## What Gas is in Scuba Diving Tanks?
Scuba diving tanks contain a variety of gases, depending on the diver’s needs and preferences. The most common type of gas used in scuba diving is compressed air, which is composed of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and 1% other gases. Other gases that may be used in scuba diving tanks include:
Nitrox: Nitrox is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than compressed air. This makes it a good choice for divers who want to stay underwater for longer periods of time or who are planning to dive to deeper depths.
TriMix: TriMix is a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. Helium is a lighter gas than nitrogen, which makes it easier to breathe at depth. TriMix is typically used by technical divers who are planning to dive to very deep depths.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a very light gas that is not naturally found on Earth. It is used in some rebreathers, which are devices that recycle the diver’s exhaled breath.
The type of gas that is used in a scuba diving tank will depend on a number of factors, including the diver’s experience level, the depth of the dive, and the duration of the dive.
### Compressed Air
Compressed air is the most common type of gas used in scuba diving tanks. It is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-obtain gas, and it is suitable for most divers. Compressed air is typically used for dives that are less than 100 feet deep and that last less than 60 minutes.
### Nitrox
Nitrox is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen that contains a higher percentage of oxygen than compressed air. This makes it a good choice for divers who want to stay underwater for longer periods of time or who are planning to dive to deeper depths. Nitrox is typically used for dives that are between 100 and 130 feet deep and that last between 60 and 90 minutes.
### TriMix
TriMix is a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. Helium is a lighter gas than nitrogen, which makes it easier to breathe at depth. TriMix is typically used by technical divers who are planning to dive to very deep depths. TriMix is typically used for dives that are deeper than 130 feet and that last longer than 90 minutes.
### Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a very light gas that is not naturally found on Earth. It is used in some rebreathers, which are devices that recycle the diver’s exhaled breath. Hydrogen is typically used for dives that are very deep or that last for very long periods of time.
### Choosing the Right Gas for Your Dive
The type of gas that you use in your scuba diving tank will depend on a number of factors, including your experience level, the depth of the dive, and the duration of the dive. If you are a new diver, it is important to consult with a qualified instructor to help you choose the right gas for your dive.
Here are some general guidelines for choosing the right gas for your dive:
For dives that are less than 100 feet deep and that last less than 60 minutes: Compressed air is a good choice.
For dives that are between 100 and 130 feet deep and that last between 60 and 90 minutes: Nitrox is a good choice.
For dives that are deeper than 130 feet or that last longer than 90 minutes: TriMix or hydrogen is a good choice.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The best way to choose the right gas for your dive is to consult with a qualified instructor.