What size argon bottle?

[scottsax]

I'm thinking that for the long winter ahead, argon would be nice in my suit. What size bottle do you folks use?

[Sounder]

I use 6cf bottles. I had considered getting a larger one, but instead I just a few more 6cf bottles.

[scottsax]

I had considered getting a larger one,

TWSS

but instead I just a few more 6cf bottles.

Why doesn't that surprise me?

How many dives do you get out of one 6cf?

[camerone]

How many dives do you get out of one 6cf?

I get two tech dives or four recreational dives (if I'm careful) out of a six before it drains to the point where I can't get the reg to deliver gas. If I'm being sloppy on the scooter, a lot less

I quit filling mine with argon years ago, too. As long as it's not helium in the suit, it doesn't seem to make a difference.

[Sounder]

I had considered getting a larger one,

TWSS

Silence! I keeeeeel you.

How many dives do you get out of one 6cf?

2-3 recreational dives, or two baby-tech dives. Also obviously depends on depths and depth changes during the dive, but generally 2-3 is a good bet. After 3 dives I swap it out for sure, and if I do 2 dives in a day I will call it done and refill it (I won't bring it out another day to squeeze that third dive from it).

[scottsax]

Does the smaller bottle trim out better?

[CaptnJack]

Does the smaller bottle trim out better?

irrelevant to trim, you don't even know its there. for single tank diving you want a 6cf.

a 13 or 14cf bottle strapped to a single is redunkulous. its no big deal on doubles.

[Aquanautchuck]

What ever size you get, make sure it is a LP tank. Argon is filled from a LP bottle that is usually filled to 2200 to 2400 psi. If you get anything but a lp tank you will never get a full fill unless they boost. And most shops do not boost Argon.

I have a lp 14 and get anywhere from 6 to 7 dives out of it. It trims out great with my pony on the other side. I also have a lp25 O2 bottle converted to argon with a trans fill connector to fill on long dive trips. But then I also have a Argon fill station with booster at home.

[CaptnJack]

the only lp size that exists in AL is a 14, which is overkill for single tank diving.

most shops in Pugetropolis boost argon to 3k

[Aquanautchuck]

most shops in Pugetropolis boost argon to 3k

Once again you guys and gals are lucky. I don't know of any in Portland that do.

[scottsax]

Sounds like multiple sixes is the way to go, or a 13. How does it mount to my backplate? I have a DSS stainless plate with the weight plates.

[camerone]

Sounds like multiple sixes is the way to go, or a 13. How does it mount to my backplate? I have a DSS stainless plate with the weight plates.

Couple of choices. One is a velcro strap with a grommet that you bolt through the plate holes in the side. I use one of them, and a piece of bungee around the valve area, inverted. See http://www.halcyon.net/?q=node/29. If you search other manufacturers, there are far more appropriately priced versions out there. I just used scrap webbing and made my own, and it's pretty easy.

Alternatively, you can just rig it to look just like a can light and strap it on your hip belt on the left side. That works well, too.

Either way, a six is so tiny, you won't notice it.

[loanwolf]

Piranha has some of the best pricing I have seen in a while. They also have the bags for hanging the bottles.

http://www.piranhadivemfg.com/shop/?sho ... 61&cat=123