Double Tanks - Double The Trouble Or Double The Fun?

Most exert divers will agree that equipment versatility with dive gear is vital to some safe dive. Proper scuba equipment configuration matters on all dives. It does not matter when the dive is really a wreck dive, deep dive, shore dive, or perhaps a boat dive we want our dive equipment to become flexible as well as in the correct configuration. While initially glance, double tank configurations and versatility will not be utilized in exactly the same sentence, the planet is altering fast.

I rarely use double tanks, however when I actually do there's some fundamental use/setup questions that I have to consider. The initial question you will have to response is: can i require a manifold within my setup?

Manifolds provide the capacity of getting an isolation valve. The isolation valve enables the tanks to become isolated from each other. If your regulator should fail underwater, the regulator might be isolated in the relaxation from the system. The manifold could be bought with no isolation valve, however it appears when two tanks have to be used together due to the dive profile, a backup regulator ought to be used. Manifolds could be pretty pricey and purchasing one with no isolation valve doesn't seem sensible. If you choose to buy a manifold, then holding the tanks in perfect alignment is crucial. Some divers use some semi-permanent tank bands to help keep the tanks from shifting throughout the dive. When the tanks shift, then your manifold might bend together and ruin the manifold.

If your manifold isn't needed, then your second item is by using some Velcro bands. More about the Velcro bands later. Once the diver doesn't need a manifold by having an isolation valve, each tank must have its very own separate regulator.

The 2 common purposes of double tanks with no isolation valve are:

1-1/2 setup. Here the diver uses the very first tank and ½ from the second tank. Once to the boat or shore the diver replaces the empty tank and repeats the procedure throughout the second dive. The main difference between this setup and taking advantage of a bailout bottle may be the diver is intending to make use of the second tank, while a bailout bottle can be used in emergencies.

Independent doubles. This can be a perfect setup when you are performing a ship dive to shore or perhaps a remote dry location. One tank can be used getting there and the other tank returning.

The Velcro bands are made by Captain Dan Berg of Aqua People. The primary advantage may be the capacity to carry a dual tank system for your BCD with no manifold. Manifolds are very costly and will heighten the height from the system by a few inches. When the straps are tightened lower, they are able to hold nearly as tightly because the steel bands. But there might be some shifting from the tanks, along with a good manifold could be destroyed at these times. So a great recommendation isn't utilizing a manifold with Velcro bands.

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