ScubaMaverick

I have been diving for a few months and am interested in buying tanks. What safety concerns should I have buying used tanks, and what should I do to be sure they are safe?

glynneco

Used tanks are fine. Just get thenm VIP'ed. That's Visually inspected at yoour local shop and hydro tested if needed. The shop can tell you if they need that.

Used tanks can be a great value.

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Is that the bottom of the quarry or is the vis just really bad today?

MgicTwnger

What glynneco said. As for the valve, the only way I know is to actually put some air in if there is nothing obviously wrong. I work for a company that distributes medical and industrial gases, and some of our tanks are 50 years old.

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I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

Scuba Mama

I bought used cylinders from a member of a dive club who was no longer diving due to health. The cylinders had not been used in over two years. I took them in for a hydro and vis and fill. I have been using of the two of them for three years now and never had a problem.

Resqdivemedic

I bought a used tak that hadn't seen a hydro in 10 years, took it to my local shop and they had it hydro'd and VIP'd without any problems. I think one factor is that weather or not the tanks were stored with air in them to eliminate moisture. Good luck and dive safe.

ding

AS above and get the seller to get them tested. That way you know they are OK

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YBOD diver on Finstrokes

jay956

steel or aluminum? since your in NC im guessing you want a steel, maybe a 119 or 120? and keep in mind that tanks have a specific life span, its not like other things that if you take care if it it will last forever. correct me if im wrong but i think aluminum tanks last for 20 years and steel last 25.

MgicTwnger

I work for a company that distributes medical and industrial gases (mostly welding) and we have steel tanks that have been out there 50+ years. Granted they are not going in salt water, but still get some pretty rough treatment. Bottom line is as long as they pass hydro every 5 years, they're good to go.

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I am not the one who needs mental help. I just need to vent.

jay956

o ok. the 25 year thing is just what iv heard.