Which scuba tank?

[bugeyes]

Hello, trying to find air for my compress tank, what is the most efficient way to fill? what size of scuba tank I need to buy? is it 80cf 3000psi or better go to 100cf 3500psi? if I go with the larger, is the scuba fill station for paintball safe enough to use? I thought the fill station only use with 3000 psi but I'm not sure, any help will appreciated.

[bugeyes]

thanks, but what about the scuba fill station? I have the ACI brand, is it safe to use w/3500psi scuba tank? I dont want it to blow up in my hand....

[Panzerr]

Don't waiste your money on an "HP" tank. You have to get a special adapter to use your fill station, and it's not cheap.

Get a neutral bouyancy tank. They rate to 3300psi, which is plenty enough and you don't need a special adapter to use your fill station.

[bugeyes]

Panzerr, so the tank can be aluminum? can you give me any brand name of the tank that you use?

[akscubainst]

If you're buying new, go with the E-Series mentioned above. DOT issued PST an exemption to allow yoke on the 3442psi vs DIN if you go over 3500psi. The E-Series have convertible valves so you can use either yoke or DIN and they are about the least expensive Steel cylinders on the market.

So, yes you can use your Yoke fill station on the 3442 psi tanks.

A 68/3000 is 8 cubic feet of air when filled. 1 Cubic foot in an AL 80 Scuba tank (3000psi) is 37.5 psi. So if you start with an empty 68 and a full 80 you'll equalize at about 2700psi.

With a E-80 at 3442 you would equalize about 3100. So you should be able to 1 full fill before going below 3000.

Dave

[bugeyes]

wow, I am reallly confused now, so, bottom line is can I buy the PST 3500psi like Branden said and have "convertible valve" put on? or I should look for E-series tank? what are they? steel or aluminum, what is maximum psi? very confused now....

[akscubainst]

Nope, The tank Branden is talking about is the same one I'm talking about. At 3442psi it comes with the convertible valve. It they made it 3500psi DOT would require DIN.

There are several manufactures of 3500psi tanks but PST is the only one making 3442psi right now.

Dave

[Panzerr]

bugeyes, here is the down low:

For a 3000K (aluminum) tank, go here:

http://diversdirect.com/scripts/ecatalogisapi.dll/Item?Item=475&Template=9990000001000999&Group=30

For a 3300K "neutral bouyancy tank", go here:

http://diversdirect.com/scripts/ecatalogisapi.dll/Item?Item=19435&Template=9990000001000999&Group=30

Neutraly Bouyant tanks are aluminum tanks that are heavier duty than standard duty tanks. Thus they weigh a few pounds more (35 vs 31) than standard aluminum tanks. Some divers need heavier tanks for certain types of diving.

The most common size is 80 ci. It is good for transport and is the most economical (100 ci aluminum tanks are over $200 vs $130 for 80 ci). 3500 psi tanks are made of steel. They cost over $200 for an 80 ci, plus you need to get a special adapter (about $40) to make your fill station fit. Not worth the extra 200 psi. If you want higher psi, get the neutraly bouyant tank, they aren't too much more than a standard aluminum tank and don't require a special adapter for your fill station.

Note
A standard aluminum 3000 psi tank will fill to 3000, but will settle at about 2700 or 2800. a 3300 psi neutral bouyant tank will fill to 3300 psi, but will settle at 3000k. A steel (high pressure) 3500 psi tank will fill to 3500, but will settle at around 3200 psi.

You get your most bang for your buck with the neutral bouyant tank. After they settle, you get 3K, which is enough for one person to play if you have no nitro source. To make your air last longer, get two tanks and two fill stations. Fill off one until it hits about 2k. Then what you want to do is fill with the tank at 2K first, and top off with your fresh tank. This is called "cascading." You can maintain higher pressure fills by cascading.

I believe everyone really into paintball should have their own scuba just for working on their markers at home.


BTW -Divers Direct has good prices on tanks. It's possible that you could find a sale somewhere else, but these people are reliable.

[akscubainst]

Branden,

Thanks,

I own a Scuba/Paintball Shop.

https://www.thescubatank.com

Dave

[akscubainst]

Yea, it's alot of fun.

I've been running this shop off and on for 15 years. My parents bought it when I was 17. My Wife and I took it over about 4 years ago and started the Paintball side about 2 years ago.

You should have alot of fun in the Rescue Class. My Students tell me it's really the first fun class in the progression up from Openwater. Mostly, cause you get to think for yourself rather than being told what to do.


Dave

[bugeyes]

wow, thanks a lot guys, specially Panzerr and askscubainst, time to get scuba tank....

[bugeyes]

one more question for Panzerr, so when I purchase the 80cf neutral bouyancy tank, do I have to specify which adapter it came with? or it should comes with 'k valve' as a standard which should fit my fill station right?

[bugeyes]

and this message is for Branden, I cannot PM you since you dont accept it, PM me again to talk about my x-valve, thanks

[bugeyes]

BRanden, I still cannot PM you with your new screen name, can you fix it? or you can email me at [email protected], thanks

[CapoMinimag]

Originally posted by akscubainst
Nope, The tank Branden is talking about is the same one I'm talking about. At 3442psi it comes with the convertible valve. It they made it 3500psi DOT would require DIN.

There are several manufactures of 3500psi tanks but PST is the only one making 3442psi right now.

Dave

Like I said before,
you are either a smart paintballer or a scuba diver like me.
That's cool that you own a shop. I work in one of the largest scuba shop chains in so-cal.