When to buy tanks?

[Wibble]

Visual each year, hydrostatic every second year. At least it isn't quite as bad as the annual hydro in Australia which our tank standards otherwise match.

It's that they expect you to dump the gas and charge you for re-filling it. Perennial problem with rebreather bailout cylinders that go for years without being emptied.

Are the testing rules only relevant to getting them commercially filled, or do they have some dive police requirement to check they're in test before use?

Have heard -- Speaking Sidemount -- that it's really hard to import different cylinder types into NZ

 

[ajchapman]

they expect you to dump the gas and charge you for re-filling it

Yeah, that sucks.

do they have some dive police requirement to check they're in test before use?

I've not heard of any checks other than for commercial sale or fill. Whether it is in test isn't required for private sale though makes a big difference to price. I'd expect commercial divers would keep their tests up to date to avoid any extra trouble if there was some sort of accident but I've no reason to find out for sure.

Have heard ... that it's really hard to import different cylinder types into NZ

There are quite a lot of boats stopping off here and no doubt some of those have scuba gear from elsewhere on board. It probably isn't a problem unless they want to get a fill.

 

[okeeg8tor]

I didn’t think I’d buy tanks…we travel a lot and it just seemed easier to rent …. Until now. My husband and I both just bought brand new full kits, are in Cedar Key, live in Okeechobee m want to test our gear and not a place around to test or dive. I think Gainesville or Crystal River are the closest rental, neither close or convenient. So now I’m considering buying a couple so we can dive whenever and not have to rent for 2 days for a 1 day dive x 2 each.

 

[Tracerbullet]

I bought two steel Fabers right from the get go. I like having my own stuff Because I know how it is being taken care of.
so when I started I ignored all those who said don’t buy until later and outfitted new from head to toe. Absolutely no regrets

 

[Cthippo]

I bought a trio of tanks of Craigslist for $30 very early on and got one usable one out of that (a steel 72 that is older than I am). It had to be hydro'd and a new (DIN) valve put on it, but being able to say "You know, I feel like jumping in the lake today" is extremely valuable to me.