CO2 Tanks

[polski]

Don't dare me, i make my way through Milwaukee often enough on my way back and forth from chicago. one of these times i may just have to take you up on that offer.

[Captain Kangabrew]

I got a 10lb tank on Ebay for $10 or $12. With shipping it was about $35.

If you've exhausted all of these ideas, how about stealing one? That's fresh and new! Or you could try pulling one out of... oh nevermind!

Good Luck!

[shawnintennessee]

Get a 20 lb tank! Too bad you are not close to me. I come up with CO2 tanks all the time. I'm in the beverage business, and often get cornys, regulators, CO2 tanks, cold plates, connects, etc for free from my customers. I have 15 20 lb tanks in my garage right now. I take them to the local CO2 place - one where they test - and get them sandblasted, painted, tested, and filled for under $30.00 each. I am looking at getting several 50 lb tanks, (for free) so I never have to haul a tank in my basement again. I also get some of the tanks filled with beer gas - 70% nitrogen, 30% CO2 for my stouts and british ales. One of my customers gave me twenty 2.5 gallon corny kegs and twelve 3 gallon kegs. What a find!

Hi there...

I found a Welding shop here just yesterday.
I have a 5# tank that I'm wanting to get filled with beermix 70%/30%.

Do you have to have anything special to get your tanks to go 70%/30%?

[Mr. Big]

Nitrogen is a gas, CO2 is a liquid. They have to put in a new draw tube - one with holes throughout, not just the bottom. This way, the gases combine when the tank is opened. You can use your standard regulator with the beer gas mix. Also, for those who are getting their CO2 tanks from behind bars, finding them at rummage sales, etc., be careful. The tanks are often identified by their paint pattern or color that is specific to a company that owns the tanks. Some CO2 places will refuse to fill your tank if they think it belongs to someone else. In fact, they might confiscate it. A little touch-up paint might help the appearance. Note also that aluminum tanks can be painted, but not sand blasted.

[PunkIwishIwere]

I have been told that buying a tank wasn't worth it because they go out of commission and renting is a better deal. Do tanks really go out of commission or do they just need to be tested every so often?

[Bugeater]

I have been told that buying a tank wasn't worth it because they go out of commission and renting is a better deal. Do tanks really go out of commission or do they just need to be tested every so often?

Well, the oldest certification date on my 5# tank is August, 1969 and it's still going strong. You just need them recertified every 5 years or so. I forget the exact length of time at the moment.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[Mr. Big]

Recertification is every 5 years, and should cost anywhere from $6.00 on up to $15.00. Go directly to a CO2 company (in the phone book), as you will get your tank back if you want it. Watch out! Sometimes the guy will try an exchange on you, and lock you into dealing business with them (the identified tanks). Also, they might give you a tank just going out of inspection. Both these things happened to me, and of course i didn't find out I'd been screwed for a year, when the gas ran out. Fortunately, I have hooked up with a good CO2 provider now, and he helped me out.