How to Stack SCUBA Tanks

SCUBA diving is a popular pastime that implements the use of a diving tank filled with compressed air and a regulator that allows an individual to breathe underwater. Participants enjoy exploring a variety of underwater settings and observing nature as they cannot do from shore. Training and education in SCUBA diving and safety are required to receive certification. Part of the knowledge required to dive properly involves the safe handling and storage of SCUBA tanks.

Things You'll Need

  • SCUBA tank rack
  • Cool, dry storage space
  • Thick towels
  • Large, heavy rubber bands
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Instructions

  1. Rack Storage

    • 1

      Purchase as many SCUBA tank racks as are required to hold all of your tanks and the connectors that allow you to hook them together for stacked storage. Numerous styles of racks and connectors are available, so follow the manufacturer's instructions to attach one rack to another. Tank racks are available from online retailers and SCUBA equipment shops. Tank racks are the safest way to keep these highly pressurized tanks from banging together and possibly exploding. An exploding tank can be fatal.

    • 2

      Place the racks in your garage, shop, shed or wherever you plan to store your tanks. Choose a cool, dry place where direct sunlight will not shine on the tanks. Heat increases the internal pressure of the tanks. Choose an out-of-the-way spot where the tanks will not be bumped or jostled. Knocking heavy SCUBA tanks over can result in personal injury if they fall on your foot or leg, and increases the odds of damaging the valves if they hit the ground.

    • 3

      Ensure that there is air left in each tank, at least 200 psi. Storing empty tanks increases the possibility of corrosion of and condensation in the tanks.

    • 4

      Insert the tanks into the curves designed to hold them separately.

    Rackless Storage

    • 5

      Wrap each tank in a thick, folded towel. It is not necessary to completely cover the tank. Simply fold the towel and wrap it completely around the tank from the bottom, up the point where it decreases in size.

    • 6

      Secure each towel with a heavy-duty rubber band at the top and the bottom of the tank. The point is to cushion the tanks in order to stack them safely.

    • 7

      Stack your tanks on top of each other on their sides. This is an appropriate method to store tanks particularly when transporting them in a van or car trunk. Secure the tanks with a bungee cord to prevent any movement.