I'm gonna get Nitrox certed in 2 weeks... I want to know a few things though...
what's your opinion on Nitrox?
How much money is too much for the cert?
is it advisable to use BRAND NEW tanks for Nitrox, or could I buy 2 used tanks and dedicate those for nitrox?
what is the best size tank for dedicating for Nitrox?
In my humble opinion, here goes...
Unless I'm doing a shallow dive like the jettys at St. Andrew, I always dive nitrox. The added safety margin against DCS and the extended bottom time are well worth it.
The shop I DC for charges $150 for a nitrox class, $100 if you combine it with your OW cert. I paid $100 when I did nitrox with Divemasters in Long Beach (Katrina victim, no longer there)
You can have used tanks O2 cleaned for nitrox use. If you use older tanks, just make sure they were manufactured after 1989. Dive shops in Florida will not fill any tanks made prior to that due to alloy composition in older tanks. Most new tanks are O2 ready from the factory; but most dive shops will require an O2 cleaning of new tanks also prior to filling with EAN. Especially those shops that don't bank pre-mixed and blend the mix in your tank.
I don't know that there is a best size for EAN. I use two 80's and a 13 cf pony and they are all nitrox tanks. Just be aware that every year when you bring your tanks in for VI, you are going to have to pay to have them O2 cleaned also. Just one of the hidden costs that can suprise you if your not expecting it.
