High-Pressure Vs. Low-Pressure Scuba Tanks

Tank Capacity

• The greater the pressure input into a scuba tank, the greater the amount of air that will be held in reserve for the dive.

Tank Size

• Lower-pressure scuba tanks will require a larger size of tank to hold the equivalent capacity of air reserve to a higher-pressure tank of the same size.

Pressure on Equipment

• Higher pressure can cause increased wear on scuba equipment, such as o-rings, valves and regulators. When using high-pressure tanks, it is advised to inspect equipment regularly and be sure to use equipment intended for use with high-pressure systems.

Valve Considerations

• Valves and components used in conjunction with high-pressure tanks must be strong enough to work with higher pressures. When choosing valves for a scuba tank, divers are advised to be certain that the valves they choose are equal or greater to the pressure limitations of their tanks.

Filling Station Limitations

• Not all filling stations are capable of filling high-pressure tanks, especially if "overfilling" is needed. This may present a limitation for air capacity when using smaller, higher-pressure scuba tanks.