Before sharing this mini scuba tank with you, there is one important point to make clear: Please get your diver certification first. It’s only designed for trained or certified scuba divers. Whatever training you can get, do not go more than 10 meters underwater, and very importantly, BREATH OUT WHILE HEADED TO THE SURFACE!
Mini scuba tanks are lightweight and smaller versions of the regular scuba tank. It’s often used for recreational diving or as a backup air source for professional divers. For those who just want to explore shallow waters for short periods, a mini scuba tank is an excellent choice.
If you’re looking for a trusty mini scuba bank, SMACO is the brand to be. They offer mini scuba tank kits that will deliver up to 25 minutes of underwater adventure.
They have 0.5 to 2-liter mini tanks for divers to choose from. And for this scuba tank review, we’re going to discuss the SMACO S700 2L to see if it’s the right match for your next plunge.
Features of the SMACO S700 2L Mini Scuba Tank
The SMACO S700 2-Liter Mini Scuba Tank is the biggest of the brand’s mini tank offerings. This one can last for 20 to 25 minutes underwater or 540 underwater breaths. Overall, it’s a top-notch choice for short and shallow dives.
Below are the features of this mini tank, which appeals to many recreational divers:
- Explosion-proof valve. This mini tank is equipped with a 5,000 psi external valve that resists explosion. It’s an added safety feature, especially when traveling with this tank.
- 360-degree rotating interface. The air hose of this tank rotates at 360 degrees for your convenience. This way, you can move underwater without having to fiddle or tinker with your tank.
- Corrosion-resistant tank. SMACO used aerospace aluminum for their tanks. This material is tough against pressure, external force, and corrosion even if used on saltwater. Overall, this material will make the mini scuba tank last long.
- Backpack design. For ease of use underwater, the S700 mini tank series uses a backpack. There’s a cylinder that secures the tank in place and the backpack itself fits snugly on the diver’s body. Divers can swim around worry-free.
- Extended pressure gauge. Instead of a pressure gauge built at the top of the tank, the S700 has an extension tube. This way, you can check the remaining air on the fly. The gauge is also luminous, which makes it easy to read, especially in conditions with low visibility.
- Food-grade mouthpiece. Unlike other mouthpieces that have a rubber smell and taste, the one used in the S700 series is food-grade silicone. It doesn’t have a foul taste and it won’t drop easily from your mouth.
Why choose the SMACO S700?
After our thorough inspection and experience with the SMACO S700, the following are the reasons why it’s a worthy addition to your diving kit.
✔️It’s easy to carry.
The 2-liter tank is just 42.9 cm long and 11.4 cm wide. It’s compact and portable, yet it provides a considerably long breathing time. So if you’re a newbie diver who’s intimidated by large and heavy scuba tanks, this would be a great alternative for the meantime.
We also like that the tank is bundled with a backpack carrier. The tank itself fits well on the cylinder sleeve and the backpack is adjustable to suit the body size of the diver. Overall, the backpack hugs the body really well.
When not in use, this tank is easy to store since it’s small and won’t consume too much space. In fact, you can store it inside your kitchen cupboard.
✔️You can refill it in 3 ways.
The SMACO S700 2-Liter Mini Tank is very convenient to refill. Whether you’re using it on vacation or for a lake nearby, it’s a hassle-free option.
To refill this compact tank, you can either use a bigger scuba tank, go to a dive shop, or utilize an air compressor.
With a bigger scuba tank, it will only take a few minutes to refill the SMACO S700. Just make sure that you have a scuba refill adapter handy at all times. By refilling using a standard scuba tank, you can consume the entire air supply in small amounts. There’s no need to bring a large tank for short dives all the time.
Another option is to bring the mini tank to a dive shop for refills. This is the usual option for divers using standard tanks. But since this mini tank is DOT-certified, it can be refilled the same way as its standard counterpart.
Lastly, you can use an air compressor to refill the tank anywhere and whenever you want. Just make sure that the compressor you’re going to use matches the 3,000 psi working pressure of this mini tank.
Since it has multiple ways to refill, you can make the most out of this mini tank. It’s a worthy addition to your diving gears since it will last countless dives.
✔️It’s certified by multinational authorities.
The SMACO S700 2-Liter Mini Scuba Tank is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This means that it’s safe to use and meets scuba diving standards all over the world.
The following are the other certifications of this mini scuba tank:
- Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
- Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV, a German association)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for underwater
- EU Diving Respirator Standard
- CE Approval
There are more certifications and approvals that this mini tank met to guarantee its safety underwater. This is added peace of mind, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver.
While compact and small, the S700 is big when it comes to quality and standard. This makes the tank a really great buy.
✔️It fits inside carry-ons.
Another great thing about this compact scuba tank is it can fit inside carry-ons. This way, you can travel with your own scuba gear and ensure its safety. There’s no need to pay for extra baggage or worry about your tank getting damaged by the cargo.
Just remember that the TSA only allows the transport of scuba tanks if it’s empty. Make sure that you remove the valve and present it to airport authorities to prove that you’re following the rules.
Limitations of the SMACO S700
As much as the SMACO S700 is a convenient choice for reactional divers, it comes with a few limitations. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
❌It’s not suitable for deep dives.
SMACO advises that this tank is only suitable for dives within 10 meters deep. Any plunge deeper than that requires a standard tank for your safety.
If you wish to carry the S700 mini tank in deeper dives, you should only use it as a spare air source. You should be using a regular scuba tank as your main source of air.
❌It can’t withstand very cold temperatures.
This mini tank is only safe to use at water temperatures not lower than 10 degrees Celsius. Anything colder than that requires a specialized tank to ensure your safety.
Overall, this isn’t really a big downside, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re fond of cold dives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do mini scuba tanks last?
A: Mini scuba tanks last anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on their size. Usually, you can find mini scuba tanks in 0.5 to 2-liter versions. Its breathing time is already reasonable, considering its size, capacity, and convenience.
Q: Can a mini scuba tank explode?
A: Mini scuba tanks are highly unlikely to explode. These tanks like the SMACO S700 are engineered to withstand extreme external elements. However, make sure that you also use the mini tank as instructed by the manufacturer. Always follow the refill instructions to avoid any risks or hazards. Lastly, you should store it in a safe spot away from intense temperatures and explosive materials.
Q: Can I fill my own mini scuba tank?
A: Yes, you can refill your own mini scuba tanks. This is the case with all SMACO mini tanks. You can use a standard tank, an air compressor, or the service of a dive shop for a refill. This is done for your convenience so you can enjoy the tank more.
Q: Can you refill a mini scuba tank using an air compressor?
A: You can use an air compressor to refill your mini scuba tank. This is one of the options you have when using SMACO mini scuba tanks. Just make sure that you’re using the right pressure to avoid problems.
Q: Do scuba tanks expire?
A: Scuba tanks can be used for years, but they must be tested every five years to ensure their safety hydrostatically. Depending on the results of the test, you may or may not need to replace your scuba tank. Take note that you should never put off this test as it could impact your safety underwater.
Final words
Mini scuba tanks are indispensable as a spare air source as well as a gear for recreational dives. If you’re looking for your first one, you should consider the SMACO S700. This 2-liter tank packs a punch when it comes to breathing time, quality, and safety. It’s also certified by a handful of organizations to prove its safety underwater.
Still, you should also be aware of its limitations. But despite that, this mini scuba tank from SMACO proves to be an excellent choice.