Used tanks?

[dmccarver1]

I was recently presented with an opportunity to purchase two(2) steel HP100 tanks in good condition, need vis/hydro for $100. I am just curious as to what other peoples thoughts on buying used tanks are. I was told , in passing, by a LDS to never buy used tanks! But the fact that they are steel tanks, made in the early 90's, in good condition, I had to jump on 'em. Any thoughts?

[awap]

Keep the tanks. Dump the LDS. Looks like a great buy.

[h2odragon1]

Fantastic price!!!
You will need to have them hydro'd. You should ask if the seller could have them hydro'd first, with you paying for the hydro if they pass.
Steel tanks have a tendency to rust if not properly cared for. When was the last dive for these tanks? How were they stored?
Your LDS does not want you to buy used tanks because they don't sell them. They will sell you new tanks, (more $ for them).
I have only bought used tanks, the two AL tanks passed Hydro, but the steel tank I bought did not, and I ended up loosing on that one.
LET THE BUYER BEWARE!!!

[mwhities]

Sounds like a deal to me. Although, I'd tell the seller that if they don't pass hydro/viz, I want a refund. Or better yet. Tell the seller to get them hydroed and vized and add that to the top of the 100. If they pass, you will buy the tanks.

Michael

[monant]

I would jump on them. Sure, there is a chance they would not pass the hydro but I think the chance is slim if they look well taken care of on the outside. Better yet, if you can get a VIP on them you buy, you may feel better about the purchase.

[Jack Hammer]

You can always drain them, remove the valves, and look inside. If you see rust, have them tumbled before you send them off. It sounds like a great deal. Hope it all works out.

Jack

[ScubaJ]

In my area, $100 for two steel HP100's is a good deal.

Realistically if someone is selling them at a very cheap price, they probably aren't willing to give any kind of guarantee or spend additional $ to make a good deal even better.
While it doesn't hurt to ask, I wouldn't expect it.

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by awap

Keep the tanks. Dump the LDS. Looks like a great buy.

ditto what Awap said.


just look inside and check for rust.

get an agreement from the seller that if they don't pass hydro/vis he will take them back.


As for the LDS that was dumping on you for buying used tanks, I'm willing to bet he's sold used tanks in the past also. of course his defense when cornered on this will be "well we checked them out first".

[cummings66]

If I had the same offer I'd be all over it. It's taken me a couple years to scronge up my double HP100's, but well worth it. I paid $75 for one and $125 for the other.

The important thing is the vis. Get one done first before wasting money on a hydro. A cylinder can pass hydro and fail a vis. Pull the boots off and check there before you even get the vis done. Often on steel cylinders that's the area that kills them.

[dmccarver1]

Thanks Cummings, I will do that. Would it be a good idea to get them tumbled reguardless? They haven't been used in a while, the present owner says they still have some air in them.....