Question on Tank Color

[scootermcfly]

OK, I am getting ready to purchase some tanks and I am trying to figure out what color to get. I was wondering what colors that everyone used. I know that when I’ve been diving with other people the yellow and silver/brushed show up very well under water. Diving here in the lake of upstate NY, visibility isn’t the best, so being able to see the tanks from other people could be important. (Not that I stray far from my buddy or anything)

So, what does everyone use? And if anyone has any of the candy colored ones, how do those show up underwater? I would think that the red doesn’t show up well and that the blue may blend with the water color, but have not witnessed anyone using them.

Any and all input appreciated,
Scooter McFly

[paintsnow]

well the thing is that with use the color will chip and then youll have a uncoated tank.

also if you get one chip, water can start to get under the paint and then form rust.

here is a comparison of the different finishes:

• "Clear Brushed" is a shiny clear coating with poor durability and is often confused with unpainted finishes.
• "Brushed No-Coat" is a smooth bright unpainted finish that retains it's appearance with heavy use.
• "Shot-Blast" is a textured matte unpainted finish, decals do not adhere well to shot-blast.

copyed from http://www.diveriteexpress.com/gas/aluminum.shtml

so your best bet is to get brushed or shot blast

and if your going with steel, hot dipped is always a great choise

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by scootermcfly

OK, I am getting ready to purchase some tanks and I am trying to figure out what color to get. I was wondering what colors that everyone used. I know that when I’ve been diving with other people the yellow and silver/brushed show up very well under water. Diving here in the lake of upstate NY, visibility isn’t the best, so being able to see the tanks from other people could be important. (Not that I stray far from my buddy or anything)

So, what does everyone use? And if anyone has any of the candy colored ones, how do those show up underwater? I would think that the red doesn’t show up well and that the blue may blend with the water color, but have not witnessed anyone using them.

Any and all input appreciated,
Scooter McFly

Mine are bright green and white, I think the white works the best out of the two for vis. I guess the best for vis. probably be Yellow or orange

[Bring the Payne]

I use a brushed and a black tank. I bought the black one because I think it looks cool and will help me blend in if I ever need to plant c4 or something on the bottom of an enemy vessel , however its not the best for poor vis. My tanks in the future will be brushed.

[scuba Widow]

Even though I don't dive I still like to have an input into the tank color because I will eventfully have them as decor in my home...but as far as having them in general... as finflippers says the pretty colors will only get scratched.

[CrzyJay456]

Originally Posted by scuba Widow

Even though I don't dive I still like to have an input into the tank color because I will eventfully have them as decor in my home...but as far as having them in general... as finflippers says the pretty colors will only get scratched.

that is true, even with the utmost care, it will scratch, and then look ugly. any uncolored tank looks less aged then the painted ones.

[scuba Widow]

Very true

[CrzyJay456]

Originally Posted by Kidder

Mine are bright green and white, I think the white works the best out of the two for vis. I guess the best for vis. probably be Yellow or orange

a set of white/lime doubles would look awesome underwater. lots of vis. and just a nice looking set, until it get all beat up.

[scuba Widow]

Finflippers has an old blue tank that he paints every 5 years that stays pretty nice looking.

[diverdad]

I have 1 blue, 1 white and 1 black, the white showes up real well in low viz but the black and blue look better. It is all personal preference.