WTB: 5# or 10# CO2 Tank

[robsweet]

Anybody got one in decent shape that they'd like to get rid of?

Thanks!

[ckreef]

The usual method is to buy it from the place where you will be getting refills (welding supply). You purchase the bottle $70 - $110 depending on where you go and what size. It comes with the original fill. After that they do a swap out program for approx $10 per fill which includes the Hazmatt charge.

I have a 5# bottle. In 5 months of continues operation I still can't tell that any has been used.

Charles

[Rick O]

I can tell you that Pye Barker is getting more and more expensive every time I go there. I don't think they have a set price they just pick a figure out of the air for refills. I would consider the swap out option if it's cheaper. A new aluminum 5# cylinder is about $75 from Premium Aquatics.

Marine Fish has had some used cylinders in the past. Give them a shout.

[robsweet]

I found what looks to be a fairly reputable seller on Ebay who's got 'em for $59 + 11 shipping for empty 5# aluminum tanks. Sounds like it may end up cheaper to just buy it locally already filled.

[ckreef]

Another thing to consider --- If you buy a cylinder outright (not under a swap out program) then it will need to be hydrostatically pressure tested every 5 years (I think it's 5) similar to a scuba tank. Only cost around $30 but does put you out of commision for a couple of weeks.

[robsweet]

Didn't know that. Thanks for the tip.

[ckreef]

I wasn't sure about this either so I went and checked my tank. Sure enough there is the dates stamped into the metal just like scuba cylinders. This all makes sense --- it's just another type of high pressure cylinder.

And if you bought one used and it only had one year left on the date then this would become an issue fairly soon.

[MyReef]

Originally posted by Rick O
I can tell you that Pye Barker is getting more and more expensive every time I go there. I don't think they have a set price they just pick a figure out of the air for refills. I would consider the swap out option if it's cheaper. A new aluminum 5# cylinder is about $75 from Premium Aquatics.

Marine Fish has had some used cylinders in the past. Give them a shout.

I agree with Pye Barker....The last time I went (3 months ago) it was $10....Billy went yesterday and it was $15...same size bottle to refill.

You can check www.morebeer.com for bottles too....they have free shipping for purchases over $50.....

[robsweet]

For what it's worth, I found 5# tanks for $65 at Holox on Indian Trail with a refill costing $12-15. Interestingly, the Holox branch downtown quoted $85 and $15 so either they're independant franchises with their own pricing or one of the two shops isn't following the corporate pricing policy.

Note, the $65 tank is used, not new and the guy on the phone made it sound like they always had tanks on hand.

As both Pye Barker and Holox say they'll refill a tank that I own, I'll probably spend an extra $5 and order a new aluminum tank online ($70 shipped from Beverage Factory's EBay store) and get it refilled when I need to.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Rob.