Along with a regulator, the best scuba tanks make it effortless to supply divers with a source of air during their dives. This facilitates breathing underwater and contributes to enhancing your diving experiences.
When it comes to scuba diving, tanks with breathable air are one of the most crucial gear to your survival. Besides, it also enables you to dive longer, making it possible to explore more beautiful caves and scenes.
If this is your first time buying a scuba tank, I believe you are highly likely overwhelmed by a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and brands. Hence, I have compiled a list of the top 12 best scuba tanks. All of them are high-quality as well as give you peace of mind to use.
Table of Contents
My Top Picks
Here is a brief introduction to the best scuba tanks you can get in the market. Whether the ideal size, personal air consumption, and diving style, there is always a model that perfectly suits your needs.
- Best Overall: Cyl-Tec 80 CF
“DOT/TC certified, industry-standard size, simple to refill, ideal for inexperienced and seasoned divers, suitable for diving in the saltwater.” - Best Budget: Spare Air Original Mini
“Refillable design, a black holster, and a leash included, integrated with a refill adapter, ideal for traveling, provides you neutral buoyancy.” - Best Steel Scuba Tank: Faber 80 CF High Pressure
“High-pressure scuba tank, self-draining design, chromium-molybdenum steel finish, ultra-lightweight and compact, suitable for cold divers.” - Best Mini Scuba Tank: SMACO S400 1L Mini
“An explosion-resistant valve, classified into a,b,c,d, multiple color options to select, provides beginners extra safety.” - Best Aluminum Scuba Tank: Sea Pearls 80 Aluminum
“Non-corrosive inner, effortless to maintain, offers an economical price tag, comes with robust and sturdy construction.” - Best for Sidemount: Catalina 80 CF Alum
“Nitrox compatible to 40%, high flow capacity valve, suitable for different types of diving, easy to breathe, simple to use.” - The Lightest: Catalina 63 CF Aluminum
“Convertible K valve, children-size tank, lightweight, comfortable to wear all day, ideal for shallow diving.” - Best for Paintball: IORMAN 88 CF
“Carbon fiber exterior, epoxy-coated surface, offers you longevity up to 15 years, 70% reduced weight, ideal for scuba diving and on-land activities.” - Best with GoPro Mount: Catalina Pony Pro Valve
“Four sizes available, Yoke or DIN valve compatibility, multi-ported burst plug, being a saving-money option, used with a console dive computer.” - Best with an Air Compressor: Faber 100 CF High Pressure
“Triple protected finish, comes with a visual inspection sticker, extends your bottom time, withstands high pressure.” - The Longest Lasting: Sherwood Aluminum 100 CF
“Anti-corrosion inner, tremendous capacity, withstand high pressure, available in a range of colors, competitive price tag.” - Best Value for the Money: XS Scuba Aluminum Pony Bottle
“Simple to attach, less maintenance required, comes with thick and damage-resistant walls, and robust construction.”
Comparison Chart
This guide provides you with a quick comparison of the top 12 best scuba tanks features and capabilities. I hope the table below will help you decide which is your most suitable item for the next dive.
The 12 Best Scuba Tanks Reviews
Scuba tanks are a central piece of equipment for all divers, whether entry-level or advanced ones. This section will give you in-depth reviews about the top 12 best scuba tanks trending on the market now.
Each item will be accompanied by its specification, pros, and cons to offer a comprehensive view.
1. Cyl-Tec 80 CF
(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)
If you seek a scuba tank suitable for different diving levels, I suggest that you purchase the Cyl-Tec. Being constructed with an air capacity of 80 CF, this model includes a standard size, making it ideal for most types of diving.
Besides, the Cyl-Tec 80 CF can withstand the water pressure of 3000 PSI, meaning that it will work well for deep diving. The new combo valve is another bonus point of this item. The tank is compatible with DIN and K-valve connections, allowing you to dive with your favorite styles.
In addition, it would be a big mistake if I did not mention its high-quality material. The Cyl-Tec 80 CF offers divers an aluminum alloy construction, helping it be long-lasting even after many years of use.
What’s more, aluminum tanks are famous for their excellent anti-corrosion ability, which is especially important for diving in saltwater. Additionally, the Cyl-Tec’s design is effortless to use; thus, regardless of your diving skills, this is an amazing choice you should not skip.
Key Features:
- DOT/TC certified
- DIN and K-valve compatibility
- Industry-standard size
Pros
- A great choice for both inexperienced and seasoned divers
- It can be used to dive in the saltwater
- The 80 CF air capacity is suitable for numerous types of diving
- Simple to refill the tank
- Ideal for both DIN and yoke regulators
- Aluminum material helps the tank resist rust better than the steel model
Cons
- It will be more buoyant when empty, so you have to wear additional weights
- Heavier in the water
- It will need a redundant air source for deep diving
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Cyl-Tec |
| Size ( Capacity) | 80 CF |
| Weight | 31.4 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -1.9 lbs lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 3.8 lbs |
| Measurements | 26.1 x 7.25 inches |
| Material | 6061-T6 Aluminum Brushed Finish Cylinder |
| Valve Type | Combination Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
2. Spare Air Original Mini
(Best Budget)
One of those budget-friendly options you can have is the Spare Air Original Mini. This model comes in two convenient sizes, including 3 and 6 CF, making it a fine backup tank.
Aside from its compact size, the Spare Air Original Mini also provides you with great ease of use. The handy design combined with a holster system makes it easy for you to access anytime. What’s more, a leash in the black holster will keep your tank stay in place when you dive.
This scuba tank can be refillable, so you will not need to worry about suddenly running out of air. Thanks to that, your dive can become safer as well as funnier. Even when you do not plan to dive deeply, the tank is still a great choice because of its huge air supply and low weight.
See Also: Top 15 Cheap Dive Watches Under $100
Key Features:
- Refillable design
- A black holster and a leash included
- Weight under 4 lbs
- A refill adapter
Pros
- Effortless to use
- The small size makes it friendly for traveling
- It helps to make sure that you will have enough air to return the surface
- The basic design helps the tank accessible whenever divers need it
- The black holster allows it to attach to the main tank smoothly
- The leash protects it from falling out during your dive
- It provides you neutral buoyancy
- Its handy size will not restrict your movements
Cons
- Not suitable for deep diving
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Spare Air |
| Size ( Capacity) | 3 and 6 CF |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | 2.2 lbs |
| Measurements | 13.4 x 2.25 inches |
| Material | Aluminum – Black Anodized |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
You wonder whether the Spare Air Original Mini can provide enough air to breathe or not. Let’s check the review video below.
3. Faber 80 CF High Pressure
(Best Steel Scuba Tank)
The Faber 80 CF differs from most models reviewed above in two primary points. First of all, it is a high-pressure scuba tank, allowing it to compress more air despite the small size. Hence, the tank seems smaller and lighter than a normal 80 CF item while still ensuring high capacity.
The second distinct feature of the Faber 80 CF is its steel construction. This type of material offers you a more robust exterior and operates perfectly in icy waters. Besides, buoyancy is another upside of the tank as well.
Unlike aluminum models that will make you buoyant positively when empty, steel ones can either remain at a negative level or tend to float neutrally without air. Thanks to that, no scuba BCDs or weight pockets are needed to keep you below the surface.
Nevertheless, everything has pros and cons, and the Faber 80 CF is not an exception. Although its steel material will give you more freedom to move underwater, it is susceptible to rust and requires a higher price point than aluminum.
Key Features:
- High-pressure scuba tank
- Self-draining design
- Chromium-molybdenum steel finish
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and compact
- It provides you with a larger capacity
- Suitable for cold divers
- The steel construction helps it last longer than the aluminum one
- It does not need to be worn with BCDs and weight pockets
- Easier to move in the water
Cons
- Steel material makes the tank heavier than an aluminum one
- Susceptible to rust
- Not a budget-friendly option
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Faber |
| Size ( Capacity) | 80 CF |
| Weight | 28.3 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | – 8.05 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | – 1.74 lbs |
| Measurements | 20.8 x 7.25 inches |
| Material | Chromium-Molybdenum Steel, Zinc Sprayed, Epoxy and Polyurethane Paint |
| Valve Type | Combination Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3442 PSI |
4. SMACO S400 1L Mini
(Best Mini Scuba Tank)
The SMACO S400 is another mini scuba tank on this list that can provide you with its special functions. With 4 CF of air capacity, this item can enable you to stay underwater for about 15-20 minutes.
Meanwhile, a built-in pressure gauge makes it more attractive to novice divers. That’s because this allows them to check their dive time constantly, adding extra measures to achieve ultimate safety. What’s more, your current water pressure is always tracked without a dive computer.
However, if you have a generous budget, you should invest in dive computers, even the most affordable ones. I believe that your performance can be effortlessly improved thanks to their amazing benefits.
In addition, the SMACO S400’s design makes it refillable easily. Whether you tend to inflate the tank with a hand pump, electric air pump, or refill adapter, it is able to give perfect compatibility. Nevertheless, both are mini scuba tanks, but weight is a downside of the SMACO S400.
This scuba tank weighs up to 5.07 pounds, whereas its counterpart – the Space Air- weighs under 4 pounds but offers a much higher capacity. Hence, I hope that this weakness will be improved as soon as possible to help divers get utmost experiences of using.
Key Features:
- A handy bag included
- Features a built-in pressure gauge
- Compatible with SMACO refill adapter or high-pressure hand pump
- Classified into a,b,c,d
- Integrated with first and second stage regulators
- Explosion-resistant valve
Pros
- It can be filled with the hand pump, electric air pump, or refill adapter
- Compatible with a high-pressure inflator
- Suitable for travelers
- It offers divers multiple color options to select
- Its large air capacity allows you to have long dives
- Made from top-quality material
- The built-in pressure gauge provides beginners extra safety
Cons
- Heavy
- Not ideal for cold divers
Product Specifications:
| Brand | SMACO |
| Size ( Capacity) | 4 CF |
| Weight | S400 Green-a (5.51 lbs)
S400 Green-b (6.88 lbs) S400 Green-c (7.14 lbs) S400 Green-d (15.43 lbs) |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
The following video will give you useful tips on using the SMACO S400 1L Mini and help divers get a detailed view of its features and capabilities.
5. Sea Pearls 80 Aluminum
(Best Aluminum Scuba Tank)
The highlight of the Sea Pearls is its first-rate material which is made from high-strength aluminum alloy. This helps to keep the scuba tank’s price at a competitive level compared to other materials such as steel and carbon fiber.
Also, the Sea Pearls aluminum construction means that its interior is able to resist rust and corrosion. Therefore, you will not spend much money on maintenance. However, air capacity is a downside of this tank when it only offers 77.4 CF in reality.
The great connectivity is the Sea Pearls’ bonus point as well. Thanks to built-in modern technology, this scuba tank can pair and unpair with most air-integrated dive computers at the moment.
This feature is imperative for beginners since the computer’s calculations can let you know about the remaining dive time.
Read more: The 15 Favorite Dive Computers for Beginners Reviews in 2023
Key Features:
- Industry-standard size
- A yoke or DIN valve compatibility
- Nitrox ready to 40%
- Non-corrosive inner
Pros
- Effortless to maintain
- It can be used with both DIN and yoke regulators
- It provides you with an economical price tag
- Comes with robust and sturdy construction
- Be able to dive with nitrox mixtures
Cons
- It offers black color only
- True capacity is restricted to 77.4 CF
Product Specifications:
| Brand | XS Scuba |
| Size ( Capacity) | 77.4 CF |
| Weight | 31.9 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -1.8 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 3.2 lbs |
| Measurements | 30 x 9 inches |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy |
| Valve Type | Thermo K Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
6. Catalina 80 CF Alum
(Best for Sidemount)
The Catalina 80 CF Alum is one of the best items available out there, garnering several astonishing benefits to its name. The basic design combined with standard capacity makes it an ideal option for both professionals and beginners.
Besides, the tank is made from heavy-duty aluminum alloy, which gives divers excellent rust resistance as well as highly durable construction. Moreover, it also comes with a convertible K-valve, which means you can smoothly change between a yoke or a DIN valve.
Aside from the lightweight design, the Catalina 80 CF Alum helps you breathe at depths effortlessly thanks to its high flow capacity valve. In addition, it allows for diving with nitrox up 40%, making it one of the best choices for sidemount divers.
Key Features:
- Nitrox compatible to 40%
- High flow capacity valve
- Chrome-plated marine brass design
- Multi-ported burst plug
Pros
- Suitable for different types of diving
- The valve’s design makes it easy to breathe
- Perfect for the novice and advanced divers
- Simple to use
- Super lightweight
- The tank is produced according to industry standards, so it is reliable
- Made from high-grade material
Cons
- It offers positive buoyancy when empty, making divers annoyed
- Limited color options
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Catalina |
| Size ( Capacity) | 80 CF |
| Weight | 31.6 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -1.6 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 4.1 lbs |
| Measurements | 25.9 x 7.8 inches |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy |
| Valve Type | Pro Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
7. Catalina 63 CF Aluminum
(The Lightest)
The Catalina 63 CF Aluminum comes with a convertible K valve, making it work well with both DIN and yoke regulators. Besides, the valve includes a smooth operating mechanism to provide you with ease of use and a multi-ported burst plug for extra safety.
Also, the scuba tank has a compact design with 21.7 inches in height and 7.25 inches in diameter, making it weigh just 26.9 pounds. This superior lightweight construction plus a pair of scuba fins enables you to create powerful kicks to propel yourself forward quickly.
Additionally, this Catalina offers 63 CF air capacity as well. This is an ideal size of a scuba tank designed exclusively for children and small divers.
Key Features:
- Nitrox ready up to 40%
- Multi-ported burst plug
- Convertible K valve
- Children-size tank
Pros
- Perfect for children and shallow diving
- Lightweight
- The K-valve design gives divers high airflow capacity, allowing them to breathe underwater easily
- Its aluminum material has excellent inner corrosion
- Comfortable to wear all-day
Cons
- It cannot be used for deep diving
- Only one color option
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Catalina |
| Size ( Capacity) | 63 CF |
| Weight | 27.2 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -2.8 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 1.8lbs |
| Measurements | 21.7 x 7.25 inches |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Valve Type | Convertible K Pro valve, Yoke or DIN |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
8. IORMAN 88 CF
(Best for Paintball)
I expect you to like the IORMAN 88 CF as it can give you premium comfort and amazing features. At a glance, the scuba tank has a compact design with only 22.1 inches in height and 6.9 inches in diameter.
The air capacity is 88 CF, enabling it to be suitable for scuba diving from shallow to deep environments. Besides, the practical design makes it ideal for other fields such as fire-fighting, shipping, chemical industry, etc.
The most outstanding feature of the IORMAN 88 CF is its material. While most other items on the market now are made from steel or aluminum, this tank comes with a carbon fiber construction. This brings divers both pros and cons.
On the one hand, this modern material type gives the IORMAN excellent shock resistance as well as reduces its weight up to 70%. Furthermore, carbon fiber tanks can hold more compressed air despite having the same size as steel and aluminum ones.
However, on the other hand, since carbon fiber has been developed recently, it is not popular in manufacturing; thus, it cannot help to lower the tank’s price.
Key Features:
- DOT approved
- AL-6061 aluminum alloy lining
- Carbon fiber exterior
- Epoxy-coated surface
Pros
- The tank offers you longevity of up to 15 years
- The carbon fiber material gives the tank great creep and corrosion resistance
- It provides you larger capacity than steel and aluminum tanks of the same size
- Ultra-lightweight since the weight has been eliminated up to 70%
- Less maintenance needed
- It can withstand high pressure up to 4500 PSI
- Allows you to dive longer and breathe more easily at any depth
- It can be used for scuba diving and on-land activities
Cons
- Difficult to buy
- Requires high cost
Product Specifications:
| Brand | IORMAN |
| Size ( Capacity) | 88 CF |
| Weight | 12.13 lbs |
| Measurements | 22.1 x 6.9 inches |
| Material | Carbon fiber composite |
| Max Fill Pressure | 4500 PSI |
9. Catalina Pony Pro Valve
(Best with GoPro Mount)
The Pony Pro Valve is another fabulous option from the reputable Catalina brand, thanks to its compact and ultra-lightweight design. Integrated with a Pro valve supporting DIN and yoke regulators, this scuba tank is a perfect companion for your adventures.
Depending on the type of diving you plan to do, the Catalina Pony offers you four different sizes, including 6, 13, 19, 40 CF. Each of them will provide you with its distinguished air capacity that works best for shallow or deep diving.
The Catalina Pony is particularly designed to be used with the main tank. Hence, you should consider your needs thoroughly to avoid buying a too-large model, which will make it cumbersome to move.
Additionally, another huge advantage of the Catalina Pony is its built-in pressure gauge. This will add extra safety since divers can connect with a console dive computer to track their current diving depth.
Key Features:
- Four sizes available
- Nitrox compatible to 40%
- A first stage, second stage regulator, and sometimes a pressure gauge included in the purchase
- Yoke or DIN valve compatibility
- Multi-ported burst plug
Pros
- It offers divers multiple sizes to choose
- It functions as a trustworthy backup air source
- Being a saving-money option in case you want to buy various tanks
- It can be used with a console dive computer
- Ideal for different diving environments
- The Pro Valve design provides divers great ease of use
- Be able to resist corrosion
Cons
- It comes with the only yellow option
- It must be used with the main tank to provide divers enough air
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Catalina |
| Size ( Capacity) | 6, 13, 19, 40 CF |
| Weight | 16.2 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -1.5lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 1.4 lbs |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy 6061-T6 |
| Valve Type | Convertible K Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 PSI |
10. Faber 100 CF High Pressure
(Best with an Air Compressor)
The Faber 100 CF is another top-notch model that deserves to be on this list. Unlike the low-pressure design of other aluminum tanks, this item comes with high pressure. This enables more compressed air to be packed into the cylinder, allowing more time to stay underwater.
Additionally, this high-pressure feature also helps to keep the Faber 100 more compact and lightweight than aluminum items at the same size. Besides, the tank is integrated with a Pro valve compatible with both DIN and yoke regulators.
In addition to massive air capacity, nitrox and oxygen compatibility is another outstanding advantage making the Faber 100 attractive to technical divers. In addition, a visual inspection sticker will remind you to get the tank serviced annually.
Key Features:
- High-pressure steel tank
- DOT E-13488 certified
- PVD Pro Valve
- Negative buoyancy even when empty
- Triple protected finish
- Self-draining design
- A DIN or yoke valve compatibility
- A visual tank inspection sticker included in the purchase
- Made in Italy
Pros
- Ideal for diving with different gas mixtures
- It can withstand high pressure up to 3442 PSI
- No weight pockets needed to get neutral buoyancy
- Its triple finish gives you increased durability
- The steel construction is more reliable than an aluminum one
- It offers higher air capacity but looks smaller
- It helps you extend your bottom time
Cons
- It requires high cost
- High-pressure tanks are not as easy as low-pressure ones to refill
- It resists corrosion worse than aluminum tanks
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Faber |
| Size ( Capacity) | 100 CF |
| Weight | 34.3 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -8.41 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | -0.59 lbs |
| Measurements | 25.39 x 7.24 inches |
| Material | Chromium-Molybdenum Steel, Zinc Sprayed, Epoxy and Polyurethane Paint |
| Valve Type | Combination Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3442 PSI |
11. Sherwood Aluminum 100 CF
(The Longest Lasting)
You want to own a scuba tank with higher air capacity but still maintain it at an affordable price point, considering the Sherwood Aluminum 100 CF. Firstly, its 100 CF size means that you will have a great amount of compressed air, allowing effortless breath in deep diving.
In addition, the Sherwood tank’s aluminum material can give divers exceptional corrosion resistance while costing you less than items with steel construction. However, a notable drawback of this model is heavier and looks more cumbersome than the same size steel tank.
Key Features:
- DIN and yoke regulators compatibility
- Nitrox rated tank
- Anti-corrosion inner
Pros
- It provides you with tremendous capacity
- It can withstand high pressure
- Available in a range of colors
- Comes with a competitive price tag
- Suitable for divers who have a large air consumption
Cons
- Heavier than most models on this list
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Sherwood |
| Size ( Capacity) | 100 CF |
| Weight | 46.2 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Full | -7.8 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | -2.0 lbs |
| Measurements | 30.3 x 7.8 inches |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy |
| Valve Type | Sherwood Pro Valve, suitable for DIN & Yoke |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3300 PSI |
12. XS Scuba Aluminum Pony Bottle
(Best Value for the Money)
Unlike the Catalina Pony Pro Valve, which offers various sizes, the XS Scuba Aluminum Pony Bottle comes with only a 6 CF design. Due to the limited capacity, it is no doubt that this tank is used as a backup air source when your main item runs out of breathing gas suddenly.
Nevertheless, the XS Scuba Aluminum Pony Bottle features other benefits that you should consider. At first, the yellow color gives it an attractive appearance and is easy to identify underwater. Meanwhile, the 3000 PSI means it can withstand high pressure during a deep dive.
What’s more, the reinforced aluminum alloy material helps the tank be less susceptible to rust and corrosion. Plus, its endurance is enhanced by thick and damage-resistant walls as well. Additionally, it is super lightweight and can fit snugly with any dive kit.
Key Features:
- Thick and resilient walls
- A convertible Pro valve integrated
Pros
- Simple to attach
- Serves as a reserve tank
- Less maintenance required thanks to anti-corrosion interior and exterior
- Features durable construction
- Fits numerous types of dive kit
Cons
- The restricted size makes it just be used as a backup tank.
Product Specifications:
| Brand | XS Scuba |
| Size ( Capacity) | 6 CF |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Buoyancy When Empty | 2.5 lbs |
| Material | High strength aluminum alloy |
| Max Fill Pressure | 3000 |
Related Reviews:
Selecting the Right Scuba Tank
Not all scuba tanks are made with the same features to favor divers of different levels. This buying guide will help you know the factors to look for before making any purchase.
Please do not skip this part since knowledge about these details will make you confident of your choice.
1. Material
Scuba tanks regularly come in two primary materials: aluminum and steel. See the comparison table below to determine which type is the most suitable for you.
| Criteria | Aluminum scuba tanks | Steel scuba tanks |
| Advantages | ● Best for tropical divers. ● Offer less internal corrosion in the saltwater. ● Simple to maintain. ● Cheaper to fix. ● Require lower price point than steel tanks. |
● Great for cold diving. ● Last longer than aluminum ones. ● Suitable for wearing with a thick wetsuit. ● They can withstand high pressure. ● Give divers more freedom to move underwater since no need to wear with a BCD. ● Come with higher air capacity so you can stay underwater longer. |
| Disadvantages | ● Susceptible to scratches, dents, and cracks. ● They cannot withstand high pressure. ● Need to be worn with a scuba BCD to have additional weights. |
● Susceptible to rust. ● Heavier. ● Require higher price point. |
2. Valve
The valve plays an essential role in controlling the airflow from a scuba tank into your first stage regulator. It usually comes with an O-ring to offer divers an excellent watertight. The most common type now is the K valve which is often designed to screw in or out.
This enables you to switch between DIN and yoke valves to suit various needs, giving wonderful experiences regardless of your diving conditions.
3. Size and Air Capacity
Scuba tanks come in a wide range of sizes to fit different types of diving and air consumption. The size shows how much air can be compressed into the tank, and thus, this indicator lets you estimate how long you can stay underwater.
Pony scuba tanks that range from 6-40 CF will provide you with an additional air source under emergencies. They are considered as extra safety protection measures.
In the meantime, the tanks with more air capacity, sized from 45 to 100 CF, can offer divers enough air for their entire dive. In this range, 80 CF scuba cylinders are the most popular model among adults, and 63 CF models are the best option for children and shallow diving.
Additionally, if you consume air at a quicker rate than normal divers or want to dive deeper, the tanks above 100 CF will suit your needs best.
4. Low Pressure vs. High Pressure
The pressure in a scuba tank is measured in PSI with an average range from 2400 to 3500. It is related to the amount of compressed air in the tank.
Whether you tend to choose a low-pressure or high-pressure model, you should thoroughly grasp the pros and cons of each type to avoid a wrong purchase.
|
Criteria |
Low-pressure scuba tanks |
High-pressure scuba tanks |
| Upsides | ● Suitable for nitrox and technical divers. ● More popular. ● Easier to use. |
● Offer divers more breathable air despite the small size. ● Enable divers to stay underwater longer. |
| Downsides | ● Limited air capacity. | ● Heavier. ● Difficult to use. |
5. Oxygen Compatibility
Scuba tanks that are compatible with oxygen will give divers extra safety as well as help them dive longer. Standard models can support a gas mixture with 20.9% oxygen, while high-end ones allow this percentage to be greater.
However, to guarantee divers’ safety, a tank with oxygen compatibility needs to be cleaned carefully.
Carbon Fiber Scuba Tank vs Aluminum
While aluminum scuba tanks have dominated the market for many years, tanks made from carbon fiber material have recently appeared. Both receive good reviews from diving communities, but there are still some drawbacks.
Let’s check the following table to get detailed information about the two types of material.
| Criteria | Aluminum scuba tanks | Carbon fiber scuba tanks |
| Benefits | ● Not require much maintenance. ● Offer excellent inner corrosion. ● Resist rust better than carbon fiber models. ● Safer to use. ● Perfect for diving in the saltwater. ● Come with more competitive price tags. |
● Provide you with incredible durability. ● Ultra-lightweight. ● They can withstand high pressure up to 5000 PSI. ● Comfortable to use. ● Less maintenance required. |
| Drawbacks | ● Their exterior is susceptible to dings, dents, and cracks. ● Less long-lasting than carbon fiber items. ● Give you positive buoyancy when empty. |
● Not popular as aluminum items, so it is harder to buy. ● Require much higher price points compared to aluminum models. |
Scuba Tank Maintenance
Scuba tanks can last up to 15 years if being maintained properly, so it is critical to follow helpful steps used by most divers as listed below:
- Do not skip cleaning your tank with freshwater, especially after diving in the saltwater to prevent corrosion. Besides, you must ensure completely removing salt and grit from the valve to avoid a clog.
- Never store the tank with an open valve or full air since this can make it contaminated or cracked.
- Keep the tank fully vertical or horizontal.
- Do not use a DIN tank and a yoke regulator together or vice versa because this can be highly risky to your survival.
- Make sure to clean your first stage regulator carefully to keep contaminants out of touch with the tank valve.
- Never leave the scuba tank under direct sunlight because the UV rays can degrade its exterior.
- Get visual inspection once a year and a hydro test every five years.
Frequently asked questions:
Suppose there are still some questions making you reluctant to buy a scuba tank. In that case, the following answers may clear your confusion. Let’s check the additional information that can be useful for your diving skill even when you have no problem.
What Is the Lifespan of a Scuba Tank?
A scuba tank can last for 10-15 years, depending on its material. The item, made from steel, can be durable for longer than an aluminum one. Besides, if you care for the tank properly, it also maintains up to 20 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Fill a Scuba Tank With Nitrox?
The cost for filling relies much on the scuba tank’s capacity and the percentage of nitrox. For an 80 CF item, you will have to spend about $17,000 and $20,000 for 32% and 36%, respectively. Meanwhile, 100 CF scuba tanks will cost you around $25,000.
How Often Do Scuba Tanks Need to Be Inspected?
There are two important tests that a scuba tank needs to pass. The first one is visual inspection which is implemented annually to ensure no serious cracks. In the meantime, the rest is a Hydrostatic test which will take place every five years.
What Gas Is in Scuba Diving Tanks?
A scuba tank often includes a mixture of different gases. These gases are usually oxygen and nitrox, which account for large percentages. In addition, in some cases, carbon dioxide is integrated with this mixture but comes with a tiny proportion.
Why Are Scuba Tanks Not Filled With Pure Oxygen?
There is a commonly misunderstood knowledge that a diver’s tank is filled with oxygen. In fact, the gases used in a scuba tank are usually a mixture of nitrox and oxygen, in which nitrox takes up a bigger percentage.
When divers go deeper, pure oxygen is likely to cause a problem called central nervous system oxygen toxicity, which makes them encounter convulsion. Therefore, to guarantee diver safety utmost, the proportion of oxygen in the scuba tanks cannot exceed 21%.
Final Thoughts
By now, you should be able to see the amazing benefits of a scuba tank and the perfect model in your mind. Besides, I have advice which can help you a lot during the buying process.
That does not waste money on cheap items because there are countless top-quality ones with competitive prices. The only thing you must do is find a model that ensures your safety underwater and high endurance to withstand rough environments.
Among plentiful models reviewed above, the Cyl-Tec 80 CF Scuba Tank is my favorite. I ensure that its sturdy construction, standard air capacity, plus easy-to-use design will not let you down.
Have you used any of the above scuba tanks, and would you like to share your experience? Let me know by typing in the comment section below. You can also share this article with your friends on various social media platforms by clicking the following social buttons.
