Aluminum 80 (AL80) tank

An AL80 tank is a medium-sized cylinder made of aluminum. It holds roughly 11.1 liters of air at working pressure. Most dive centers in Koh Tao or Cebu use these for standard recreational dives. You will see them on almost every boat in the region. They weigh about 15 kg when full. This weight affects your buoyancy during the surface interval.

Check your tank’s weight before you enter the water. Many divers struggle with buoyancy because they forget the extra mass of an aluminum cylinder compared to steel. I once saw a student in Anilao struggle to stay down because their tank was too light after a long surface interval. Always verify your trim. Use a weight belt or integrated weights to compensate for the specific density of your gear.