The Tank: How it Works

Note: The questions and answers below refer in some instances to the use of the Samadhi Floatation Tank in particular, but can be generalized to most floatation devices. Call FloatingDotCom for more information.

1. Would you describe the tank?

The (Samadhi) tank is a little larger than a twin size bed, about chest height. It contains 10" of water with 800 pounds of epsom salt dissolved in it. You float on your back, face up, and the salt makes the water so heavy that it pushes you to the surface so you float like a cork, weightless, like an astronaut in space. There is a lightweight door that you can leave open. If you want to eliminate the distractions of noise and light, you can close the door.

2. What's the water temperature and why?

The water temperature in the tank is maintained between 93¡ F and 95¡ F. This is skin temperature, (not internal body temperature), and the temperature at which most people will feel neither hot nor cold. This neutral temperature is established to eliminate the distraction of temperature differences for someone using the tank.
Individuals do have preferences within that 2 temperature range, and when all other distractions have been eliminated, a person can become very sensitive to temperature. People who have their own tanks adjust them precisely to suit their needs.
We recommend 94¡ F, the average, for a tank used by many different people.
Some people will focus on the temperature while in the tank and report that they were hot or cold when they get out. It is not unusual for 2 people leaving the same tank, one after the other, to give opposite reports.
We suggest that you check the temperature of your tank periodically so you know you are maintaining your tank at 94¡ F, or whatever temperature you prefer. The following is information about things that may affect people's perception of the water temperature.

Feeling cold

a) The air and water temperature in the tank are the same so that when someone floats, and their body is partially out of the water, they don't feel any difference between the air and water temperature. If they have the door open, the air coming into the tank will be cooler (unless the room is 94¡ F) and that can result in them feeling cold. They may want to keep the door partially closed next time.
b) If someone lies completely still while in the tank, they will heat the water immediately surrounding their body. If they move, they will circulate the water that has not been heated and therefore feel cooler.
c) If someone has been fasting, they probably will feel cooler.
d) If someone takes a very hot shower before they use the tank, the cooler water of the tank may make them feel cooler.
e) Changes in emotional states can bring about changes in perception of temperature. Sometimes people feel both cold and hot at different times within a one-hour float. If they notice what emotions accompany temperature changes, they may get to know more about themselves.

Feeling Hot

a) If someone has done strenous physical activity before getting into the tank, their metabolism may be up very high and they can feel hot. Usually as they relax, their metabolism will drop and the temperature will feel neutral.
b) If someone takes a cold shower prior to getting into the tank, the difference in water temperatures may result in their feeling hot.

3. Why Epsom salts and what are they?

Epsom salts are used in the tank for buoyancy. The concentration of salt makes the water so dense that the user's body is relatively light and therefore floats. We use Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) because they are soothing and non-irritating.

4. Is the water changed after each use?

No. The water is filtered periodically and sterilized by the use of chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, UV or ozone. With regular filtering and sterilization, the water is kept very clean and there are fewer bacteria in the tank than in your drinking water.

5. Is there enough air in the tank?

Yes. The tank is designed not to be airtight. There is a continual air supply. In addition, the air is constantly renewed by an air circulation system.

6. How soundproof is the tank?

The tank is not completely soundproof. Having your ears underwater eliminates most sounds. A quiet room with the door closed generally handles the rest. Every once in a while people in the tank can hear sounds from the outside.

7. What's the difference between a tank and a hot tub?

They are very different. The Samadhi tank is an environment for the individual, while a hot tub tends to be more of a social place. The water in the tank is maintained at skin temperature, neither hot nor cold as opposed to the high temperature of a hot tub. In the tank you have the option of eliminating the distractions of noise and light by closing the door.

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