Which OXSEA mini scuba tank? The four tanks compared

OXSEA makes four refillable mini scuba tanks, all in aluminum and filled to 200 bar, about 2,900 psi. They differ in two ways: how much air they hold, and how you carry them. The right one depends on the jobs you have in mind, not on wanting the biggest.

The four tanks side by side

	OX500	OX500Plus	OX1000	OX2000
Air	0.5 L	0.5 L	1 L	2.3 L
Free air, roughly	3.5 cu ft	3.5 cu ft	7 cu ft	16 cu ft
Time near the surface	Up to 8 min	Up to 8 min	About 15 min	20 to 25 min
How you use it	In the mouth	In the mouth or on your back	On your back	On your back
Hand pump	Yes	Yes	No	No
12 V / 220 V compressor	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
OXAIR mask	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

The times are measured breathing calmly near the surface. Work, cold water and stress all shorten them.

Pick by the job

• A quick look at the prop, the zincs or a stuck anchor. The OX500. Grab it, go down, come back up.
• Jobs with tools in both hands: changing a zinc, scraping the running gear, cutting a rope off the shaft. The OX500Plus, worn on your back.
• Jobs that keep running past 8 minutes: a full prop and shaft clean, several zincs, a mooring inspection. The OX1000.
• Bigger boats and long sessions: twin engines, regular hull work, slow reef swims with the mask. The OX2000.

Pick by how you will refill

• Hand pump: about 20 minutes per 0.5 liter fill, no power at all. Only for the OX500 and the OX500Plus.
• 12 V / 220 V compressor: about 12 minutes for 0.5 liter and 20 for 1 liter, from a 12 V battery or the mains. Fills every tank, and is the only option in the packs for the OX1000 and the OX2000.

If you have no power where you dive and a half-liter tank is enough, the pump packs are the simplest and most affordable start. If you dive several times a day or want the larger tanks, take the compressor.

Snorkeling with the OXAIR mask

The OXAIR full-face mask fits all four tanks. You breathe through its snorkel at the surface, and the tank takes over when you dive down. For snorkeling, a back-mounted tank (OX500Plus, OX1000 or OX2000) is the most comfortable. You add the mask on any pack page on oxsea.shop.

Questions people ask before buying

Do I need a diving certification? No. OXSEA tanks are used without diver training, at shallow depth, following the safety rules: breathe continuously, never hold your breath while ascending, ascend slowly. A lesson in a pool is still a good first step. Our safety guide on oxsea.shop and the guide to a first dive with a mini tank cover the basics.

Can I add a second tank? Yes. On each pack page you can add as many extra tanks as you like, and the refill system in the pack fills them all. Handy for diving as a pair or doing several dives in a row.

Can I fly with a tank? Yes, as long as it is completely empty, with the valve open or the head removed, and declared at check-in. Check your airline's rules before you leave.

Do I need a dive flag? Many states require one as soon as someone is in the water, and it is good practice everywhere. Our guide to dive flag rules in the US covers Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan and the federal Alpha flag.

What about the warranty? OXSEA tanks and refill systems carry a 24-month warranty, and you have 30 days to return an order.