Paintball CO2 longevity

[killacross]

am I missing something here?

I bought a paintball co2 tank last week (20oz) and the paintball regulator
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/4530/product.web from here...

I thought I had it running at a low rate (green dropchecker and all)...anyway...about a week later, my tank is almost empty (it has a built in viewer and floating ball that lets you see liquid co2 levels)

is something wrong here? because it sounds horribly wrong to me...

...luckily i bought 2

if it comes to it...Ill eventually put this on my 10gal shrimp tank and I may have to start a fund to get a 5# or 10# tank (which I might do anyway..! I was trying to save money!)

anyway...whats the lifespan of a paintball co2 tank? or do I have a leak (which i doubt, co2 tank --> bubble counter --> inline diffusor --> rex grigg diffusor -- no room for leaks)?

[accordztech]

There are usually good deals on ebay for tanks. usually there is a guy selling a 10 pound for 75 shipped and you pay to fill it.

If you think about it, a paintball canister is only maybe 24oz...where a tank is 5 to 20 pounds. Maybe a 5 pound would be just fine.

[over_stocked]

How many BPS are you set at and what regulator? Sure you don't have a leak?

Use a soapy water spray(dish soap) to look for bubbles.

[zeek21]

You might have a leak. I just set up a twenty ounce paintball unit a week ago and have barely noticed the meters showing any co2 usage. For the twenty long it is used on there is not a huge demand for large amounts of co2 so you either have a leak or pushing way too much into your tank.Good luck figuring it out and getting it to work right

[Craigthor]

That regulator is not a true regulator but jsut an on off valve. It is listed as a controller and if you do some reasearch online there have been known issues using this. Search for I think it is Robert Hudson he brought a bunch in and ended up having a ton of problems.

You would be better off buy a true regulator not a controller 2 completely diffferent things.

Craig

[killacross]

so what youre saying is..i STILL need a quality needle valve?

ARGH!!

[Craigthor]

Originally Posted by killacross

so what youre saying is..i STILL need a quality needle valve?

ARGH!!

Yep! Some have made these works but there are more unsuccessful attempts teh successful ones over the last 2 years as that is when these made there first appearance I believe.

[hbosman]

I use 20 OZ paintball canisters on a 46 gallon BF, at about 1.5 bps and get a month before I have to make a canister swap. I would check for leaks with soapy water.

[blue-ram]

I use my 20 oz paint ball at 1.5-2 bps.
lasts 43-47 days

you have a leak my friend

[Dr. Acula]

Ha, I run my 20# tank at about 3 bps, and should have to refill every few years. For just plain convenience, I'd go for a larger tank, a quality regulator, with a solenoid and a timer. Set it and forget it, that's my style.

Of course, that's not always in the budget. My advice is to first check for leaks, then upgrade your controller. Good luck.

[killacross]

YAY! excellent quality control! sooo...the actual body of the controller has a leak...cant exchange it because...they are out of stock...so off to the hardware store I go...

guess Ill need some pipe dope...doubt teflon tape will hold

....bitches

and yea...Im gonna start a tank fund...

Ive seen a regulator, solenoid, bubble counter needle valve combo for right around $100 online and a 10# tank + CO2 will probably be around another $100

...hell while Im at it...might as well save up for my tank too...and a new, clear rex grigg diffusor and filter and substrate...lights...plants and...oh yea...fish

Im hoping a $500 project fund will be enough

random question...do kegerator tanks work with CO2 regulators for aquariums (if theres such a thing)