The-Best-Scuba-Tanks

Scuba is an acronym that stands for “Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus”. Over the years it has been converted to a word. Before the invention of a demand regulator, divers would have air pumped to them from the surface. Now, with the use of a demand regulator, divers can take their air supply with them in dive tanks. There are several manufactures of dive tanks also called cylinders. There is also a variety of sizes and a selection of materials that tanks are made of. The most commonly found, however, is the aluminum 80’s.  

Whether it is better to rent your tanks or have your own depends on your circumstances. We will discuss that in the guide at the end of this buying guide. For now, let’s look at what we see as the best dive tanks on the market.

1

OUR TOP PICK

Catalina 80cf Aluminum Scuba Tank

Catalina 80cf Aluminum Scuba Tank


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Summary

The Catalina 80cf Aluminum Scuba Tank is one of the most popular dive cylinders on the market. Catalina is one of the top three manufacturers of scuba diving cylinders. The 80 CF dive tank is the most common size and you will find these tanks in dive centers around the world. If you are a certified diver, most likely, you have already used a Catalina 80cf tank during training. 

Other than the colors available, there is little to differentiate between different brands within the same size. Often the type of valve, Din or yoke is the deciding factor. The Catalina 80 Cubic Foot Aluminum Tank comes with their Pro Valve. This valve can be used with either a yoke or DIN valve using a plug that is part of the valve.

The Catalina 80cf Aluminum Scuba Tank is Nitrox ready for mixes up to 40%.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Nitrox Ready Up to 40%
  • Working Pressure: 3000 psi (200 bar)
  • High Flow Capacity Valve ( Yoke or DIN )
Model & Accessory Specs

Capacity: 80 cf
Measurements: 25.8″ x 7.8”
Weight: 31.6 lbs
Buoyancy: –5.8 lbs
Max Fill Pressure: 3000 PSI / 200 Bar
Materials: High strength aluminum alloy

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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Catalina Compact Brushed Aluminum 80 CF Tank

Catalina Compact Brushed Aluminum 80 CF Tank


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Summary

Those who are vertically challenged will love the Catalina Compact Brushed Aluminum 80 CF Tank. Divers who are short or at least have a short torso may have difficulties with the standard 80cf tanks.

When you position a dive cylinder on a BCD, the top of the valve must be below the shoulder level of the BCD. Failure to do so may cause the diver to hit the back of their head on the metal valve. When properly positioned, a short diver may find the tank hangs too low to comfortably sit before the dive, and difficult to trim while diving. While holding the same volume of air, this compact tank is 3 inches shorter than a standard 80 cf tank. It might not seem like much but it does make a difference. 

Since the volume of this tank is the same as other aluminum 80 cf tanks the buoyancy is the same as well. This tank comes with a Pro-valve and is Nitrox ready.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Pro-Valve (Yoke/Din)
  • Compact size
  • Best for short divers
Model & Accessory Specs

Max fill pressure: 3300 PSI / 228 Bar
Capacity: 80 Cubic Feet / 11.1 Liters
Length: 25.5 inches / 648 millimeters; Diameter: 7.25inches / 184.2 millimeters
Weight (empty): 34.7 pounds / 15.7 kilograms
Buoyancy: Full: -5.8 pounds / -2.63 kilograms; Empty 0.0 pounds / 0.0 kilograms

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3

BEST VALUE

XS Scuba Aluminum Sea Pearls Tank

XS Scuba Aluminum Sea Pearls Tank


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Summary

The Sea Pearls 80 Aluminum Scuba Diving Air Tank is becoming a very popular option for divers and paintball owners. Paintball guns use compressed air and many owners use scuba tanks to recharge their guns. These tanks meet the same standards as all other compressed air cylinders and are slightly lower in cost.

The brands XS Scuba and Sea Pearls are not as well known as the other cylinder manufacturer brands on this list. XS Scuba has several brands including Sea Pearl and Metal Impact leading the manufacture of cylinders. Sea Pearl itself is the pioneer and leading supplier of coated dive weights. They have also become a major supplier of aluminum, steel cylinders, and accessories. The Sea Pearls 80 Aluminum cylinders are made by Metal Impact and are available in many bright colors. The Sea Pearl's steel tanks are manufactured by Faber, and they also distribute the Faber line in the US. 

This cylinder is available with a yoke, din, or Catalina's Pro-valve and is Nitrox ready to 40%.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Slightly lower cost
  • Range of color selection
  • Established manufacturing behind the brand
Model & Accessory Specs

Capacity: 80 cf
Measurements: 30″ x 9”
Weight: 32 lbs
Buoyancy: –5.8 lbs
Max Fill Pressure: 3000 PSI / 200 Bar
Materials: High strength aluminum alloy

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4

Faber 80 Cf Blue Steel Tank

Faber 80 Cf Blue Steel Tank


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Summary

The Faber 80 Cf Blue Steel is the first steel cylinder on our list and our first high-pressure cylinder. Faber is an Italian company and produces the majority of steel dive cylinders and over 20% of all dive cylinders in the world. When compared to a standard 80 cf aluminum tank, the Faber 80 CF Blue Steel is smaller and lighter. That might sound strange, however, steel is stronger than aluminum so you do not need as much of it, so it can be lighter. Second, the CF rating is the amount of air a tank holds at the rated pressure. Since the pressure is higher, the space holding the air will be smaller.

Diving with a steel tank changes your dive weight requirements. Aluminum and steel tanks both have the same change in buoyancy as you use the air in them. However, the aluminum tanks go from a negative to a positive level requiring you to wear weights to overcome the positive factor near the end of your dive. The Steel tanks remain negative so you dive with fewer weights. The Faber 80 Cf Blue Steel is nitrox ready.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Smaller and lighter than Aluminum 80 CF tanks
  • Steel
  • Negative buoyant
Model & Accessory Specs

Capacity: 80 cf (10.2L)
Measurements: 20.8″ x 7.25″
Weight: 28.6 lbs (13 kg)
Buoyancy: – 8.05 lbs (3.7 kg)
Max Fill Pressure: 3442 psi / 237 bar
Materials: Chromium-Molybdenum Steel w/Zinc Sprayed and Epoxy and Polyurethane Paint

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5

Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High-Pressure Blue Steel Tank

Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High-Pressure Blue Steel Tank


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Summary

Faber FX Series 100 cu ft High-Pressure Blue Steel Scuba Tank is the air hog’s dream dive cylinder. This high-capacity tank has 25% more air than an 80cf cylinder and is about the same size as an aluminum 80 cf. While the Faber FX100 is heavier than an aluminum 80 cf, when full, the empty weights are similar. As with other steel tanks, this tank starts off as negatively buoyant and remains so over the course of the dive. At the end of the dive, this cylinder is just slightly negative.

The additional air capacity also makes steel 100 tanks favorites for technical divers. The deeper you dive, the more compressed the air is at your second stage. This means you will use your air faster. The larger tanks are well appreciated. 

The FX series by Faber do go larger, however, 100 cf is the largest size normally used by recreational divers. The Faber FX100 comes with a Pro-valve that supports both yoke and DIN-style equipment and is Nitrox rated.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • 25% more air than 80 cf
  • Steel construction
  • Maintains negative buoyancy
Model & Accessory Specs

Capacity: 100 cf (12.9L)
Measurements: 25.39″ x 7.24″
Weight: 34.3 lbs (15.6 kg)
Buoyancy: -9.41 lbs (-4.3 kgs)
Max Fill Pressure: 3442 psi / 237 bar
Materials: Chromium-Molybdenum Steel w/Zinc Sprayed and Epoxy and Polyurethane Paint

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6

Sherwood Aluminum 100 cf Dive Tank

Sherwood Aluminum 100 cf Dive Tank


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Summary

The Sherwood Aluminum 100 cf dive cylinder is a unique dive tank. Most 100 cf cylinders are made of steel, this one is not. If you prefer aluminum tanks but looking for more air this is your best option. Sherwood has been in business for over 60 years, making it one of the oldest dive equipment companies. They manufacture a full range of diving equipment.  

Tanks this size are great for divers who use a larger volume of air or are diving profiles that air consumption and not bottom time is the controlling factor. One reason that steel tanks are more common relates to size and weight. This tank is two inches higher and 12 pounds heavier than the same size steel tank. This is not a factor for some divers as the weight underwater is very similar and is offset by other factors.

The Sherwood Aluminum 100 cf dive cylinder is Nitrox certified to 40% and comes with a yoke valve. A Pro-valve option is available.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Largest Aluminum dive cylinder on the market
  • Nitrox certified
  • Outstanding brand
Model & Accessory Specs

Capacity: 100 cf
Diameter 8.00 in.
Length 27.3 in.
Weight 46.2 lbs
Buoyancy FULL-7.8 lbs
Buoyancy 500psi-2.0 lbs10
Max Fill Pressure: 3300 PSI / 228 Bar
Materials: High strength aluminum alloy

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7

Spare Air Original Mini Tank

Spare Air Original Mini Tank


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Summary

Spare air is a different product with a different purpose than the other dive tanks on this list. A device divers do not ever want to need for, however, many divers owe their lives to this device. Spare air is a small 3 or 6 Cf tank with a regulator. It is an emergency system if a diver runs out of air. It has enough air for only a few breaths but will get a diver back to the surface. 

In 1979, the inventor, While at 140 feet, he found he was out of air. Luckily, he was able to make an emergency swimming ascent and barely made it back to the surface. His near-death experience inspired him to create what is now called Spare air.

The Spare Air is a small hand-held cylinder and has a built-in regulator. When not needed, the Spare air is clipped to your BCD. In an emergency, it is un-clipped, turned on, and replaces your primary second stage in your mouth. There is enough air to make a safe ascent to the surface. The cylinder is refillable from your normal dive cylinder.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Emergency air when you need it
  • Balanced Single Stage Regulator
  • Easy to refill
Model & Accessory Specs

Length: 13.4″
Diameter: 2.25 -3.25″
Maximum Pressure: 3000 psi / 207 bar
Volume: 3.0 Cu Ft / 85 liters & 6.0 cu ft / 170 liters

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8

Catalina Pony Bottle Tanks

Catalina Pony Bottle Tanks


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Summary

Catalina Pony Bottle Tanks are the choice when you do not need a full-size tank. Many divers will carry a small pony bottle with a first and second-stage regulator as an out of air source of air. While the spare air is great for emergencies, it is very small. A larger pony bottle could allow a safe return to the surface and include a safety stop as well. Solo divers are required to have a backup air supply, and a pony bottle fits this requirement. 

Technical divers often use different mixes of gases. A dive profile may require a staged gas. A mix of gas that is used at a certain depth in a dive profile. When needed these gasses are used only for a limited time, therefore a large quantity is not needed. Filling a full-size tank for a mix may be very expensive. Also, having a different size tank makes it less likely you will use it at the wrong time.

Pony bottles come ready for Nitrox to 40%

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Reliable Redundant Air Source
  • Nitrox Ready Up to 40%
  • Staging bottles
Model & Accessory Specs

specs depend on size.

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Pro tip 1 - Size:
  • When choosing a dive tank, consider the size in comparison to the diving you’ll be doing. Smaller tanks will drain air quicker, but if you only dive in shallow locations, that might not be an issue. The smaller the tank, the easier it is to store and transport. 
Pro tip 2 - Materials:
  • Aluminum tanks are your best bet when shore diving frequently, as they are positively buoyant, lightweight in comparison to steel, and easily transported while wearing them on land.
Pro tip 3 - Oxygen Compatibility: 
  • Do not pay extra for a special tank - nowadays, tanks are compatible with up to at least 40% Nitrox.


Scuba Diving Expert

How To Choose A Scuba Tank – Buying Guide

What-to-look-for-in-a-scuba-tank

Quality

The manufacturing of compressed air tanks, including scuba tanks, is tightly controlled. Each air tank must meet stringent standards and the test result embedded into the material of the tank. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) standard is required in the US and has been accepted in most countries. Every tank is required to have a visual inspection each year which is recorded on a sticker attached to the tank. Also, every five years the tank must have a hydrostatic test. If a tank does not have all of these requirements, it is illegal to fill the tank with compressed air.

Size

The standard 80 cubic feet (cf) is the most commonly used size by recreational divers. This is what typical diving companies rent out. The size represents the amount of air that can be compressed into the tank at the rated pressure of the tank. Opting for a larger tank, 100 cf, is an excellent option for those who consume a lot of air or who are going on longer dives. Choosing a smaller 63 cf tank is a great option for children as they will not need as much air. Here is a basic guideline for tank volumes:

13 – 19 cu ft: pony bottle, redundant air source or used as a stage bottle

30 – 40 cu ft: stage bottle, redundant air source in overhead environments

50 – 63 cu ft: primary air source for a child or small adult

72 – 100 cu ft: primary air source for an adult

104 – 130 cu ft: primary air source for a large adult (also used in technical diving)

Materials

These are made using either aluminum or steel. Aluminum tanks are much more resistant to rust and start negatively buoyant. These tanks turn more positive as the air is consumed.  Steel cylinders are the sturdier of the two materials and also start negatively buoyant. They either remain that way without air or turn towards a neutral buoyancy. This requires fewer weights to be carried.

Buoyancy

The choice is between aluminum and steel. Aluminum cylinders are negatively buoyant at the start of your dive and positively buoyant near the end. This may sound like a good thing, but it can make stopping for safety checks harder as you will be naturally floating toward the surface of the water, and you may need weights to keep you down.

Steel cylinders stay negatively buoyant when you are in the water, so it is easier to control your depth. Steel tanks are also more durable than aluminum, but they are also heavier.

Accessories

There are a few accessories that you can add to your scuba tank to protect it and to make it easier to use. A cylinder boot will give the bottom of your cylinder a flat surface to sit on and will ensure that it does not get any knocks or bumps from being knocked over. A mesh protector sleeve will protect the outside of the cylinder and will protect it from impacts.

Valve covers help to protect the weak point on your cylinder. They help to keep dirt and water out of your valves. They also protect the valves from damage; keeping the air contained. You can also add handles and carriers to your cylinder to help in the transport of your cylinders to and from the water. 

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Low Or High Pressure

A high-pressure tank can hold more air. They allow for a higher capacity at a smaller size. The downside is that they are a lot heavier and harder to wield. They also have to be especially filled.

Oxygen Compatibility

Even beginning divers need to look to the future. Diving Nitrox, compressed air with added oxygen, helps diver be safer or extend bottom times. However, Tanks need to be cleaned to Nitrox standards. The valve and the tank need to be compatible. Most new tanks are compatible with 40% but check to make sure.

FAQs

Should_I_Buy_Steel_Or_Aluminum_Dive_Cylinder

Q: Dive Tank or Dive Cylinder?

A: 

You will see these items referred to as both dive tanks and dive cylinders. Technically, any device designed to hold compressed air is called a cylinder or vessel. A tank is a device to hold liquids or gas at ambient pressure. All official documentation and requirements apply to cylinders. Still, the word tank is often used and in the informal dive community, both words are used.

Q: Should I Buy My Tanks?

A: 

If you and your dive buddy just want to get up and go diving, then yes. It will be up to you to have them filled and ready. However, there are no restrictions on when you go. If you only dive on vacation or with a dive center, the answer is most likely no. There is little difference between the price of an air refill and a rental of a tank with air. Also, air travel requires that the valve be removed. So before you refill the tank it needs to be inspected.

Q: Should I Buy Steel Or Aluminum Dive Cylinders?

A: 

Steel cylinders are tougher than aluminum. They can take more impact while protecting the air inside. The downside of steel cylinders is that they are more expensive than aluminum. Both types will do the job for you, but you need to know where you are diving to make the best choice of the cylinder.

Steel cylinders are galvanized to prevent rusting and the toughness of the material allows them to withstand up to 300 bar of pressure. Aluminum cylinders will not add a lot of weight to your diving equipment, but they can only withstand up to 232 bar of pressure. You will often hear that steel tanks are heavier. A steel tank the same physical size as an aluminum tank will be heavier. However, it will hold more air.

Q: What Size Cylinder Do I Need?

A: 

There are a variety of sizes available, and the choice will come down to many actors. The more air you have available, the longer you will be able to dive, so if you are planning on being in the water for long periods, then you should go for a larger capacity. The downside of a large cylinder is that it is heavier. You should ensure that you can carry a large cylinder before you purchase one to dive with.

Q: Should I Buy A 232BAR Or 300BAR Cylinder?

A: 

Higher pressure means more volume inside your cylinder, but it also means a heavier cylinder. If you can get more air in, then there is more weight. Cylinders that can handle more pressure also have more material to do so. Both cylinders may look alike, but the 300 bar cylinder will have thicker walls so it will be heavier. If you are a recreational diver, you will not need the more expensive 300 bar cylinders.

Q: What Type Of Cylinder Valve Do I Need?

A: 

The type of valve you will need depends on the pressure of the tanks you use and to a lesser extent the location you dive. DIN valves are a European standard and can be used for 232 or 300 bar cylinders. A DIN valve is more secure and is favored by technical divers as well. An A-clamp valve, also called international or yoke, is used for recreational diving and will only work with 232 bar cylinders. Pro valves are relatively new, they provide both connections with the 232 bar tanks.

Related Post: What Is In A Scuba Tank

Q: Do I Need A Cylinder Boot?

A: 

A cylinder boot will give your cylinder something to stand on when you are not using it. It connects to the bottom of your cylinder and gives it a flat surface to rest on instead of a rounded one. You do not need a cylinder boot, but we would recommend having one to prevent your cylinder from knocks and bumps.

Q: How Many Tanks Do I Need?

A: 

You will need a tank for each dive. Most divers who own their tanks will have two or three. The number of dives they plan on doing until they refill the tanks.

Globo Surf Overview

Breathing underwater is an incredible feeling. Being able to comfortably explore the underwater world while not worrying about maintaining buoyancy is one of your top priorities when you are diving. A great air tank will give you this and more. There are many accessories and pieces of safety equipment that we would recommend for diving, but a top-rated cylinder is where it all starts.

Choosing a diving tank does not need to be stressful. If you take the time to understand exactly how diving talks work, then you can buy one with the peace of mind that you are buying something which will keep you alive under the water, and will not fail. Our list is packed with the best dive tanks on the market. There is something there for everyone.

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