Co2 Tanks

[Ladyoh]

Next week I am going to go look at some tanks that a guy had listed on Craigslist. He said that they are around 30" and were "up to date, used in good condition". He also said that they had been used in restaurant/bars.

I know nothing about Co2 or the tanks, so can anyone tell me what I should look for/look out for?

Thank you!
Ladyoh

[ajramos76]

co2 tanks are great. I bought 2 old coca cola co2 tanks and just traded them in for a newer one. I also have a 5#, this thing is great for birthday parties, very light to carry and fit anywhere.
If the price is good, get them, even if they look like in a bad shape, and ask to switch them at the filling station. the 20# tanks are usually over $100.
good luck!

[oughtoh]

We have used co2 just for a few minutes at one show last year, but are going to use it most of the time this year. I wondered if you keep turning the air off on when waiting for customers or is it ok to just keep it on? Also if you don't turn it off and on will it hurt a power palette?
I know it has been said before, but how long will a 10lb or 20 lb tank last during a festival?
Ed

[ajramos76]

Originally Posted by oughtoh

We have used co2 just for a few minutes at one show last year, but are going to use it most of the time this year. I wondered if you keep turning the air off on when waiting for customers or is it ok to just keep it on? Also if you don't turn it off and on will it hurt a power palette?
I know it has been said before, but how long will a 10lb or 20 lb tank last during a festival?
Ed

According to Eba the 20# should last 10 hours and 20 hours for the 20#. I haven't done any big fairs but a 20# tank has lasted me 3 real good events and I only pay $1/pound to fill up. You font have to turn the air on and off, just make sure you have no leak. Use soapy water bottle to spray to check for leaks. No idea how it works with the power palette but works wonderful with the zeroG, so I assume it will be just fine.

[oughtoh]

Since I am using a power palette, would I really need to have a regulator since the pp has one.
Ed

[wildirishrose]

you need to check for the dates- often obscure and in code - but your just looking to see if it has been hydro tested in the last 5 years. Call your local welding or co2 refill station and have them on the phone when you look at the tanks. If you tell them the letter/number sequence on the tanks, they can tell you if the hydro test is current. It its close to expiration, buy the tank then have it refilled( which is usually just a replacement tank already filled). if out of date, the refill place will charge you to test it.
I wouldn't pay over 60 per bottle and be sure to get 5, 10 or 20 lb tanks, not those things used for paint ball. the fittings are not the same and it wont have enough power for your set up. Hopefully these will be aluminum, not steel. Steel tanks are HEAVY! Aluminum is only slightly less heavy.

The regulator is needed to get the co2 out of the tank. You will need one even if the PP has one. You can get some decent deals on Ebay, but if your unfamiliar with the fittings, I suggest getting one from Silly Farm. It has everything attached and then all you need is a washer that you will get at the co2 place( they cost about $ 5.00 per package of 8 ) this goes inside the piece you screw to the bottle( like a garden hose washer) and will keep your tank from freezing up.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE using the Co2!!! I DONT like carrying it- anywhere! If your doing small private parties, I like the 5 lb, -fits inside the Fatmax, is not heavy or bulky, and will get through about 2, 2hr parties on avg.

Good LUck!