C02 Tanks Questions for the South Bay and maybe Sac

[clsi]

First of all can anybody give me a rough idea of how big(dimensions) these tanks are? I'd rather go for 20lbs + so I don't have to make as many trips but if its too big then i'll pass for smaller tanks.

Since i'm new to this hobby, do most of you when refilling just leave your tank without c02? Is it expected to have backup tank? Also how do you know when the tank needs to be refilled? Also for the suggested 20-30ppm how long do tanks last per pound? So 5lb tanks refill every...10 lb tanks refill every, etc etc. I know these are silly questions but I have seriously no clue.

I live in Sunnyvale and I need to get a tank which is a huge start cost. So aside from the list below any other places worth considering? I'm also a former student at Davis and still visit my friends there so Sac maybe that area is an option as well. Anyway bottom line question is, where in the south bay or Sac town is the place I can get the cheapest 20 lb tank(again assuming its not too humongous)?


Bharada did the great research here (1/23/06 so prices may have changed):
Carbonic Service
1920 De La Cruz Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 727-8835

20# filled: $124.50, refill is $16.50

Arc Gas
140 S Mongomery
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 287-2896

20lb refill = $22

Praxair Inc
1785 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 437-1010

20# filled: $145, refill = $20

Alliance Welding Supplies
501 Auzerais Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 271-3800

20# Filled: $134.40, refill is $21.50

[fordtrannyman]

Originally Posted by clsi

First of all can anybody give me a rough idea of how big(dimensions) these tanks are?

Originally Posted by clsi

Since i'm new to this hobby, do most of you when refilling just leave your tank without c02?

Yes.

Originally Posted by clsi

Is it expected to have backup tank?

If you want.

Originally Posted by clsi

Also how do you know when the tank needs to be refilled?

Left hand gauge reading will start falling.

Originally Posted by clsi

Also for the suggested 20-30ppm how long do tanks last per pound? So 5lb tanks refill every...10 lb tanks refill every, etc etc. I know these are silly questions but I have seriously no clue.

I dunno.... I've seen posts that say about 6months with a 5lb on a 75gal.

Originally Posted by clsi

I live in Sunnyvale and I need to get a tank which is a huge start cost. So aside from the list below any other places worth considering? I'm also a former student at Davis and still visit my friends there so Sac maybe that area is an option as well. Anyway bottom line question is, where in the south bay or Sac town is the place I can get the cheapest 20 lb tank(again assuming its not too humongous)?

Here is the cheapest place to get a Co2 tank in the US.

Originally Posted by clsi

Bharada did the great research here (1/23/06 so prices may have changed):
Carbonic Service
1920 De La Cruz Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 727-8835

20# filled: $124.50, refill is $16.50

Arc Gas
140 S Mongomery
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 287-2896

20lb refill = $22

Praxair Inc
1785 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 437-1010

20# filled: $145, refill = $20

Alliance Welding Supplies
501 Auzerais Avenue
San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 271-3800

20# Filled: $134.40, refill is $21.50

It's also suspected that beverage supply places have a higher quality Co2.

[eyebeatbadgers]

Originally Posted by fordtrannyman

Here is the cheapest place to get a Co2 tank in the US.

Converting a fire extinguisher is another low cost alternative to buying a new tank, cheaper than the link you provided, and a local welding shop near me had prices very similar to what that link shows.

[stagius]

best way is to call and ask them. I am also planning to switch to pressurized CO2. Where you get the regulator btw ?

[MARIMOBALL]

I have a converted fire extinguisher its red but it the same aluminum 5lbs cylinder works perfect. $30 for a used filled 5lbs cylinder you can remove the paint and i will look just like the beverage cylinders I have one powder coated in charcoal color. It has lasted over six months on my 120gal refills are $5-$10. Don't get an extra one you don't need it most places do exchange but I don't advise it because some times the will give you a cylinder with a certified stamp that will expire sooner. Just wait about two days to refill "your" cylinder. Plants will not be affected from a couple of days with no CO2.