Trusted Hydro Station in Tampa Bay Area?

Just got an email back that the hydro station that the LDS uses would rather not test my tanks because I require test results if any tank were to fail, and indicated that they needed to get my permission before destroying the tanks beyond anything allowed by DOT regs. (This is after they failed 1 of 2 3AA tanks of mine last year, did not provide ANYTHING in writing, and cut a grove in the threads.)

So... I need a place to get my tanks hydro'd that is cheap, and proven reliable with 3AA 2400 psi and 2250 psi tanks. Anyone know of any in the Tampa Bay area?

I never let a LDS hydro squat. They seem to fail tanks that are OK. They said 2 aluminum 80's failed their 1st hydro, because the new thread eddy tester went off.
Well I can attest that ANY thread will fail if you screw it beyond the threads into the tanks. DUH.........
I use a place that services fire extinguishers. They are way cheaper and don't have the open water shop mentality. You may have one in your area. To them, a tank is a tank, no matter what it holds.

They are a little north of you, but IMO well worth the trip. Talk to Dave at:

Advanced Hydro Test
8470 West Kimberly Court
Homosassa, FL 34448-1481
(352) 795-4157

davezap@advancedhydrotest.com
www.advancedhydrotest.com

Dave is a NACD business member, a fellow cave diver, and will treat your tanks like they were his own.

Another vote for Dave...just drop them off after a trip and pick them up the next time you go up.

+2 for Dave!

I had some 85s tested in Atlanta, both made at the same time, with identical usage cycles. One passed, and one failed. Dave re-tested the failed tank, and it was fine. I think the guy in Atlanta was tired that day, or something. He also gives you test results on all tanks he tests.

Also, Dave picks up tanks from several LDS in FL for free. Call him for a list of an LDS near you :-)

I've gotten lots of tanks hydroed by Dave, two 80's, one 72, and two 95's. When I emailed him about results on the 95's, he called me the next day and read me the test results. He did the same for the 72 two years before. Drop your tanks off at CEE next time you are up there, the prices are dirt cheap and the service from them and Dave is great. Takes about 2 weeks, so drop them off one trip and they'll be waiting for your next trip :)

Just got off the phone with Dave. Nice guy! He doesn't go anywhere south of him. He said if I can get them up there on a Wednesday, I can pick them back up on the weekend. I will probably drop them off on my way to Paradise Springs on Wednesday.

He is not as cheap ($30 for hydro and vis vs $20), but one premature failure with the other guys and thats all out the window anyways.

Thanks for the recommendation.

Bring them to Deep Six in Lakeland Fl. I have worked there for 6 years, we are a licensed hydro facility and do hydros for many shops in the area. We take special care with steel tanks, especially galvanized one. We only charge $20 for a Hydro, vis, and air fill. We hydro steel tanks on a regular basis. Turn around is 3-5 days.

While I understand the "dont use an LDS to hydro" mentality, I do disagree. Most do not even hydro their tanks. They send them out. The shop mentioned above used a local Fire Extinguisher guy for years and he did great work. When the turnaround time became too long, Deep Six's owner put in his own facility. The owner is ANAL about the process and does it right.

Full service, beginning to end: hydros, vips, tumbles, eddy current...blah blah. If you want to kill yourself due to boredom, ask the owner to explain his thoughts on how to properly hydro tanks.

So, feel confident taking them to Deep Six. If you don't, I will pay for the hydro. No BS.

I don't work there, but I did. In another life. 20 years ago.

Cavermatt does work there, but you should go anyway! ;)

Bob

It is interesting to me, why your shop only charges $20 for hydro, vip and fill. That's dirt, dirt cheap.

Here in Miami, it's $40 for the hydro, $15-$20 for the vip, and then $10ish for the nitrox fill, which I found hard to stomach. I have no problem paying $40 for hydro vip and Nx, but am certainly glad to hear of a shop that does a good job for less.

Crumpton welding supply.

crumptonweldingsupply.com

Many Plusses for Dave. I have know him for, geez, 23 years and lots of dives.
When I bring my tanks to him I help him in the shop.
He is METICULOUS. There is a reason his prices might be a little higher.
Satisfaction is guaranteed.
Spend some time at the shop. He is a great guy and quite the character!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JahJahwarrior

It is interesting to me, why your shop only charges $20 for hydro, vip and fill. That's dirt, dirt cheap.

Here in Miami, it's $40 for the hydro, $15-$20 for the vip, and then $10ish for the nitrox fill, which I found hard to stomach. I have no problem paying $40 for hydro vip and Nx, but am certainly glad to hear of a shop that does a good job for less.

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$20 is cheap for a hydro, but our visuals, reg repairs, air, nitrox, O2 fills and classes are cheap too. We have not gone up in price for years. With the economy the way it is we are trying to keep cost low to keep people diving, and hopefully spending what little money they have at their LDS. If people are diving they break gear and need to replace it or fix it, thats where we come in.
Also, being located in Lakeland we are not a diving destination, so our prices are typically lower than a coastal shop.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wizard

I never let a LDS hydro squat. They seem to fail tanks that are OK. They said 2 aluminum 80's failed their 1st hydro, because the new thread eddy tester went off.
Well I can attest that ANY thread will fail if you screw it beyond the threads into the tanks. DUH.........
I use a place that services fire extinguishers. They are way cheaper and don't have the open water shop mentality. You may have one in your area. To them, a tank is a tank, no matter what it holds.

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I do the same here in GA, never had a problem and I've taken some pretty old tanks to them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JahJahwarrior

It is interesting to me, why your shop only charges $20 for hydro, vip and fill. That's dirt, dirt cheap.

Here in Miami, it's $40 for the hydro, $15-$20 for the vip, and then $10ish for the nitrox fill, which I found hard to stomach. I have no problem paying $40 for hydro vip and Nx, but am certainly glad to hear of a shop that does a good job for less.

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In Miami it's $20 just to get the guy out of the chair...