Tanks & Weights

Steel and Aluminum Scuba Diving Tanks

When purchasing a scuba tank, keep in mind that the most commonly used cylinder for recreational divers is made of aluminum and holds 80 cubic feet of air; however, the type of diving you plan to do will affect the type of tank that you will need. When investing in a scuba diving tank, keep the following in mind:

• Steel tanks are more durable and less buoyant in water, helping reduce the weights you need to wear. Thanks to the metal’s dense composition, steel is a reliable option.
• Aluminum tanks are usually less expensive and are more lightweight than steel tanks. Aluminum is widely preferred for being economical and easy to maintain.

Regardless of whether their scuba diving tank is aluminum or steel, divers may need to add weight. However, the amount of additional weight depends on the cylinder’s buoyancy upon characteristics. This is an essential consideration in achieving neutral buoyancy during the dive and being able to safely complete decompression stops (if needed) during ascent. Also, if you plan on diving in different bodies of water, remember that no matter what type of tank you have, any object is more naturally buoyant in saltwater since it is denser than freshwater.

When picking out the size of your tank, some factors to keep in mind are your body type (such as height and weight) as well as your air consumption/breathing rate. Whether you dive with a Faber FX Series High-Pressure 120 or a Luxfer 80 CF aluminum tank, all scuba tanks are required to have an annual visual inspection as well as a hydrostatic pressure test every five years. 

Tanks are made of aluminum or steel but come in a variety of sizes and colors. Explore our different cylinder options to find the best one for your diving needs!

Additional Products

Scuba divers use their tanks and equipment to dive for longer expeditions. The natural buoyancy of their wetsuits, tanks, our lungs, and the environment can sometimes get in the way, however. That’s where our diverse collection of weights comes in handy!

In addition to scuba diving tanks and diving weights, we offer the following:

• Accessories
• Exposure
• Fins
• Masks
• Parts & Repair
• Snorkels

For more information regarding our available scuba diving and snorkeling products, including Faber FX Series High-Pressure Blue Steel tanks, contact Scubadelphia Diveseekers today!