Why is Tank "upright"

[sciguyman]

Basically my question is, why do we put the tank valve at the top? I've seen pictures of some commercial divers with the valve on the bottom. Also, though I may be mistaken, I was under the assumption that Fire Fighters put the valves on the bottom. Thanks in advance, Jesse.

 

[Noviz]

I've asked this.... basically, the answers are: 1.) We don't want to sit on the valves 2.) the hose configuration would be really wierd.

Also, some people DO put them on "upside down".

Whatever!

 

[sciguyman]

I've asked this....

Alrighty, I'll start using the "search" function more, thanks anyways though.

 

[Walter]

While rare, SCUBA is sometimes configured with the valves down. The 1955 movie Return of the Creature shows some divers with valves down.

 

[HappyFunBoater]

Because if you sit on the dive boat's bench to take off your BC the tank will be sitting on your first stage, probably breaking it off the first time you hit a big wave.

 

[miketsp]

I have occasionally seen tanks mounted upside down with a protective metal structure around the 1st stage but it becomes a real pain to change cylinders. OTOH reaching down to your cylinder valve during the dive becomes really easy. You're also less likely to damage a 1st stage in an overhead environment.
I saw this done with steels with rounded ends. If you do it with AL80s you'll probably feel an increased water resistance from the flat bottoms.

 

[Thalassamania]

I have a set of Divator tanks that are designed to go valve down. I dove them a few times and rather liked it (they’re 4500 PSI and don't have a proper DOT stamp, which makes them not very useful).

 

[PerroneFord]

You're also less likely to damage a 1st stage in an overhead environment.

Says who? I'd MUCH prefer to keep my valves near my EYES rather than near my butt when I am trying to avoid hitting them. With the rebreaters its a bit different because the valves aren't out in the open usually (yes I know not always true), but honestly, it's FAR easier to protect the things when you can see them AND the obstruction at the same time.

 

[Walter]

Says who? I'd MUCH prefer to keep my valves near my EYES rather than near my butt when I am trying to avoid hitting them. With the rebreaters its a bit different because the valves aren't out in the open usually (yes I know not always true), but honestly, it's FAR easier to protect the things when you can see them AND the obstruction at the same time.

That would seem to apply only to a chest mount.

 

[PerroneFord]

That would seem to apply only to a chest mount.

Sidemount. with valves about 6" from my eye. Backmount is a compromise, valves are nearly 12" from my eyes.