I have a 72G tank and I am using a 5 pound CO2 tank. To keep my drop checker green I need to run at about 10-12 bps for the 12 hours my light is on. My CO2 tanks seem to be lasting only a month before refilling. I was under the impression I should be getting 3-6 months supply from this size tank

Thanks

Fred

Hi Fred,
A month sounds about right for that size tank. Just get a bigger bottle and it will save you the hassle in the long run. You can also squeeze a bit more service out of a bottle if you shut off the gas a few hours before lights off.

Cheers,

I get about 2 months with a 5 pound bottle on a 45 gallon tank, so I think you are getting about the right amount of time. CO2 isn't expensive, it is just inconvenient to get. That is a good reason to use the biggest bottle that will fit where you put it.

Thanks, at a minimum I'll get another 5 lb and swap them out. As always appreciate the replies and help

Fred

Fred.

I have a 180g and a 10 and 5 lb bottle that I use and switch when one empties.

10 lb lasts about 4-6 weeks (or less) for me to keep at 30 ppm c02...... I wait till both are dry and fill at the same time.... as it is inconvenient as Vaughn mentioned.

FYI - I bought the 10lb pre-filled USED from the fire extinguisher place that does my refills for about $55. Much less expensive than new, but uglier/older.

I would use a 20 lb, but does not fit under the tank

I am going to buy another 10 lb next refill, and use the 5 lb for a smaller project, and swap between the two 10 pounders....

Good luck. Hope this helps.

Does a C02 tank have to be placed vertical? Mine is, just wondering.

Yes, it will not work properly on its side.

Fred

I live in Alabama, so I'm not sure if you guys have this place where you live, there is a Place called Airgas. Its a medical/welding supply place. They refill my 10lb tank for only $22.50. $55 dollars sounds kinda high for a refill.

I have a 120 Gallon and I'm running my tanks at around 10 bps. I have one of those powerhead reactors. Does that sound about right? My 4KH drop checker says so, but I'm always skeptical.

I think he was referring to the bottle and the gas together that he bought for $55. But you peaked my curiousity. How much do you guys all pay for your refills? I want to go with pressurized CO2 but I don't want to pay $22 a month. I use excel now and only pay about $22 every 3 months and thats doubling the dosage.

You should be able to find a filled tank in the $60 range. Check with local welding shops, soda distributors, fire extinguisher maintence houses, and any place that sells beer by the keg. Many places charge the same to fill the tank regardless of size, so it all depends on how big of a co2 tank you can keep. Measure your stand and just ask these places for the biggest tank that will fit, but remember to leave room for the regulator. You'll need about 5lbs a month for your 75gallon tank. A good reactor and turning off the gas a night might make a 5lbs tank last 5-6 weeks.

$7 a month for excel is pretty good. At that price the ROI of going co2 might be a long time.