Scuba tank questions

[NorCal Matt]

Yay, my first actual post!  I've really enjoyed spending time on this site, it's been very informative and entertaining.

I just ordered a Maurauder with pump combo and am really excited about it!  I have been pumping my Disco without too much of an issue.  I am returning my Disco because I was only getting about 12 usable shots per fill.  15 shots would take it into the yellow and 18 was in the red.  I only mention that because I am used to pumping every 15 shots, which to my understanding is about what I will have with my Maurader .25.  I am a little concerned that I will tire of the pump long term, so I was looking at some used scuba tanks on Craigslist.

Are scuba tank fitting universal, or as wide ranging as PCP fitting?  What should I be looking  at or concerned with purchasing used? 

Thanks for your help,
Matt

[grobe1458]

I would look for a scba 4500psi tank as a 3k or 3.5k scuba tank will have you running back to get it filled not to mention the fact they are heavy.

[Motorhead]

SCUBA: aka dive tanks come in 2250#, 3000#, 3400# pressure ratings.
capacity 50-100 cu ft range.

use there OWN proprietary fitting within the dive industry and NOT industrial fittings.

Buying used ... It MUST have a current HYDRO certification ( 5 year span ) to be filled and they also require current visual cert ( yearly )
ONLY dive type shops will fill them using DRY FILTERED compressed air.

[k-man]

I agree with grobe. If you can afford a scba 4500 tank ( there expensive) its the way to go. I have one and i get about 1500 to 1800 shots and its only down to 3200 pounds. I have to refill at 2800 and only costs $10 to refill tank. K-man

[condor22]

 If you go with 3000/3200 psi, 80 cu ft scuba tanks, buy two. Why, because with two scuba tanks you can 'cascade' fill getting somewhere around  20 refills before hauling 'em back to the Scuba shop. I bought  two aluminum used scuba tanks on black Friday for less than $200.oo  Carbon fiber tanks are fantastic, but you'll pay a fantastic price!

 I had to fill my tanks about every month or two.  BEFORE you buy, make sure you have a place to refill the type of tank you do decide to buy as in a fire department/rescue squad or Scuba/dive shop in your area.  It would be expensive to travel say an hour one way to the hpa filling station

BTW 'cascade fill' click this link and scroll to the very bottom of the page to "Cascading". Worked for me

http://www.airtanksforsale.com/    Joe has the best tanks available, anywhere! Read the don't buy my tanks 

Welcome to the GTA 

[grobe1458]

I honestly wouldn't even spring for a new tank either, there are many scba 4500psi tanks floating around for sale for 200.00 or cheaper.
my thought was why throw 600.00+ for a new tank when a used tank in the 200.00 range will give you just as much pleasure. let someone else eat the initial cost.
I have two (4500psi) scba tanks total cost 400.00, and a (3500psi )scuba tank for 200.00, so all together I have three tanks for the price of a new one.
I am not one bit unhappy.
just do your research when buying used. the money you save can go towards accessories or what have you.

[PakProtector]

The critical thing with a used scba tank is its age...there are a lot for sale at the $200 mark with 1-2 years left...that works out to $100/year cost. New for an 88 ( and there are no bigger, so don't go there ) is about $45 a year...so for a used one $25-30/year remaining is where to be. Careful shopping will do better... I got some a bit under 3 years old for $18/year remaining.

Check the Hydro post in the support gate written by Critter99, and don't pay over $30 for the hydro.
cheers,
Douglas

[condor22]

 My used aluminum 80 cu ft luxfer scuba tanks required their first hydro and were given a visual at purchase. So $200.oo for two tanks and add cost of two hydro's was a good for me. The hydro date or dates will be stamped on the tank. Believe I'd pass on a tank with more than two hydro dates, on aluminum tanks, anyway.

[NorCal Matt]

Thanks for all the info and thoughts.  It's a little overwhelming trying to figure all this out, so I really appreciate all the advise.  For now, I think ill use the pump and keep an eye out for a used 4500 on CL.  That is unless the pump proves to be worse than I expect.... Then I'll probably bite the bullet whether or not I find a used one.
Thanks again,
Matt

[ezman604]

BTW, aluminum and steel tanks have no shelf life. Only the carbon fiber or carbon wrapped have the 15 year shelf life. Aluminum and steel tanks are good until they fail hydro testing.