Scuba diving is an exciting activity that a lot of people love. As a scuba diver, you need to carry a lot of gear, including a scuba tank. One of the most common questions asked by beginners is, "Are scuba tanks heavy?" In this article, we will explore the weight of scuba tanks, the different types of tanks available, and how to achieve neutral buoyancy.
Weight of the Tank: Steel or Aluminum
The weight of a scuba tank depends on the material used to make it. The two most common materials used to make scuba tanks are steel and aluminium. Aluminium tanks are slightly heavier than steel tanks. An aluminium tank that can hold 80 cubic feet of compressed air weighs approximately 15 kilograms when it's empty. A steel 80 cubic foot tank, on the other hand, weighs about 13.5 kilograms when it's empty. The weight of a full scuba tank can range from 16 to 20 kilograms, depending on its size.
Types of Scuba Tanks
There are different types of scuba tanks available, including steel and aluminium tanks. Steel tanks are more durable than aluminium tanks and can often withstand higher pressures. However, they are more expensive. Aluminium tanks, on the other hand, are less expensive but not as durable as steel tanks.
Achieving Neutral Buoyancy
Neutral buoyancy is essential for scuba diving. It allows you to move effortlessly in the water without using too much energy. To achieve neutral buoyancy, you need to adjust your weighting properly to match the type of tanks that you are using. If you are positively buoyant, you may need to add more weight to your weight belt. If you are negatively buoyant or remove some weight from your weight belt if positive.
Generally speaking, you need additional weights when diving aluminium tanks compared to steel, as they become positively buoyant as they begin to run low on gas. On the other hand, steel tanks remain negatively buoyant the entire dive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, scuba tanks are heavy however much of the weight is counteracted by buoyancy in water. The weight depends on the material used to make the tank. Steel tanks are lighter than aluminium tanks but more negatively buoyant. There are different sizes and styles of tanks available both in steel and aluminium.
Dive Newcastle has a range of diving gear to choose from, including steel and aluminium tanks, to help you enjoy your scuba diving experience to the fullest. Remember to choose the right gear for your needs, and Dive Newcastle can help you with that.
