We will be going on our first trip to Bonaire. Staying at Den Laman. Most of our group will be using Nitrox. How do you test your tanks when picking them up? Should we bring our own tester?

Any place supplying Nitrox will have a tester right next to the tanks so you can verify the percentage You can bring your own but it is not necessary.

The last time I looked into it, the testers had a short life span.

I recently had better luck using the ball nose testers by cranking open the tank, and then putting the tester up to it. The dive shop said that this prevents the tester from getting damaged.

BDA at the Den Laman will have a tester for you to use. I took mine last time, just to use my new toys. Not so sure I will take it this time, with tighter airline luggage constraints.

No need to take a tester. Any supplier will have a tester available for you.I will be staying at Den Laman Aug 8-15. How was it?

Den Laman was very nice when I was there in 2006. I'll be there the same time (Aug 9-16) as you. Bari Reef, right there, is nice, but I only chose to make the orientation dive plus two night dives there, since there are so many other choices.

BDA has an analyzer where you pick up tanks to take away and on the pier for those diving there. No need to take your own.

If you have a concern with the analyzer provided - test it on a regular tank.

You know that it should read 21.9. If it does then the analyzer is most probably working correctly!

That should be 20.8 not 21.9, I believe.

Philip Gelber MD
Cardiovascular Diseases