Tank Tumbling - Why & How - Scuba Tech Tips: S10E05

Steel and aluminum tanks with a coating or oxidation inside need cleaning to pass a visual inspection. Alec explains why tank tumbling is needed and shows how service professionals do it.
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[@aeoraji]

Hi Alec. I'm a new diver living in South Korea. Thank you for all the videos and tips. I found them really helpful and entertaining to watch.

[@DB-yj3qc]

I've been out of diving from some time and got a recommendation from U-tube for your channel. Now I know I have to get back in diving... Lot of great information.

[@ThreeOneThird313]

2:15 tumbled the tank :D Tank you for the Video and explanation. Love your Channel and expertise

[@jjusia2883]

Something many divers don't get to see. Thanks, Alec!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

And so simple too. Alec

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, I would have said same thing Kevin said about "pink tank", lol. Enjoyed explaining cleaning cylinders.👍

[@thegodpharaoh79]

Good Ol Tim Hortons !!!!! One thing I really miss after I moved to Egypt !! Omar. R.

[@barryedgington6812]

Another great video Alec.

[@owenmougenot712]

Hi Alec, I actually picked up an original pink tank used for my wife and have used it myself (that's just how I roll) one nice thing about it is it is very visible under the water, goes well with my cycadlike hippy wetsuit from the 60's,ok maybe you are the only person with one?take care Owen m

[@graynadalin]

You are great Alec love the information keep it coming

[@FALCON-nb8nq]

Another very interesting video. Great work Alec. I always learn something new with each of your videos.

[@papaalphaoscar5537]

I tumble my Al tanks as a matter of course. But I use glass media and Crystal Simple Green. A treadmill is a good substitute. :-D

[@alaind831]

good stuff indeed. So Kevin likes pink gears.... well he's manly enough to not be bothered by it! :) love you guys picking on each other. Too funny...

[@Atrinax]

Love the running gag about pink-colored gear in this comedy series 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them! Kevin is not so happy but eh!

[@albertrodriguez6539]

Great instructions and an amazing way to explain the details. Im a fan of this channel for real. Way to go. Stay safe and healthy friend

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Albert. More to come. A.

[@originalstanman.]

Nice video Alec. Keep it up. I’m always going to support you. My dream is to go scuba diving

[@graynadalin]

This is like an old rock polishing tumbler technology

[@plspasov]

Thank You, You are great. greetings from Bulgaria.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are welcome from Canada. A

[@treborturnoff]

Thanks for sharing information on this. I ended needing to tumble two hp 80's and an hp 100 and now the tanks have passed viz and are good to go.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching Trevor.

[@Blastfence1]

Excellent!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@closetsingle]

I love that his unit of measure was "1 Tim Horton's Cup". American here, is that a metric unit?

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

LMFAO I read this with a Tim Hortons cup in my hands

[@johnnavarra6425]

Alex, you and Kevin have a great show - keep up the go work! Are there any problems with scuba tanks being painted, is it better if tanks are not painted?

[@Joshuahall228]

@12:38 can confirm it's in the bottom left cupboard! (had me cracking up)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Ha ha, your kitchen is setup just like mine. Thanks for the laugh Joshua. A.

[@stephanedupray8718]

Hi Alec, thanks a lot for your videos, could you show us some examples of coating or oxidation. Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'll try to find a coated tank. A rusty tank is easy to find. Alec

[@Makdiver]

Just saved som money again .. thanks - Got a used 15L tank for 600 danisch kroner ( 80 Usd) - Cleand it and got it testet - And now i got my first Nitrox tank .. Super vid -.. My first tank i got for 2600 d.kr - ( 415 usd) so thanks for the savings,,

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's why I do these (without ads too). Thanks for sharing.

[@mazeoffury2930]

Haha. I stand by dawn soap. Had a cat knock over my deep fryer (cold) and cat was covered completely in the oil. I thought hey...they claim they use it to remove oil from animals so I thought I'd give it a try. After 1 wash, cat was completely free of oil. Just throwing it out there. Now back to scuba.

[@Slick85]

Could you please do a video highlighting sidemount?

[@gray_wolverine63]

Great review. Quick question Scuba Cylinder Net is it a good idea to use when diving ? Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It falls into personal choice Rocky. If it truly was fantastic, every diver and dive shop would include them. They mostly are to protect painted tanks from damage and maybe to get a better grip on the tank. However it does but a barrier between the tank strap and tank so how effective it is may be debatable.

[@matthewhignite]

Alec I did some searching and I saw a glass beads media for nitrox usage

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Possibly a good idea. Proper cleaning and rinsing makes any tank good for Nitrox. Alec

[@rickpeck7068]

Thanks! I was taught to use a 10:1 solution of Simple Green for the cleaner. Is the Dawn soap method Nitrox fill safe for partial pressure filling?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No soap is safe until after carefully rinsed and dry before filling with EANx. The tank must be clean, dry and the tank valve O ring is proper for PPF, only then can it be filled safely.

[@elizabethnewman4639]

Hi Alec, thank you for the video and simple explanation! My boss is after buying aluminium oxide but it has come in very fine form (salt sized particles). Just wanted to check if this still usable? Or are we better off scrapping and getting larger granule form. Or a smaller sieve 😂 Thanks in advance.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

As long as its specifically for tank tumbling, it should work. There are various sizes and compounds for tumbling available. Read the label on what its optimized for.

[@golanpeled8960]

Dear Alec what is the exact grain recomended? Isn't there a better inertic material to wash the inside that is not corrosive by itself? Will glass Crystals work? Thx

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I suppose that any grit will work. It ought to be fairly heavy, perhaps like little pebbles rather than like sand. I'd guess the aluminum oxide we used was in sharp-edged particles about 1/8". Alec

[@Str8Flossin]

Yes! Great video, been waiting for this one My LDS told me that the aluminum oxide provides a protective coating after the tank is rolled, is that true?

[@jase1911]

All aluminum oxide does is clean up the metal... just like sandpaper so no it's not true

[@Str8Flossin]

Thanks for the info.

[@clarkeysam]

Aluminium oxide is a very hard material. If the aluminium cylinder forms an oxide layer this will protect the remaining aluminium, as the oxygen cannot pass through the oxide layer to react with the remaining aluminium. The aluminium oxide crystals mentioned in the video are just used to remove contaminants from the interior surface of the cylinder, it does not leave a protective coating to the inside of the cylinder.

[@tnorrbin]

Is this how tanks are O2 cleaned? Maybe you can make a video about O2 cleaning? Both for tanks and 1st stage regulators?

[@papaalphaoscar5537]

O2 cleaning is much more involved. The consequences of doing it improperly can be disastrous. That being sad, Google it. Lots of instruction floating around in the interwebs but they vary greatly.

[@hillbillyparamedic9221]

Do you have a video on painting aluminum tanks? What paint can I use?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not on painting tanks as there is a lot of work to prep and maintain them. Today, most tanks use those plastic sleeves shrink wrapped on them. Very colourful and unique. Check these out before deciding too paint. scubacool.com/shop/

[@danamennerich3282]

I have a very rusty steel tank that didn't pass visual. The bottom was badly rusted under the boot too. I sanded the outside to bare metal and will paint it. The inside I will tumble with stainless steel pins and dawn. I want to use a cleaner called iron out to clean up the rust stain but it smells bad and was worried the smell might linger. Have you ever used iron out? It dissolves rust very well. I use iron out to clean bottles that are rusty or stained that I find diving. Thanks for your input.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thats a lot of effort on your part when a dive shop can do for you with confidence it will be clean, dry and safe for diving. Don't know the cleaner but verify its safe for scuba tanks and not car bumpers before using please Dana.

[@erikfri898]

i font understand..if its rusty heavily then throw it to garbage. does taking away the rust improves the situation in any way??

[@danamennerich3282]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter well I tried my method and made a mess! I cleaned the rust and looked great but it rusted again because it didn't dry fast enough. The stainless pins act magnetic and stick to the walls of the tank. I'm determined to get this tank clean!! My dive shop said his tumbler is broke and there's no other dive shop around. Thanks for your videos!!

[@FaithisKey792]

Alec how are you, I just bought the smako s700, as a secondary redundant air supply. For some reason though, the tank looks new outside with all its parts that came with it. But inside, it looks as if it hand some minor black little marks or dirt, or spots. Is this normal, this is the first time I actually see inside a scuba tank. As you know, this little tank is tested and ready to go once you fill It with air. Any help will be much appreciated, I also live in Barrie.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's normal for there to be some small marks on the inside wall. The outside is carefully sanded and then painted so it looks great but the inside is plain aluminum metal. Water condensation or reaction with normal gases in the air can make marks. These are on the surface only and do not penetrate the metal. You could clean the inside by tumbling but the marks would reappear over time. It's nothing to worry about. If the marks appear to be more than a surface discoloration, get you LDA to take a look. They see the insides of all tanks, new & used. Alec

[@misterkaos.357]

When it comes to dish soap, a little dab'll do ya!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You got that right!

[@NicolasLakoff]

Hello Alec, thanks for these great videos, very helpful especially for those in the industry. I have a question that relates to this video and to some of the questions below. I work in the Caribbean and am setting up a scuba equipment servicing business and want to offer tank tumbling for dive shops here. First question relates to the amount of tumbling media in relation to the type of alloy the tank is made of. Here tanks are made from two manufacturers, Catalina and Luxfer and all are Aluminum 3AL with either a brushed or galvanized aluminum exterior. Since aluminum is a softer metal, I have read that glass, stainless steel and aluminum oxide chips can be too aggressive in terms of media therefore ceramic seems to be the recommended tumbling media. One supplier (CTS) sells 10lbs bags of this and they recommend using the whole 10 lbs for one 80 Cubic Foot cylinder (12L). Do your still think 1-2 cups is enough? Does the ceramic being lighter have something to do with why they recommend more media per tank?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Nicolas, first good luck on setting up your service centre. Hope my videos give you some ideas to implement. As for the amount of media to use per tank, media manufacture determines the volume to use based on tank size, but typically around 1 pound, 1-2 cups, of media per 80 cu/ft tank (10 pounds is very strange). Sounds like they want you to buy lots. When your setup is ready, do a tumble with 1 pounds for the time recommended based on how bad the inside is. Afterwards, inspect the tank for cleanliness. If clean great, still dirty, run longer. As long as the media covers the tank insides from top to bottom covering the dirty areas. If just the sides, less media, if the entire bottom, use much more. Note the media can be reused several times. Don't forget the inside washer and drying stand. Steel tanks need a rinse coating before filling. Hope this helps.

[@NicolasLakoff]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks for your help. A lot of media suppliers even suggest using 25-35 lbs which to me seems crazy. I am going to make a washer and drying unit for the tanks as well. Luckily here there are no steel tanks to speak of. When I worked in a dive shop in Montreal where I'm from we dealt with a lot of those and as you know you get to see some antiques but as long as they meet viz and hydrostatic tests they can last a long time but maintenance is more involved. Cheers !

[@davegreen6697]

What kind of stores (in Ontario) can you get the tumbling media? Seems to be so many different kinds, and recommendation on what to use?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

To buy your own tumbling material is very easy, provided you have tumbling setup to use it with. Tumbling media can range from the best commercial grade down to aquarium rocks. Depends on how bad your tanks need cleaning and budget. Most tumbling media is Aluminum Oxide at around $5 per pound. Don't need a lot as it can be reused. Look on www.scubaboard.com for ideas and feedback from others who can help you faster with specific questions Dave.

[@davegreen6697]

Thanks @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter!

[@Diveplanwithjim]

Can tumbling remove the old lining that you were talking about? I have two old steel tanks with coatings and I want to get them back in service.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Tumbling will remove a plastic liner and get them ready for a VIS and hydro test. Glad your diving old tanks and not tossing them James.

[@Diveplanwithjim]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thanks! I love your channel, keep up the great work.

[@rickkinney2544]

What's up Kev, not proud of all your pink gear? :-) Another very interesting video Alec. Always fun to watch.

[@benk8109]

In Germany you need to bring your tanks to „TÜV“ inspection every 2.5 years. Without a „TÜV“-certificate, dive shops won‘t fill your tanks.

[@matthewhignite]

Well that is interesting to know

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Several jurisdictions have stricter standards. Many shops min Florida and California want to see a visual no older than 6 months. I'm not sure if these restrictions are the result of problems or bureaucracy. You don't hear of many tank explosions any more. It used to be fairly common. Alec

[@Teampegleg]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I can tell you in Florida that isn't due to government, the state pretty much lets the scuba industry follow their own self regulation along with the relevant federal rules. I personally wouldn't darken the door of shops that require a 6 month visual inspection.

[@TheArkMike11]

Would you put the Cristals in an Aluminium tank too?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Can work for aluminum as they usually need less cleaning time. Check with your abrasive maker to be sure. A

[@erikfri898]

does rust removing improves the tank in any way??

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not improving the tank no. It removes a very thin layer of metal in cleaning (like scrapping ice off a windshield). It's primary purpose is to keep the air clean of impurities like oxides due to moisture getting inside a tank when fully empty. Could run a tank with cleaning particles for 24x7x365 for years without affecting its hydro test. Thanks for watching.

[@Al556]

Lake Simcoe. Named after John Graves Simcoe?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It is. Encountered by Samuel de Champlain in 1650, it was originally known as Lac aux Claies before Governor John Simcoe renamed it for his father. Nice boating and fresh water diving.

[@arthunt2147]

How much aluminum oxide is needed for a 72? You mentioned 1 pound or cup and a half. I’ve read elsewhere suggesting 25 pounds! That’s getting pricey. Just want to confirm a pound or two.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No way 25 pounds for 1 tank, the tank tumbling motor will not turn it. Half a Tim's cup works fine as all you need is enough to cover the tank. Tumbling does the real work moving the material so it scrapes the insides clean. Don't forget the rinse and rinse and steel coating protection.

[@jhj6810]

I have hard that a Guy with carbondive has tumbled it with aquarium sand and dish soap for oxyclean. Is it dangerous?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Only a drop or two of soap is needed for tank cleaning. Sand will not clean as quickly as proper tank media (may take a lot longer to get the same level of clean). Regardless, if not sure, let a pro do it and if its steel use a rust preventer solution afterwards. A

[@nayebarewilber3244]

How is hydro test carried out?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Watch S10E17 and S11E04 on hydrostatic testing.

[@erikfri898]

if rust is not that much why do u need to get the rust off?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Rust or oxides are an impurity that should not be inhaled into the lungs. Reminder there is no filter inside a tank or its valve. So the air and tank must be clean together to be safe for diving. Take care Erik.

[@Slick85]

Are Glass beads also used for tank tumbling?

[@jase1911]

Glass beads are better suited for blasting media cabinets

[@user-pe8hf5xx2x]

Русские субтитры пожалуйста! Russian subtitles please!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Рад, что вы смотрите, но в 10 самых популярных странах есть 7 разных языков. Русский язык находится далеко в конце списка. Спасибо за просмотр. Glad you watch but there are 7 different languages in the 10 top viewing countries. Russian is far down the list. Thanks for watching.

[@rorypenstock1763]

Why isn't tank tumbling done much any more?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It is done only for tanks with serious corrosion (steel or aluminum) from moisture or other contaminants. Many dive stores have tumblers if they service a lot of tanks and do Visual Inspections. Ask your local dive shop on your next visit if they do it and ask to watch.