Limited and am quite happy with them. Your choice is entirely up to you, but generally speaking a steel tank will last lots longer than an aluminum tank and will take lead off of your belt. It is really a no brainer if you have the cash for the initial purchase.
Good luck,
Mark Vlahos
