This is reguarding Scuba tanks
2007-07-11 05:09:05 · 6 answers · asked by Rc51 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Boats & Boating
Aluminum tanks are larger then steel tanks, like the standard 80cu.ft and the larger 100 cu.ft.. Both aluminum and steel tanks require visual inspection annually and a hydro static test every 5 yrs. Do they even make steel tanks anymore? Either way I would go aluminum for volume and easier maintenance.
2007-07-11 07:40:42 · answer #1 · answered by mark t 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy aluminum Scuba tanks they usually have a larger capacity. Steel can corrode inside over time, but, as dry as the air is they use, I would not be so concerned. Weight not a big deal, just one less belt weight. It been a long time I even seen a steel tank, thought that was a day gone by. If, I remember correct and maybe some can correct me if I wrong. The Steel Tanks held 72 cubic inches of air and the Aluminum holds 80 cubic inches. May be a pressure difference too, again, I not sure, I thinking my Aluminum tank holds 3,000 PSI and I not sure about the Steel.
2007-07-11 09:30:01 · answer #2 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The statements that AL tanks hold more gas than Steel tanks are incorrect. There are steel 120s and 130s (plus larger but I haven't seen anyone dive those).
"Steel is heavier" should be "steel is more negatively buoyant." As the result, you can remove 4-8#s of weight from your waistbelt for similar capacity tanks if you more from AL to steel.
In addition to the lack of lead you need, steel tanks will often trim out better. AL tanks are typically butt light when they become low on gas, and this can affect trim.
Other than costs, steel is a better choice.
Please see the attached tank guide for a comparison between the different AL and steel tanks.
2007-07-11 10:15:44 · answer #3 · answered by don 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Steel is heavier and harder.
Al is lighter and softer. In regards to Scuba tanks , I guess the steel ones would be less likely to puncture if you run into something but they will be heavier on your back
2007-07-11 05:17:26 · answer #4 · answered by TyranusXX 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
aluminium doesn't corrode because of a protective oxide coat, steel does corrode so it goes rusty unless it is stainless steel. Steel is cheaper than aluminium but aluminium is of better quality
2007-07-11 05:17:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, For the main reason that would be that steel is much stronger and it can be welded if need be, Aluminun has to be brazed and it usually warps.
2007-07-11 13:39:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋