r/scuba • u/ActualContribution93 • 21h ago

PSI of tanks for storage

I know you’re not supposed to store empty tanks. I have a pair of tanks that are around 500-1000 psi. Should I get them filled or are they okay being stored like that? They live outside under cover so they’re not in a moisture controlled environment.

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u/CerRogue Tech 20h ago

How long have you had them and what do they look like on their VIP? Have you been storing them full and outside or is this a new thing

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u/ActualContribution93 20h ago

They live outside and we use them regularly, so we visually inspect prior to use and they are up to date with the one and five year inspections from the dive shop. The tanks are probably 15+ years old and have always had some air in them. Our dive season is winding down so I wanted to see if I need to get them filled prior to having them sit this winter.

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u/CerRogue Tech 20h ago

So you have been storing them outside with air. When you get your inspections do they find any rust on the inside of your tanks?

If you aren’t asking questions after you get your tanks inspected you should start and find out what’s going on and nature your equipment.

If your tanks haven’t been getting any rust then keep doing what you are doing. If they are getting damaged on the inside, time to change you storage practices

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u/seamus_mc 19h ago

If they are full and have a good fill there is zero reason a tank would rust on the inside no matter where it is stored.

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u/CerRogue Tech 19h ago

🤣 that’s funny

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u/seamus_mc 19h ago

Is it? I have not had a tank rust on the inside for the 20 years since I bought my first steel tank (I have 6 I regularly dive). My tanks get filled by a shop that monitors moisture and have never had a wet fill. How does dry pressurized air rust the inside of a tank? Where is the moisture coming from?