Used Tanks

[rsmith5894]

Hola!

Can I get some advice on purchasing used tanks? My local Craigslist occasionally has tanks available and I don't want to purchase one of those pre-88 bombs that I've been reading about on here.

What do I look for in a used tank?

Thanks to all!

[FoxHound]

Biggest thing would be current hydro, current vis.

[navyhmc]

If you're looking at it in person, look at the original hydro date. Any manufacturers hydro earlier than 7-88 will be a 6351 tank. In all honesty, that's the best way to check. It's a federal violation to tamper with hydro dates.

Other ways are less precise and need some experience to do at a glance, but tank color, decals, valves are other things to look at to help, but again, it's less precise. I know that if a tank is a US Divers tank w/US Divers on a chevron, it's no recent than 1986. A Dacor tank with a low profile valve in pre-'85. Same with light blue Dacor.

Fox hound's mention of recent hydor and vis are important as well. More so the hydro. If the tank is out of hydro, I might make the sale pending on passing a hydro.

[FishFood]

Learn how to read the markings on tanks; Here are some good links to read:

Tank Markings identified, what do they are all mean?
ScubaGoneWild::Scuba Class::Scuba Tank Markings

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by FishFood

Learn how to read the markings on tanks; Here are some good links to read:

Tank Markings identified, what do they are all mean?
ScubaGoneWild::Scuba Class::Scuba Tank Markings

Definitely good info for people looking to buy used tanks. Steer clear of the pre-7/88 models. If a tank is due for hydro, make sure it's still a good deal. Some used tanks are listed too high, and by the time you add a hydro and vis to it you could of bought a new one.

[rsmith5894]

Great information, thank you gentlemen! I'm looking at 2 tanks in the next couple of days and I am armed with info now!

[rsmith5894]

Here are the tanks I'm looking at, so far this is the only image I have. I requested a close-up off stamps and stickers to help identify. However, can anyone identify them?

Thanks!

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by rsmith5894

Here are the tanks I'm looking at, so far this is the only image I have. I requested a close-up off stamps and stickers to help identify. However, can anyone identify them?

Thanks!

They look like an older steel. Notice the "j" valve, that indicates its pretty old. If they are aluminum they will most likely be the old alloy. If they are steel. Buy them, change the valves and have fun with them. On second glance they look more like aluminum.

[rsmith5894]

The owner just sent an email saying they don't have any stickers on them but she took a magnet to them and they are steel. $100 for both, good deal?

[Scuba Pete]

Any Idea on date or size? They almost look like 95's or 98's.