Hello everyone!
This is my first post and I would like some advice on the exit bag method. I have felt kind of overwhelmed with the different aspects and technicalities - as well as seemingly conflicting information on it, but I hope to be able to finally be able to get it all right and order everything now. For that I have a few questions I hope you can help with:
1. Choice of gas: The general consensus seems to be that there is a preference for nitrogen or argon over helium, but no difference between those two. I however read an article referring to a study done on mice that argon was way more effective (thought I cant find it again). However, nitrogen seems to be easier to explain to others (beer). I have not decided which to go with and they seem to be the same price. What is the general consensus and advice here?
2. Volume of gas: I have been torn between getting a 5l or 8l at 200b. 8 seems excessive, but are only marginally more expensive in case I have a leakage or waste of some kind. I was also wondering if a 2l ought to suffice (would be easier to transport and hide). I'm a 50kg female, so I should not need that much, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have any advice here?
3. Exit bag: I have read some of the information and guidance out there - where considerations on scuba masks and NRB masks have been made. The conclusion I seem to have come to is however that the scuba masks are too advanced and expensive, while the NRB masks seem too high risk. So that leaves a traditional exit bag. I have been looking for the Betsy video, but it has been taken down and I have not been able to identify any other information though it would be very helpful. I had also considering using a standard 20l plastic bin bag with adjustable string closing mechanism. Would this suffice?
4: The combined regulator/flowmeters I can find are surprisingly expensive. I'm kind of bothered that the PPH only shows the Max Dog one, as its not the same kind as I would otherwise find and use, but for oxygen. It makes the process more difficult and makes me feel less confident about everything. The ones I can find are for CO2/Argon/Mix and are mostly around 150-250USD (Im in Europe). I dont want to spend this money to find out its the wrong kind. The pictures are all bad and I cant see the details on them, such as where and if I can adjust the flow to the ideal recommendation of 15-20 l/m. This one is by far the cheapest (less than 100 USD):
While the ones that are 2.5-3 times as expensive look more like this:
Are these alright for the purpose? Which one should I get? Should I be concerned about potentially using an Argon/CO2 one with Nitrogen?
5. Attaching the tube to the tank: I havent been able to get the oxygen tubing recommended in the PPH and plan on using 6mm plastic tubing for aquarium. However, I'm concerned about how to ensure that its securely attached to the tank. I dont want any leakage or end up with a botched attempt because of this. PPH recommends using a hose clamp instead, however I dont have any experience or knowledge about this so I dont feel very confident. A hose clamp seems to be for cars:
Would something like this really do it? I dont need any other screw or mechanism to make sure its securely fastened?
Thank you everyone for your help and guidance!