I'm chasing a bit of info on 12 volt hookah set ups. My needs are simple, only 6 or 7 metres deep, with a two person set up. Looking around the reefs of Rotto, and maybe looping the odd cray.
I have a recreational dive qual, and been on a dive research expedition, so am comfortable with the safety concepts.
The commercially available product seems a little expensive, and there don't seem to be any second hand ones around.
So my question:
Has any one sourced the components separately and built their own set up?, and if so which are the go to brands and distributers?
ie output of the air compressor, which ones have clean/ breathable air, where to get air hoses and demand regs etc..
Thanks

I saw the powerdive at the boat show recently and looked like a good portable unit, not super cheap but local company so should hopefully have good support if needed.
Maybe an apnea freediving course could be a good solution if you don't want to put a tank on a fit person can easily achieve 5min of breath hold.

Yes I have What would you like to know. ?i have extencive experience , ABAC compressor 24cfm@ 8 bar , Honda motor 5.5hp 19cfm bailout with buoyancy compensation.12 v are junk. limited on battery life and run a 3 bar cat Frisbee reg, oilless Teflon low flow low pressure will say 6metres but bit of swell and then its 10.......12 ..... Hookah units can be a deathtrap. Be a better and cheaper option running a 15l tank and standard dive gear at that depth (prob get 1.5 hours)out of a tank and just get your equipment serviced once a year out source the maintenance to someone specialized. . .

Thanks Mars and Buster for your thoughts..
The concept behind the small hookah is that I would like to do shallow dives with the missus, away from ledges and things in the sheltered bays of Rotto. Her lung capacity was reduced by chemo/radio combination so the apnea thing wont work, and tanks would be contraindicated in this case.
I might have to (gad) spend the bucks.

scubacareaustralia.com.au/hookah-dive-parts/ "stick" at scuba care has smaller petrol driven units depending on the price might be a better option. should be able to get two divers 7 metres on unit with a 8mm split . The ones of ebay etc are a hunk of **** as the accumulation tank is mildsteel. Mildsteel and salt mist dont mix! The 12v are little direct drive oiless low flow low working pressue with very little pig (air accumulation) the hose lines are crimpted so you have to respect the depth ratings on them! Good luck any question dont hesitate to ask!

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busterwa said..
scubacareaustralia.com.au/hookah-dive-parts/ "stick" at scuba care has smaller petrol driven units depending on the price might be a better option. should be able to get two divers 7 metres on unit with a 8mm split . The ones of ebay etc are a hunk of **** as the accumulation tank is mildsteel. Mildsteel and salt mist dont mix! The 12v are little direct drive oiless low flow low working pressue with very little pig (air accumulation) the hose lines are crimpted so you have to respect the depth ratings on them! Good luck any question dont hesitate to ask!

thanks for the info..
JR

I have neighbor that has one of the 12 volt jobs that floats on the surface , can't remember the brand but I think it's respectable. I don't think he uses it any more, do you want me to ask him if he is wanting to sell?

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kk said..
I have neighbor that has one of the 12 volt jobs that floats on the surface , can't remember the brand but I think it's respectable. I don't think he uses it any more, do you want me to ask him if he is wanting to sell?

thanks kk, can you check that out and the message me?
JR