Kegging and CO2 Tanks

[sipher1966]

I getting ready to go to kegging and was talking with my local homebrew shop. They stated I could buy a CO2 tank but it would be better to rent from a local place which would be an initial cost plus recharges. The shop said that if I owned my own tank I would have to get it inspected every year (for like $25) and if it wasn't inspected they wouldn't refill. With renting, I would return for a refill and just get a different inspected tank. Can anyone confirm or deny? I live in New Jersey if its just a state thing. Thanks for any help.

[The Beast]

As far as I know tanks only need to be tested and certified every five years.

[Lufah]

I've had mine a couple years now and not had it tested.

Travis

[mmayer]

You do not have to have your CO2 tank inspected everyyear. A tank must be re-certified every 5 years, but you can get around that if you have a place that will exchange tanks. I actually had someone give me a 15lb tank for free because it was beyond the cert. date, so all I did was take it down to an AGA station and exchanged it, no questions asked.

[TimmyR]

Recommendations on where to p/u equipment? Are the "kits" at B3, Williams, etc. a fair price and good place to start?

[bub]

The massive brew stores (Northern Brewer, More Beer, Williams, etc.) may not have the BEST prices they are certainly more than reasonable. If you want to eek out every last penny of your brewing budget then try e-bay and restaraunts going out of busines as well as your local soda bottler.
BUB

[TimmyR]

Good deal. I figured the basic homebrew supply stores who sell set-up kits were in the ballpark for value. I'll look local then hit big stores (I think Annapolis Homebrew stocks kegging equipment.)

[TimmyR]

Here's what I am looking at.

http://www.annapolishomebrew.com/shopSKstarter.asp

Dual gauge regulator seems best; what size CO2 tank is good start? I'd like it to fit below keg in fridge on a shelf (saw the desing in BYO or Zymurgy recently)