Don’t get just one. Get at least two.
Tank recommendations
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Boarderguy
Chief Narctopus Wrangler
The problem with 1 is there is only 1 dive available per day. The risk of little ponies running around is worth the risk to get a 2nd dive.
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broncobowsher
Contributor
Started with a used AL80. Lacked the 2nd dive option.
Bought a 2nd AL80 at a dive shop sidewalk sale. 2 tanks, much happier.
Started diving year round, que the cold water. Friend loaned me a steel 100 for a dive.
Went to the dive shop and bought a pair of steel 100s.
Knowing what I know now, (and not having the internet as available), I should have just started with the 100s. They are not difficult to take care of. Exterior, if I dove a lot of salt, might be an issue. Inside, as long as you are getting good fills, is a non-issue. Skip the hype that they are hard to take care of. In nearly 10 years of owning them (they are coming up on another hydro) I had to have the inside of one cleaned with a whip once as part of a regular visual inspection.
Bought a 2nd AL80 at a dive shop sidewalk sale. 2 tanks, much happier.
Started diving year round, que the cold water. Friend loaned me a steel 100 for a dive.
Went to the dive shop and bought a pair of steel 100s.
Knowing what I know now, (and not having the internet as available), I should have just started with the 100s. They are not difficult to take care of. Exterior, if I dove a lot of salt, might be an issue. Inside, as long as you are getting good fills, is a non-issue. Skip the hype that they are hard to take care of. In nearly 10 years of owning them (they are coming up on another hydro) I had to have the inside of one cleaned with a whip once as part of a regular visual inspection.
I dive salt and have no issues with my steel tanks at all
Boarderguy
Chief Narctopus Wrangler
@Marie13 sorry, was making a joke that missed the mark. Little ponies being the offspring of 2 tanks...
Let's see: (a) Idaho cold, freshwater, recreational diving in a full, two-piece, thick wetsuit with hood and gloves. (b) Most likely to dive with your brother who uses an Al 80 (77.4 cu ft @ 3,000 psig). (c) Your height is 6'.
Some people above suggest a (steel) HP100. Let me suggest a (steel) HP80. I purchased my two HP80's (82 cu ft @ 3,500 psig) in 1987. Still love these little cylinders for three-season recreational dives in MO and AR lakes and quarries when I'm wearing a full, two-piece, thick wetsuit. (They are a bit too negatively buoyant for me, though, if I am wearing a thin, or no, wetsuit.)
ETA: If you decide to go with a HP cylinder, make sure your regulators are compatible.
rx7diver
broncobowsher
Contributor
I don't know of any modern regulator that is not compatible with the standard HP cylinders (3442 PSI). It is only when you get into the really high pressure stuff (not common here in the states) that you need a regulator for higher pressures. By higher pressures, 300 bar, 4500 PSI. Those are the ones that need the high pressure DIN connections (different from the regular DIN connections). Not normal North American stuff, so not a worry.
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