If you’ve heard horror stories about regulators failing in freezing conditions, it’s only logical to question whether your scuba tanks can also fail.
Scuba tanks should not freeze under proper conditions. The water on a tank may freeze once you get to the surface if it’s cold enough, but the air supply in the tank should remain unfrozen.
In this article, we look closer at what temperatures scuba tanks should be stored at and what environmental concerns to pay attention to. We will explain where and how to store your scuba tanks safely, regardless of the conditions outside.
What Temperature Should Scuba Tanks be Stored At?
Store scuba tanks near empty at an ambient temperature of less than 140°F (60°C). Take care to keep your tanks away from heat sources, such as:
- Hot lights
- Heaters
- Furnaces
- Freezers
Ideal storage is a climate-controlled room close to room temperature. While this is well below the upper limit, it prevents even minimal stress on your tank’s walls and preserves the life span of the tank.
Are Cold Temperatures or Hot Temperatures Safer for Tank Storage?
Cold temperatures are usually safer for tank storage.
Storing a tank at a higher temperature increases the pressure inside the tank. This is not as much of an issue with near-empty tanks, but it can cause a full tank to reach internal pressure exceeding 3,500 psi.
This weakens the outer walls of your tank, and the pressure will increase as long as the temperature rises. Eventually, this can cause the tank to explode, and the pressure from the explosion (especially with metal fragments of the tank) can cause serious damage to the environment and persons nearby.
Can Scuba Tanks be Stored Outside?
Scuba tanks should not be stored outside for long periods of time. We’re not talking about keeping a tank outside while you’re on the boat.
Prolonged exposure to the elements increases your chances of:
- Oxidization
- Corrosion
- Contamination
- Weakening valves
Storing a tank outside any longer than while you are using it can lead to tank failure in the future, or at least shorten its lifespan. Because you are more likely to run into issues with oxidation and contamination, any tank stored outside may not have a suitable air blend for diving.
You should suspect any tank stored outside of structural instability. A visual inspection may not be enough to indicate any compromises, and you want to take the tank to a professional for their opinion.
Can You Keep Scuba Tanks in the Garage?
You can keep scuba tanks in your garage, but there are a few conditions to meet.
Ideally, your garage should be climate controlled. This allows you to set the proper parameters for storing your gear, and it decreases issues such as:
- High heat exposure
- High humidity (increased corrosion and potential for contamination)
- Infestation (insects or otherwise)
You should not use your garage for work that involves the use of solvents. The most common culprits here are woodworking and vehicle repairs. These chemicals, as well as oil, grease, and gas, can cause issues with seals over time.
The garage is a great place to store larger equipment like your scuba tanks, but there is no point in storing them here if you cannot preserve them.
Where Should I Store My Scuba Tank?
Some popular places to store your scuba tank include:
- Closets
- Climate controlled attics or garages
- In your car (for short terms/in proper temperature conditions)
Realistically, you should store your scuba tank where you have room for it and you won’t run into issues such as high heat or humidity. Those with limited options may need to store them somewhere outside their home, such as a climate controlled storage facility, or reevaluate whether they need to own a tank.
Storing Scuba Tanks Properly, Regardless of Location
Short term storage is not as strict as long term. You can keep your tank full when storing for fewer than 90 days, but you need to pay close attention to the temperature in your storage location.
Long-term storage refers to any term longer than 90 days. At this point, decrease the pressure in your tank to 20 bar or less (~290 psi or less). Storing near empty prevents metal fatigue that happens because of the prolonged expansion of the metal, and you decrease the chances of your tank failing to operate properly.
Store all tanks upright to prevent corrosion on the sidewall. The metal here is thinner than it is at the base, and even slight moisture inside the tank can cause corrosion over time. Check on your scuba tank regularly and secure it to keep it upright.
You shouldn’t store a tank directly on the ground or anywhere water may collect under or around it. You should have proper drainage below the tank to prevent this issue.
While you shouldn’t have to worry about your tank freezing, there are many details to consider when storing tanks to keep them running in top shape.