Tank Light Suggestions - Water-activated Vs. Glowsticks

[dberry]

I used a "tank-light" for the first time on twilight and nights dives on a liveaboard in December. The ones we used were water-activated and blinked green. Each diver had one on the neck of their tank, and they put one on the line at safety stop depth. A couple of divers surfaced ~200 meters away from the boat (at night) and their blinking lights were easy to spot. I was sold on and want to add one to my kit.

I think I found the exact model for $10 on amazon. Non-replaceable battery, but they only blink when in the water, and supposedly have a 500 hour life. Not bad for $10. Alternatives might be glowsticks (single use), or other LED-models. Anyone have an opinion? Pros or cons?

Amazon.com: Innovative 500 Hour Water Activated Flashing Marker Light - Blue: Sports & Outdoors

-Don

 

[tursiops]

That is a very good light. You can get them in blue, red, and green, all flashing. Red can be seen the shortest distance underwater blue the furthest, due to water absorption of colors. Don't count on them to be seen at the surface....if they are submerged to be turned on, they may not be visible above surface. Glowsticks are OK, but are disposable and not biodegradable, so some places will not allow them (e.g., Bonaire). Avoid anything with batteries, ultimately it will leak; think of them as disposable, too, like pretty much anything you take underwater.

 

[dberry]

That is a very good light. You can get them in blue, red, and green, all flashing. Red can be seen the shortest distance underwater blue the furthest, due to water absorption of colors. Don't count on them to be seen at the surface....if they are submerged to be turned on, they may not be visible above surface. Glowsticks are OK, but are disposable and not biodegradable, so some places will not allow them (e.g., Bonaire). Avoid anything with batteries, ultimately it will leak; think of them as disposable, too, like pretty much anything you take underwater.

Thanks. That confirms my positive impression of this model. Just ordered two in green (one for my buddy). Good point about surface visibility - if the two contacts are out of the water it won't blink. Maybe I'll put some reflective tape on my SMB and buy a glow stick for emergency use.

 

[uncfnp]

I have them and very pleased. Some divers dislike blinking lights but I find it helpful. Once wet they will continue to operate until the contacts dry.

 

[tbone1004]

Red Glo-Toob "AAA Model" Battery Included

I use one of these for night dives. $20, but uses a AAA battery, and I haven't had it leak yet. Have them in red, green, and amber in those colors, and a bunch of others if choose one with a different battery option