Dual Pony Tanks?

firemandiver

Just wanted to update this thread and let everyone know what I decided to do. I'm going with dual ponies, each with it's own reg for now. I can always change it later. Left is inflator/Air2, right is typical pony. That gives me two complete redundant systems. I can use one, the other, or both. I can also carry a different mix in each bottle for travel/staging. I really wanted to eliminate the bulk, but it is minimal, so it shouldn't be too bad. I think the versitility of independant ponies may be worth the little bit of added gear. I haven't even got it all put together yet. Still waiting on a few goodies. When I get it assembled, I'll post a few pics.

On a side note for the question about inverting your tanks: That's no big deal at all. Just flip them over in the bag and let the valve poke through the straps. You can bring your reg under your arm. You could also have a longer hose made up to reach.

I've looked into the Quickdraw brackets, which are great, but they aren't cheap. About $350 for two sets. I am in the process of devising a tank holder for both sides of the shell that uses some neat little brackets I found on Ebay and standard 2" cam buckles. About $65 per set. I'll let you know how it works out.

Thanks again to everyone for all the input on my project. I'll keep you posted. FD.

WD8CDH

If you can find a couple of the K valves with HP ports, you could connect the two ponys with 3/16" SS tubing and Swagelok fittings. Add a valve inline and you have isolation. If you can't find the right K valves, modular valves and plugs could be modified.

firemandiver

The K valves and stainless crossover with isolation was one of the first things I looked at. Fairly simple and reliable. I ultimately ended up going a whole other direction( see previous post). Thank you for your input, though. FD