Common Scuba Tank Sizes

The most popular tank size that is used by recreational divers is the ones that hold 80 to 100 cubic feet of air.

Common scuba tank sizes.

Scuba cylinders are made either from aluminum or steel. 80 cubic foot tanks are the most popular among recreational divers and are also the most commonly found tanks on the water. The most commonly used rental tank is an aluminum 80 meaning a tank that holds 80 cubic feet of air and is made from aluminum. Lighter than steel tanks aluminum dive tanks are easier to transport and swim with giving your shoulders and arms a break on long treks.

There are however smaller tanks but the reason that this size range is more common is because they are able to provide sufficient air to most divers without them being in risk of reaching the no decompression limits. The 2640 psi low pressure steel tanks are preferred by nitrox and technical divers who expect to be blending their gases using the partial pressure method. Aluminum tanks are cost efficient long lasting and readily available which is why they are easily the most common scuba diving tanks in the world. Standard psi in an aluminum scuba cylinder is 3000.

The holding capacity of scuba tanks is measured in pressurized cubic feet. If you consume a lot of air and want to increase your bottom time it s common to dive with larger tanks. There are many sizes of scuba tanks but you will find common standards throughout the industry. The most common service pressures seen in modern scuba tanks are 2640 psi 3000 psi 3300 psi 3442 psi and 3500 psi.

It is the same physical size as the aluminum 80 but holds more air.