Are you looking to dive into the water this summer? A mini scuba tank is a lightweight, practical, and portable version of a scuba tank that is used recreationally for beginners.
These devices are suitable as a backup air source for experienced scuba divers or those wanting to discover if diving is right for them.
If you’re looking to take a dip into clearer waters this year, check out the best mini scuba tanks available below.
Our Top Five Mini Scuba Tanks for All Budgets
The Overall Best Mini Scuba Tank
1. SMACO Scuba Tank Diving Gear for Diver
The SMACO Scuba Tank Diving Equipment is a 1-liter oxygen cylinder that gives you 15-20 minutes of underwater breathing power.
Breathing with this tank is easy. There is a contact pressure air outlet with an external explosion-proof valve design. This makes it safe and accurate to use, bringing you peace of mind while you’re adventuring.
At full capacity, this diving cylinder allows you to take up to 340 underwater breaths. This might vary depending on the temperature of the water you’re diving in and the rate at which you breathe.
You’ll also receive an intelligent high-pressure indicator air compressor. The air compressor allows you to set your ideal tank pressure. The fast inflation and automatic stop functions allow you to refill the tank while getting ready for your dive.
Pros
- This tank allows you to take up to 340 underwater breaths and lasts for 15-20 minutes.
- The air compressor has fast inflation and an automatic stop so you can leave your tank while you get ready for your dive.
- The safe depth limit is 33ft or about 10 meters.
- This aerospace aluminum scuba tank is long-lasting and resists internal corrosion and damage.
Cons
- You can only use this tank in water temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius. This isn’t appropriate for cooler climates or natural lakes and rivers.
- If you don’t have a refill adapter or air compressor for refills, it can take up to 50 minutes to refill the tank with a hand pump.
- For non-experienced divers, the price point is quite high for a first kit investment if you’re scratching the surface with diving.
This backup mini scuba tank has a great price. We’d say this is the perfect investment for someone who knows they’re going to make use of the product. For first-time divers, we’d estimate this investment may be a little over their budget.
The Best Budget Mini Scuba Tank
2. SMACO Scuba Tank 1L Mini Scuba Tank
The SMACO Scuba Tank 1L Mini Scuba Tank is a high-quality and budget-friendly option for first-time divers. Offering 15-20 minutes of underwater breathing time, this diving tank kit comes with a hand pump to allow you to refill the tank when you need it.
With a maximum capacity of 340 underwater breaths, this mini scuba tank allows you to dive to a depth of 33ft, which is about meters.
This tank is long-lasting, made from aerospace aluminum, and resists internal corrosion and damage. It is not permitted for temperatures lower than 10 degrees.
Pros
Cons
This kit is a great option for those on a budget and looking to take their first plunge into diving. With the manual pump, it might be wise to also invest in an electric pump or air compressor to get you into the water faster.
The Best Runner Up Mini Scuba Tank
3. Scuba Tank 1L Mini Scuba Tank
This SMACO Scuba Tank is a great first-time buy for those looking to dip their toes into diving. With a portable carry case, this mini scuba tank offers 15-20 minutes underwater when filled completely.
You can refill the tank with a high-pressure hand pump, a scuba refill adaptor, or an electric air pump. Each of these options will vary in the time it takes to fill up the tank, as well as the price points.
With the no air leakage guarantee, the air switch valve shuts down the air source when you’re refilling or storing the tank. The constant pressure valve controls the amount of air you’re using when you’re diving, making for safe adventures.
Pros
- A handy carry case makes it easy to travel with when you’re exploring the oceans overseas.
- Aviation aluminum keeps the tank free from corrosion and damage.
- The price point is ideal for first-time divers or beginners.
- On full inflation, the tank allows for 15-20 minutes of diving.
Cons
- The tank doesn’t come with a refill method, so divers will have to invest in an electric pump or refill adaptor.
- With a short dive time, the kit isn’t suitable for those looking for longer adventures.
This mini tank is a great investment for beginner divers. The suitable price point makes it a good investment, without the added cost that a pump brings.
The Best 10 Minute Mini Scuba Tank
4. SMACO Mini Scuba Cylinder
For those quick diving trips, the SMACO Mini Scuba Cylinder is a great compact size. If you’re after a diving kit with a short usage time, this is the right pick for you. This oxygen tank has a 0.5L capacity and allows up to 170 underwater breaths at full capacity. This is around 6-10 minutes.
With a maximum diving depth of 10 meters, the tank is lightweight and is easy to transport in and out of the water, thanks to the handy carry case. The tank’s aviation aluminum is resistant to seawater and corrosion.
This shallow diving tank comes with replacements that are guaranteed to last at least two years. This is a suitable kit for beginners or those needing a backup tank on a long dive.
The aluminum tank is super easy to use because all you need to do is bite into the mouthpiece and breathe. You can fill up the tank with either an electric air pump, scuba adaptor, or manual pump. Make sure the pump provides 3000PSI pressure.
The tank is very small, so you’ll have neutral buoyancy. This means you won’t be dragged down by the weight of the tank and you’ll be able to swim as normal.
Pros
- A great beginner’s diving tank that is lightweight and easy to use.
- Comes with a handy carry case and accessories to replace any necessary parts over the years of use.
- The aluminum scuba tank keeps it weather-proofed and stops long-term corrosion and damage.
- The lightweight nature of the tank allows for neutral buoyancy while you swim.
Cons
- Has a limited capacity, which only has 6-10 minutes of usage time.
- Doesn’t come with a pump or device to refill the tank.
This is a great kit for beginners looking to take a quick dive in shallow water, or for more experienced divers in need of a backup kit. We love the handy carry case with additional parts.
The Best Alternative Mini Scuba Tank Kit
5. Dedepu 1L Mini Diving Tank
The DEDEPU diving portable tank is the ideal exploration kit. This aluminum tank has strong pressure resistance and is DOT certified. This 1L mini tank allows for 340 breaths underwater and around 20 minutes of dive time. This may vary depending on your breathing rate and diving depth.
The kit comes equipped with the tank, a manual pump, refill adaptor, adult diving glasses, a bag, and a storage bag. You can easily disassemble the device for air travel. It is also a great companion for underwater exploration, boat cleaning, or as a backup air source.
The tank has a safety light-emitting pressure gauge indicator made of 316 stainless steel. This allows you to know the remaining air in the tank at any time and gives you peace of mind.
Suitable for use at 10 meters, this mini scuba diving tank is a great companion for beginner divers and experienced divers alike.
Pros
- This kit comes with a manual pump, refill adaptor, diving glasses, a bag, and a storage bag.
- Suitable for use up to 10 meters.
- The kit is suitable to take on aircrafts, allowing you to continue your diving journey in any part of the world.
- The light-emitting pressure gauge allows you to check remaining airtime underwater.
Cons
- The manual air pump will require significant manpower to fill the tank.
- With only 20 minutes of dive time, this will only work for shorter dives or backup tanks.
This kit is a smart, reliable investment for divers of all experience levels.
The Best Mini Scuba Tanks: Read This Before You Buy
We’ve given you the products, now let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty before you make your purchase.
What’s the difference between a mini scuba tank, and a regular scuba tank?
For the beginners amongst you, you may be thinking “why can’t I use these kits to dive regularly?” Well, the mini scuba tank has different capabilities than a regular scuba diving tank.
This is because the amount of oxygen the tank can hold differs from the size and capacity of each tank. If you’re looking for something long-lasting to use for dives longer than 20 minutes in deep waters, a mini scuba tank is not right for you.
These mini tanks are only advisable to use for up to 20 minutes, depending on the individual tank and depth. This is usually around 10 meters, or 30 meters if you’re using it as a backup tank on a long dive.
A regular diving tank has a larger body and can last up to an hour in deeper waters. You will not have to worry as much about the tank’s pressure or capacity.
If you’re looking to take a deep dive, or you’re a more experienced diver, you’ll want to check out a larger tank. These are offered in a variety of sizes, but the mini scuba tank will not provide the experience you’re looking for.
What are the benefits of a mini scuba tank over a regular tank?
Some benefits of the mini scuba tank outweigh the regular scuba tank, especially for those beginning their diving journey.
Some benefits include:
- Lightweight practicality: it’s easy to transport, carry and store.
- Quick oxygen filling: if you have an electric air pump, you’ll be ready to dive in no time at all.
- Fitted with gauge meters: you’ll be able to tell how much diving time you have when you’re in the water for peace of mind.
- Comfortable, silicone mouthpieces: like the SMACO Mini Scuba Cylinder, which make diving an ease.
- Lower price points: you can try diving at a fraction of the price of a full-blown diving kit.
- Refillable design: you’re going to be able to use this product again and again, making it worth your initial offset.
How should you use a mini scuba tank?
Mini scuba tanks were originally designed as backup tanks for scuba divers in case their main tank failed. Most can be safely used for diving within a depth of 10 meters.
If they are used as a spare air source, then they can be used at a depth of 30 meters maximum. Mini scuba tanks are not meant for deep water diving.
Nowadays, mini scuba tanks are used more recreationally for beginner divers that do not want the expense of investing in a large-scale kit.
While this is a great idea for novices, it does take a while to fill up a small tank by hand, and it is gone in less than 20 minutes.
Be mindful of how and when you want to use the mini scuba tank. If you get to the beach and the tank is not full, you’re going to spend a long time getting it filled without an electric air pump.
How far can you swim with a mini scuba tank?
This all depends on the speed at which you swim. On average, you could swim as far as 100m in length with a mini scuba tank. Check out Christian Wedoy’s YouTube Video on how far he managed to swim with a mini tank.
What are the different scuba tank regulators?
The mini scuba tank kits we’ve suggested come with universal mouthpieces. These are one-size-fits-all mouthpieces designed to fit everyone.
There is a range of different regulators available to fit your diving plan. There are regulators made for different temperatures, locations, and your mouthpiece preference.
Check out this video to learn about exhaust values, purge buttons, and how to choose your first regulator.
What are the common differences between these mini scuba tank products?
The key difference between the mini scuba tanks is the materials used, such as steel or aluminum. The amount of air the tanks hold, and the depth at which you can dive.
The tank with the shortest dive time is the SMACO Mini Scuba Cylinder, as it only allows for up to 10 minutes of dive time. The other four products listed all have similar capacities of 15-20 minutes of dive time, but they have different materials and perks.
The SMACO Scuba Tank Diving Equipment comes with an air compressor, which makes for quick refills. The DEDEPU diving portable tank offers a lightened pressure gauge so you can see underwater how much time you have left.
Each tank offers something different, so it all comes down to personal preference.
The Best Mini Scuba Tanks: Commonly Asked Questions
How long does it take to fill a mini scuba tank?
Depending on what pump type you’re using, and what the tank capacity is, depends on how long it’ll take to fill your mini scuba tank.
A manual pump is going to take significant time to fill your dive tank because you will be required to pump the air into the tank itself. It’s going to be a long-winded process that will use your energy up for sure.
Check out this handy video on how to fill up your scuba tank with a hand pump here.
It’s smart to invest in an air compressor or electric pump that quickly fills your tank without needing to put in any physical labor.
The SMACO Scuba Tank Diving Equipment comes with an air compressor and a hands-free option for filling your tank. This is great for multitasking while getting ready for your dive.
Are small scuba tanks safe?
Mini scuba tanks are safe if you ensure you follow the safety precautions and warnings given by the product and brand. Ensure you read through all the instructions when you buy your scuba tank and take a look at some top tips for beginners.
How long can you stay underwater with a scuba tank?
This relies on the scuba tank you choose. Depending on the capacity of the tank will depend on how long you’re able to stay underwater. The average for mini scuba tanks is around 10-20 minutes.
Some of the lightweight ones, such as the SMACO Mini Scuba Cylinder, only last 10 minutes.
Your requirements will determine which scuba tank is best for you. Make sure you do your research before you decide because each tank will have different limitations.
Can I fill a scuba tank with a hand pump?
Yes, all scuba tanks have a universal connection inlet, which allows you to fill it up with a hand pump, a compressor, or a filling station.
It’s going to take you a while if you’re using a hand pump because you’ll be manually pumping the air into the tank. This could be very time-consuming depending on the size.
We recommend investing in an air compressor or electric pump, so you can multitask while your tank fills up.
The Best Mini Scuba Tank Brands
SMACO is one of the leading brands in scuba diving equipment, offering a range of tank sizes and kits for all types of divers. Selling a range of sports equipment, from diving to camping to snorkeling, SMACO has everything you need for a boost of adrenaline.
DEDEPU is a business that specializes in the making and development of outdoor water sports equipment. Their products are used in a range of industries including outdoor water sports, deep diving, fire fighting, marine rescue, and more.
Overview of The Best Mini Scuba Tank Products
With so many choices available, it can be hard to make a decision when it comes to which tank is the right one for you. For an all-around kit, select the SMACO Scuba Tank Diving Equipment, which comes with an air compressor.
This means you won’t have to worry about manually filling up your tank or buying additional equipment.
If this kit is out of your price range, check out one of the other SMACO Scuba Tanks that allow for similar dive time. They do not come with a refill option aside from a manual pump, which drops the price.
This way, you can either buy your refill method, such as an air compressor, or use the manual pump provided.
Whatever you decide, we hope that this buying guide has given you more insight into what the best mini scuba tank product is for you, and your diving needs.
