Tank Storage

[Lorenzoid]

I have tremendously mixed feelings about the VIP cert class. It's not cheap, most of the PSI/PCI course material is scare tactics and how-to info of the "like, duh" variety, and they don't tell you (or at least my LDS didn't tell me) that the class is useless without buying a bunch of testing-related supplies. Buuuut the class does have a good return on investment, especially if you're developing a goodly sized tank farm.

Is there a possibility that some dive shops will refuse to fill your tank if they don't recognize the name on the sticker as being a brick-and-mortar dive shop? In other words, is there a dive shop bias against independent inspectors?

 

[rhwestfall]

is it OK to store tanks outside in the Winter or Summer like that ?

been fine so far.... no different than my unheated garage.

 

[Marie13]

Is there a possibility that some dive shops will refuse to fill your tank if they don't recognize the name on the sticker as being a brick-and-mortar dive shop? In other words, is there a dive shop bias against independent inspectors?

Depends on the dive shop.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Depends on the dive shop.

Exactly. I wouldn't hesitate to learn to inspect my own tanks if I could be sure all dive shops would accept my stickers. But from reading threads on this topic, I'm on the fence.

 

[rhwestfall]

@rhwestfall , what is the brand/model of that one? I have been looking at a few with that basic design. Any negatives you have found? Some reviews have mentioned flimsy plastic (the hinge screws apparently screw right into the plastic) and rusting hinges.

Suncast (though it is an older one). Seems they may not make them like they used to (as sturdy)...

Home page - Suncast® Corporation

www.suncast.com

 

[Lorenzoid]

Suncast (though it is an older one). Seems they may not make them like they used to (as sturdy)...

Home page - Suncast® Corporation

www.suncast.com

Thanks. I'm considering this one by Suncast: The Stow-Away® Horizontal Shed

Reviews are mixed, though. Mostly about hinge screws ripping out of the plastic in high wind.

 

[rhwestfall]

here is the one.... discontinued...

75 Gallon Horizontal Trash Can Storage Shed Garbage Can Hide Away GS1250

75 Gallon Horizontal Trash Can Storage Shed Garbage Can Hide Away GS1250 - outdoor & indoor trash cans, recycle bins, & ashtrays for commercial, office or home.

trashcansunlimited.com

 

[stretchthepenn]

Exactly. I wouldn't hesitate to learn to inspect my own tanks if I could be sure all dive shops would accept my stickers. But from reading threads on this topic, I'm on the fence.

I've never had a problem, but given my location, I can only patronize a limited number of shops.

I suspect that as long as you've bought a widely recognized sticker and fill it out properly, you won't find many shops that refuse a fill.

 

[Marie13]

I've never had a problem, but given my location, I can only patronize a limited number of shops.

I suspect that as long as you've bought a widely recognized sticker and fill it out properly, you won't find many shops that refuse a fill.

I took the SDI VIP class three years ago. It was very good and thorough. About 10 hours. However, the shop I patronized at the time had an inconsistent policy (website said one thing and staff another), so I said screw it and I never did my own. It was very good for the education, though. I’m not afraid to open up a tank and take a look inside.

EDIT: VIP class was not taken through that shop. It was done elsewhere.

 

[Boarderguy]

I took the SDI VIP class three years ago. It was very good and thorough. About 10 hours. However, the shop I patronized at the time had an inconsistent policy (website said one thing and staff another), so I said screw it and I never did my own. It was very good for the education, though. I’m not afraid to open up a tank and take a look inside.

I've opened my pony many times for travel and look around but I don't have the training to know what I'm looking for. When I get to location I blast the inside of the pony with air from another tank (imho removes any humidity) and put the valve on immediately. Then I use my transfer whip to put a few hundred psi in it to keep it that way until I can get to the shop. It avoids any questions and costs for a new VIP every time I get off a plane.