Going from steel to aluminum

[ontheheap]

I have only used steel 80's so far, but was thinking of purchasing/trying an aluminum tank. I'm currently using 10lbs of weight for fresh water dives with the steel tank (though I think I'm a bit overweighted, actually). I've never used an aluminum before. In expect that I'll need to add more weight to make up for the difference between the materials.. is there any way to sort of guestimate the amount of extra weight I will need if I make the switch?

[nrembis]

will be best for you to do a quick weight check, but more than likely will be about 6lbs additional

[ontheheap]

Yea I'll definitely do a quick weight check. Thanks for providing me with a starting point!

[CompuDude]

Look at the bouyancy figures for your tank, measured empty (to simulate your lightest weight, at the end of a dive). Compare that to aluminum tank figures.

Most steel 80's (I assume LP?) are approx 1-2# negative. Aluminum 80s are 4# positive. The difference is about 6#, so yes, there is your starting point.

Scuba Cylinder Specifications from Tech Diving Limited - 928-855-9400

[maverick]

I went from Al80 2 steel80 and like steel better.

[Tassie Diver]

See if you can borrow an ally tank, before you buy one.

Pretty much everyone I dive with started on Al80s and then went to Faber steel 100s (12.2L/232bar).

Why do you want to go aluminium?

[ratown]

Definitely try one out first. They dive way different. I'm interested in why you're switching too.

[underh2o]

I dive steel 100's doubles and singles. Love them. But I do SAR. I dive AL80 then. I always dive over weighted when not joy diving. This way I stay low and deep on the bottom. AL80 great thing is in the blackwater I dive 90 % of the time I can not see my guages. I always dive a pony bottle and I been known to suck a tank empty YOU CAN NOT DO THIS WITH A STEEL. Then grab the pony and come up. but then a gain steel carry their own weight(you use less weight) like compudude said. AL80 are esier to manitain but steel are still better. Most people start with AL then go to steels. But, you need to make the final decision. You can always sell steels and make a good portion of your money back. But like everyone said you need to try AL before you buy.

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by underh2o

I dive steel 100's doubles and singles. Love them. But I do SAR. I dive AL80 then. I always dive over weighted when not joy diving. This way I stay low and deep on the bottom. AL80 great thing is in the blackwater I dive 90 % of the time I can not see my guages. I always dive a pony bottle and I been known to suck a tank empty YOU CAN NOT DO THIS WITH A STEEL. Then grab the pony and come up. but then a gain steel carry their own weight(you use less weight) like compudude said. AL80 are esier to manitain but steel are still better. Most people start with AL then go to steels. But, you need to make the final decision. You can always sell steels and make a good portion of your money back. But like everyone said you need to try AL before you buy.

What is it that prevents a steel tank from being sucked empty?

(I agree it's not a good idea with any tank, in general, but there's nothing specific to the metal a tank is made from that prevents this)

[ontheheap]

I don't really have any specific reason for thinking about going with aluminum. I just got started with diving a month or so ago and I'm still sort of trying to figure out what equipment I like and don't like. It seems I'd probably be better of sticking with the steel80, but before I actually purchase a tank I'll rent an aluminum and see how it goes.