Tank recommendations?

[lonestardux]

I'm looking into purchasing 2-4 air tanks for recreational diving with my wife. I'd rather not spend a fortune, so can anyone recommend the best type of tank and specs to get the most bang for my buck? Thanks.

[NitroWill]

I think AL80s would be your best bang for the buck..For around 130 a piece - dont think you can come closer to that..

[chewyjr15]

i agree i think that as other have stated in threads they are the most widly used tanks and they are used all over the world so for the price they really cant be beat.

[mm_dm]

You'll always find a use for an AL80 and if not, they're easy to resell.

[No Misses]

Ok, I'm gonna hijack this thread. I prefer non-painted tanks. It is my experience that once you start to get scratches (and we all do) the salt will hide under the paint, just munching away at you aluminum, until you have a pit the size of a dime and 1/8" deep. With non-painted tanks the aluminum gets a patina but there is no place for the salt to build up and start corroding the tank. However, you will have to take care around/under the VIP sticker and the boot. Good luck.

(OH NO! the NSA saw me type hijack on the internet, I'll be expecting a knock on the door soon).

[WaterRat]

No Misses is right on. Get the shot blasted or brushed aluminum 80's. No need for a tank boot either. 80's have a flat bottom. If you get colored tanks you will have a post on here called "How to strip aluminum tanks".

Ron

[cummings66]

Most bang for the buck, get an AL80 from Scubatoys.

Best tank for the buck is in another thread so I won't go there.

[jeraldjcook]

Yup, AL80. Shot blasted if you can get them.

[CompuDude]

Best bang for the buck, and cheapest by far, is used Al.80s, just be sure they're under 10 years old and in hydro. I'd say $60-90 each, depending on age and imminence of hydro date.

Second best is new Al.80s.

Third best is used steel, if you can find good ones.

Most expensive is new steel. But you have more options.

I prefer used or new steel. Not a fan of aluminum except in very particular circumstances that don't really apply to the diving I do.

[mm_dm]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I prefer used or new steel. Not a fan of aluminum except in very particular circumstances that don't really apply to the diving I do.

Same here...but those steel babies sure set me back a few bucks.