New 3k bottles without a reg?

[lhamilton1807]

I’ve got a couple older 3k bottles that sat for years while the kids grew up that hadn’t seen much use. I’m sure the regs are still good but there’s probably only one hydro left on the tanks, and it would be less than 5 years. Looking to put them on new bottles instead of buying the entire tank new. Anywhere that sells just the bottle? Or are the refs considered disposable?

Looked at Infamous but they only seem to have 4500 naked tanks.

[BrickHaus]

I think you can get the naked 3k bottles from the chineese manufacturers, but Im not sure if they are DOT approved. You can look into these for an option, but Id be weary if they aren't DOT approved.

On the other hand a 3k bottle is like 45 bucks with the reg. So Id just buy new, and pull your old regs off the old bottles for back ups or parts.

If you find a manufacturer that sells bottles alone, I bet the cost is likely not going to be offset enough to justify using your old regs. ( my guess is a regged bottle is 45 ish, and a non regged bottle will be q minimum of $30.

[OpusX]

None of those import bottles on the bay are DOT. I want them, but can't have them.

[lhamilton1807]

I have a local CL ad for two GA tanks with regs for $20 for the two of them. That would give me four total. I might pick them up depending on the cost of local hydro testing. Still looking.

[jokers]

With you being in Oregon i would talk to Hydrotesters they are in Bremerton Washington and they charge 25.95 for hydrotesting but after 3 bottles they take it down. Their number is 1-877-493-7652 and their site is http://www.hydrotester.com/. They are swamped right now for Supergame but after that they should be good. I have talked to them and they are extremely friendly and seem like good people. I have never had work done by though so i can not attest to that aspect.

[jokers]

If they are are aluminum then they should be able to be re-hydroed.

[jokers]

No they do not, aluminum has a "lifetime" lifespan as long as it passes hydro every 5 years.

[BrickHaus]

But even with that, a lot of companies charge 30-40 for hydro services. Add shipping, and you are better off buying new bottles.

I work next to a fire suppression place that offers hydro services. $20 a tank. If you can find a local company to certify tanks for less than 25, then its worth the effort. if you were close to me Id say send em my way, but again after shipping and such its not worth it, unless ya have one of those chrome ptp tanks or something.

[lhamilton1807]

I just have 48/3k aluminum Guerilla Air bottles, two from 2009 and two from 2014. The regs on the 2009 models haven’t seen much use - I bought them New Years ago and never hydro’d them again because… kids. The others hold air but I’m not sure how well they work - just purchased them off a guy on CL for $20. Now I’m starting up again and want something nicer than co2 and am looking to rehydro these. I’ve contacted every scuba and fire extinguisher, and welding supply shop in my area. Waiting for replies with quotes.

[lhamilton1807]

We’ll that explains why naked tanks are impossible to find 🤪. Thanks much.

[glasscitymitch_02]

This is where I got my 17ci tank

https://mcsus.com/products/17ci-compressed-air-tank-cylinder-no-regulator

[lhamilton1807]

Doing some research, and I found a DOT tool that uses your zip code to search for certified hydro testers nearby. Will use this to find a place locally. Hydrotesters.com in Bremerton, WA is far enough away that I’d like to see if there’s a local-ish shop that will do this for me instead for a similar price.

https://portal.phmsa.dot.gov/rinlocator

[lhamilton1807]

Wondering if a link to the tool should be a sticky somewhere… can’t imagine anyone here not benefiting from it.

[Pumpytrilly1]

Please sticky it. My local dive shop wouldn't share where they get their tanks hydroed.

[lhamilton1807]

Sticky requested

[rawbutter]

I know you said you're looking for new bottles, but I've got a used 48/3000 tank that needs a new home. I just hydro-tested it last month, but I can't find parts for the regulator anymore. It's lifespan ends in 2026, but if you're interested, send me a PM.

[lhamilton1807]

In the Portland area I found two fire supply shops that would do the service (one for $65, one for $34, both with the regs removed by me) and Oregon Paintball (the physical store behind dirtyworks.com) would rehydro for $40/ea.

But after calling all the scuba, welding, and fire safety shops in town, I found Central Welding Supply in Portland that will remove the regs and test for $25/ea with a 1-2 week turnaround. Since there’s still a chance of frost for another month, this is perfect. I spoke with a clerk that had to relay messages back & forth with the manager, so I’m hoping my description of my equipment wasn’t lost in translation. Will update when I’ve actually talked to them.