Posted by RaiderKarl on April 30, 2001 at 13:17:24:
In Reply to: Re: within reason: unlimited* posted by JRM on April 30, 2001 at 13:01:02:
i keep my tanks really low on air between dives. that way the pressure on the metal is less, and keeping them in your jeep or SUV is less dangerous due to overheating. if you keep your tanks full of air between dives, you are stretching out the metal like an old rubber band. you will notice it when you take them to get hydro-ed each 5 years, if you keep them that long. and there is always the risk that with a lot of air pressure in your tanks between dives that (1) you will contribute to oxidation of the metal more rapidly and (2) the O2 in the air will deminish during the oxidation process. these risks disappear if you simply drive home with empty tanks, and fill them the day before your next dive. if you want to control the odor of the tanks while they are in your car or closet from using them in the Ocean, rinse them off with fresh water after diving too!
/s/ RaiderKarl, PADI D/M