In Reply to: I don't like steel tanks posted by Elaine on November 26, 2006 at 16:31:56:

consumed. The amount of change is a function of the capacity of the tank and the composition of the gas. An AA 80 holds about as much as an AL 80 so the delta is the same.

What you're likely feeling is either the effect of overweighting with the steel (which you can alter), or the effect of the steel tank inducing roll more so than the aluminum (which you either get used to or not). The heavier the tank is empty, the more likely you are to roll.

As for the blasted AL 80, this finish is typically seen in rental inventories. SC owes you a tank similar to the one they lost. If they say they can't get one with the same finish, that's not true. They need to look harder (you know, make an effort) or you need to get the store manager involved. I think you just need to be a squeeky wheel. When you've squeeked enough, take the money instead and go to a real dive shop and get what you want.