Types of scuba tanks and pony bottles

Scuba cylinders are made from either steel or aluminum materials. A Steel scuba tank is offered as a High Pressure tank or Low Pressure scuba tank. High Pressure steel scuba tanks allow up to 3442 psi to be pumped into a cylinder, while low pressure steel scuba tanks can fill up to 2640 psi. Steel dive tanks weigh more due to the material in which it’s made, requiring less weight to be used in a weight belt. This is a benefit for some scuba divers.

Divers Direct carries 4 sizes in Blue Steel scuba tanks. Our cylinder sizes come in 80 cubic foot, 100 cubic foot, 117 cubic foot, and a 133 cubic foot. The 117 or 133 cubic foot steel cylinder is recommended for technical divers doing deep diving. If you are a recreational diver, these tanks may be too heavy. A 100 cubic foot cylinder is the most often purchased steel cylinder. It is the same physical size as the aluminum 80, but holds more air. There are many sizes of scuba tanks, but you will find common standards throughout the industry. Standard psi in an aluminum scuba cylinder is 3000. 80 cubic foot tanks are the most popular among recreational divers, and are also the most commonly found tanks on the water. Divers Direct also carries the 40 cu ft, 50 cu ft, 63 cu ft and 100 cu ft. There’s a size for everyone!

Pony bottles

If you’re a technical diver, or if you are just searching for that extra peace of mind, then a pony bottle is for you. Pony tanks are small cylinders used primarily as a back-up air source. The main difference between a pony tanks and a spare air source is the air capacity. You will be able to get more air out of a pony tank than a spare air. Additionally, pony tanks will allow you to make your safety stops as necessary without running out of air. Pony tanks come in 13 cu ft, 19 cu ft, 30 cu ft and 40 cu ft sizes.

When purchasing a tank, you should evaluate how quickly you go through your air in your cylinder, the frequency of diving you are planning to do, and the type of diving you’ll be doing. Pick a scuba cylinder that is light enough for you to carry and large enough to supply air for an ascent and safety stop from your planned diving depth. You should note that there is no "one size fits all" cylinder out there in the market.

If you are in doubt and need assistance, our trained sales staff are here to help you. Please contact our professional sales staff toll free at 1-800-DIVE-USA, or via e-mail [email protected].

Maintain your cylinder correctly

Remember to keep at least 200-300 psi in your cylinder at all times. Never drain your tank completely. Draining your cylinder will allow moisture to enter, creating rust and corrosion as well as pitting in the tank, which is grounds for condemning it. Store your scuba tank in a cool dry place. Avoid rough handling that will cause dents, gouges or nicks in the tanks.This will also invite corrosion of the metal and can weaken the cylinder. It is important to get a visual inspection (also known as a VIP) on your cylinder at least once a year by a certified VIP technician. Every 5 years your cylinder will require hydrostatic testing. Please note that most scuba cylinders Divers Direct carries in their stores are already nitrox compatible. Due to shipping restrictions, all scuba cylinders shipped via air will not include the air fill. All cylinders being shipped via ground transportation will only have 500 psi, in order to keep the visual inspection current. If you are planning on purchasing from one of our local stores, please bring your certification card.