What is a good used scuba tank price

[The Guide]

What is a good price for a used SCUBA tank?  There are 4 on Craigslist.  2 Aluminum 80's and 2 steel 60' all hydro tested in May 2012 and $85 each.  Worth it?  If so what one would be better to get the aluminum 80 or steel 60?  This would be used to fill a Disco and "pre fill" a P-Rod for topping off with the hand pump.

Thanks,

Jay

[cactusrat]

Well the Aluminum 80's would be the best. They hold more air and are lighter.

If you go with a scuba tank, not a scba, then figure on having the place you fill it at close by. Scuba tank will need to be filled more often. I can drain my 80 in one day, but it really depends on how much shooting you do.

Sorry I can’t help you on the price. Just make sure they still have a couple years of life on them. If the life of the tank is expired, then they are just about useless, no body will hydro test or fill them.

[Bullit]

X2.  These tanks have a lifespan, and a lot get sold after their last hydro.  You might check with your local dive shop.  They can give you specific laws and help w/pricing.  They always have sources for used equipment.

[ezman604]

Carbon fiber tanks have a 15 year shelf life and require hydro every 5 years. Aluminum and steel have no shelf life. As long as they pass hydro testing. Those are 88 cu ft and 66 cu ft cylinders. And for $85 and an up to date hydro, not a bad price. As stated, the 88 will work well for a Disco or other 2000psi capacity PCP. Here is the D.O.T. requirement for cylinders.

Here is the information for the different types of SCBA cylinders in terms of the DOT service life and mandatory requirement for periodic hydrostatic testing:
• Steel cylinders—every 5 years (indefinite life until it fails a hydro test; but commonly regarded as 30 years)
• All aluminum (not including hoop wrapped)—every 5 years (indefinite life until it fails a hydro test; but commonly regarded as 30 years)
• Hoop-wrapped (aluminum) —every 3 years (15 year life)
• Fully wrapped fiberglass—every 3 years (15 year life)
• Fully wrapped Kevlar—every 3 years (15 year life)
• Fully wrapped carbon fiber—every 5 years (15 year life)
 

C&P from the FEMA website. https://www.rkb.us/faqs.cfm?typeid=2

[willbird]

I think there are at least two kinds of steel tanks, the high pressure 3442 psi tanks, and some lower pressure ones. I'd avoid the lower pressure ones myself.

Bill