## How Long Does a Tank of Air Last Scuba Diving?
The amount of time a scuba tank lasts depends on a number of factors, including:
* **The size of the tank:** Scuba tanks come in a variety of sizes, from small tanks that hold 30 cubic feet of air to large tanks that hold 120 cubic feet of air. The larger the tank, the longer it will last.
* **The depth of the dive:** The deeper you dive, the more air you will consume. This is because the air is denser at greater depths, and your body has to work harder to breathe.
* **Your breathing rate:** Some people breathe more heavily than others, and this will also affect how long a tank of air lasts.
* **The temperature of the water:** Cold water is denser than warm water, so you will consume more air in cold water.
* **Your exertion level:** If you are swimming hard or doing a lot of strenuous activity, you will consume more air.
**Rule of thumb**
As a general rule of thumb, a standard aluminum 80 cubic foot tank will last for about 40-60 minutes of diving at a depth of 60 feet. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual amount of time a tank will last will vary depending on the factors listed above.
**How to calculate how long a tank of air will last**
There is a simple formula that you can use to calculate how long a tank of air will last:
**Tank time = Tank size (cubic feet) / Air consumption rate (cubic feet per minute)**
Your air consumption rate will vary depending on the factors listed above. However, a good estimate for a recreational diver is 1 cubic foot per minute.
For example, if you have an 80 cubic foot tank, and your air consumption rate is 1 cubic foot per minute, then your tank will last for about 80 minutes.
## How to conserve air while scuba diving
There are a number of things you can do to conserve air while scuba diving:
* **Breathe slowly and deeply:** This will help to reduce your air consumption rate.
* **Stay relaxed:** When you are relaxed, your body will consume less air.
* **Avoid strenuous activity:** If you are swimming hard or doing a lot of strenuous activity, you will consume more air.
* **Streamline your body:** This will help to reduce drag and make you more efficient in the water.
* **Use a dive computer:** A dive computer can help you to monitor your air consumption and stay within safe limits.
## What to do if you run out of air while scuba diving
If you run out of air while scuba diving, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. Do not panic. Here are the steps you should take:
1. **Stop swimming:** If you continue to swim, you will consume more air.
2. **Ascend slowly:** If you ascend too quickly, you could get decompression sickness.
3. **Use your buddy’s air:** If your buddy has air left, you can use their regulator to breathe.
4. **Call for help:** If you are unable to use your buddy’s air, you should call for help by sounding your whistle or using your strobe light.
## Conclusion
The amount of time a tank of air lasts scuba diving depends on a number of factors. By following the tips in this article, you can conserve air and extend the amount of time you can spend underwater.
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