CO2 Tanks - Swap or Refill?

[BlackDuck]

So how many of you refill your CO2 tanks, or do you have to swap them out? I ordered a nice new shiny aluminum tank with my setup. And it looks like I have to swap them out. The closest place to me will not refill. I'm checking on one more place today. Then I'll ask the guys at the LHBS if they know of any place local that will refill them.

Hopefully I didn't waste the money on a new shiny one that I won't get to look at ever again!!!

[gwcr]

I exchange mine at Airgas. That's where I purchased my first one, and just picked up a 2nd. As quick and easy as doing a propane tank exchange. Now if I would have purchased a brand new shiny one like you did, I would be searching for places to refill it too. Most fire extinguisher places will re-fill them if you haven't checked them out already. Good luck in your search!

[BlackDuck]

Most fire extinguisher places will re-fill them if you haven't checked them out already.

Glen....you are the man. I never would have thought to check a fire safety service place.

And I just hung up the phone with one right in town where I work and he said they can refill them. I owe you a beer!!!

[gwcr]

Excellent! Glad I could help. I might have to take the rest of the day off now. That effort wiped me out...

[Beer-lord]

Some people look for 'food grade CO2' but in my looking around years ago, I found that almost all the refilling places are fine. Even paintball and welding shops though you want to be sure they are a clean place. The difference between the food grade and industrial CO2 is indistinguishable to human taste buds. But I have read where people have gotten stale CO2 and figured out why their beer sucked. I think there was even a discussion about it on this forum a while back. I use to think there was a difference but after obsessing about it, found out there was not.

Out of curiosity Chris, did you get a price for a refill? I luck out at $10 for my 5 gallon and $15 for my 10 gallon and have never swapped tanks as mine are all new.

[BlackDuck]

I did not get a price for the refill....I'll let you know when I get it filled later this week. I'm planning on giving both kegs a thorough cleaning this weekend.

[brewnewb]

The closest place to me will not refill.

I had the same deal at my welding shop. They told me it was due to it being a Chinese manufactured bottle. I swaped it for a full one at Airgas without issue.

Now I take my "Airgas" bottle to the local welding and have it refilled. Ironically, Airgas supplies their large holding tanks. LOL

I found that it is cheaper to refill vs swap by a few bucks per bottle.

[Inkleg]

I've got both options available to me. If the tank is past it recertification date I swap, other than that I refill. Just found out that my refill store can do any percentage gas blend you want.
Can you say Nitro tap for Stouts.

[Beer-lord]

Jeff, don't you need a different tap AND manifold for Nitro? I've not even looked into it as I wouldn't like it use it often but it would be cool to have that every now and then.

[BlackDuck]

I bet Ron could lead in the right direction for the Nitro!!! He probably has one on a dedicated tap!!!

[Inkleg]

I have three 5lb co2 tanks and a spare regulator. Plan to use one of those, so that's a start. I'd have to get a Stout tap.

[Beer-lord]

I've got 2-5's and 1-10 so you do all the leg work and after you get it up and running, let me know and I'll sit back and enjoy.
Seriously, I'd love to know how this works out. I'm not sure what else would be needed nor where I could get a nitro fill locally but I can ask the LHBS.

[Inkleg]

I have two 20 pound tanks too. What can I say, I'm a Craigslist whor*.
My plan is to find a mini fridge or kegerator and set it up with a tower and a stout tap (or two). I mean, if I'm gonna have Big Fuzzy RIS on Nitro I might as well have Sue Smoked Porter on it too. When I do this I'll start a thread so we can all learn.

[Kealia]

I have 2 5lb tanks and one is a shiny new aluminum tank that I refill because I like it being new and sjiny. The second came with my kegerator and is SS so I swap that one.

And a nitro tap is such a waste....who drinks DARK beer anyway?!?!

Actually, a lot places out here are stsrting to serve IPAs on nitro, too. Sometjing to think about, Paul.

[Beer-lord]

I have 2 5lb tanks and one is a shiny new aluminum tank that I refill because I like it being new and sjiny. The second came with my kegerator and is SS so I swap that one.

And a nitro tap is such a waste....who drinks DARK beer anyway?!?!

Actually, a lot places out here are stsrting to serve IPAs on nitro, too. Something to think about, Paul.

Oh yeah baby!