Steel Scuba Diving Cylinders
A dependable diving cylinder is an essential part of your scuba equipment. At Sussex Diving, we offer a carefully selected range of steel scuba diving cylinders suitable for recreational and technical diving.
Our range includes popular cylinder sizes such as 7L, 10L, 12L and 15L, with both 232 bar and 300 bar options available. Whether you're purchasing your first cylinder or expanding your existing equipment, our experienced team can help you choose a suitable configuration.
232 Bar or 300 Bar – What's the Difference?
The working pressure of a diving cylinder determines the pressure to which it is designed to be filled.
232 bar cylinders are widely used for recreational scuba diving. They offer a practical balance between gas capacity, cylinder weight and compatibility with common filling facilities.
300 bar cylinders are designed to operate at a higher working pressure, allowing more gas to be stored within a cylinder of the same internal volume.
However, 300 bar cylinders are often heavier, and the additional gas capacity is not directly proportional to the pressure increase because of the behaviour of compressed gases. Suitable regulators, valves and filling facilities are also essential.
Choosing the Right Cylinder Size
Cylinder capacity is measured in litres and refers to the internal water volume of the cylinder, rather than the amount of breathable gas it contains.
7L cylinders provide a compact option for suitable diving applications, while 10L and 12L cylinders are popular choices for recreational diving.
15L cylinders offer greater gas capacity and are often selected by divers who require additional breathing gas for their planned dives.
The right cylinder depends on your breathing rate, planned depth, dive duration, gas reserves and equipment configuration. Cylinder weight and buoyancy characteristics should also be considered.
Cylinder Filling, Inspection & Testing
Purchasing a cylinder is only part of the story. Regular inspection, appropriate maintenance and quality breathing gas are essential for continued use.
At Sussex Diving in Selsey, we provide professional air and Nitrox fills up to 300 bar, along with cylinder inspection, testing and oxygen cleaning services.
Our team can also advise on cylinder valves, compatible equipment and inspection requirements.
Don't choose a cylinder based on gas capacity alone. A larger or higher-pressure cylinder isn't necessarily the best option for every diver. Consider weight, buoyancy, gas requirements and equipment compatibility.
If you're unsure whether a 232 bar or 300 bar cylinder is right for you, our experienced team will be happy to discuss your diving requirements.
As a family-run PADI 5* Dive Centre in Selsey, West Sussex, we believe in providing practical advice and helping customers choose equipment appropriate for their diving.
Looking for a particular cylinder size or configuration? We can source additional steel cylinders and accessories from our suppliers. Contact our friendly team and we'll be happy to help.
